I was in the same boat as you when I started. I ended up purchasing a Kahr CW9. Another Kahr option is the CM9 which is a bit smaller. No safety, heavy trigger pull, comfortable in my hand, good sights, single stack, not extremely heavy. It was my first handgun and I wanted something I could comfortably shoot a few hundred rounds through for range trips. If your main purpose for getting it is to carry, get a gun that feels comfortable while carrying it. Always ask yourself what's the purpose of this before you buy it.