Where in Washington? There are, as some have pointed out, many factors that may determine "the best". Some that I recommend for ownership that haven't been mentioned yet are: fit and feel. Does it fit in your hands? Can you operate the functions properly without adjusting your grip significantly? Have you had the opportunity to feel those that fit well under firing conditions? How did the recoil impulse feel compared to others you may have tried? Have you fired many at all? Have you handled many at all? THere are ranges in Washington that allow you to rent and "test drive" guns to help you decide which one(s) you may eventually want to buy. I do NOT recommend any manufacturers marketing hype. Let your hands help you decide what fits and feels best....those are the ones you will more naturally shoot better without having to "train into" it. Grip to slide angle for instance. Glocks are popular, but they are not comfortable for me as that angle is too acute. My hands prefer the angle and girth of SiGs and so that is what I own. Not knocking Glock or HK or S&W or any other manufacturers, but SiG is what works best for me. Also in calibers, I have not been personally impressed with .40S&W. It is harder to find and more expensive than 9mm or even .357SIG, IMO. Reloading wise, I can use some of the same materials to reload both (147gr JHP's).
If you haven't, I would suggest you go to Cabelas or somewhere similar to get your hands of a variety of guns. Some are heavier, some have smaller grip girth, some are longer than you thought they were and so on. If/when you have an opportunity, shoot some of them and do your own "test drive" analysis. Then determine your budget restraints and either save up for the one you want or keep a look out for a good deal on that make and model at a gun show or via some reputable online vendors. Deals can be had.