Well you really need to try your hand before you buy. 9mm, 40SW, 45ACP, 38SPL, 380 etc etc, both revolver and semi, full size, compact, etc. What's your price range? That all being said, I could meet you at Kokohead, bring my Ruger SR9C, S&W SD9VE, Kimber Ultra Compact 45, Full size Kimber 45 and my SP101 38/357mag. Of course, would need assistance cleaning the ones you shoot

One suggestion though would be to get a nice 22LR pistol, either semi or revolver and learn on that, then move into the higher displacements. A 22, in close quarters, will terminate any perp IF you are well versed with it. Stinger high velocity, hollow points will do the job while you are waiting for the larger bore. What you also have to consider is if you miss, you don't want it to penetrate your neighbors home. There is ammo that is designed just for that but the brand(s) escape me now.
Remember dead men don't talk, wounded ones do.
Let me know. Glad to help (of course you gotta but the ammo

)
r
Gil