Asking what is the "best" handgun is kinda like asking how high is up. Going against the rest of the opinons here, but if you don't have much handgun experience consider starting with a decent revolver of autopistol in .22 LR. Ammo is cheap, so you can expend enough to become a decent shot. Ruger's autopistol would be a good starting place.
Walking before running is always a good idea.