With the Quality ammo available today the 9mm Luger will work just fine!Glock,Sig,Ruger,Taurus are a few good ones you should check out.The great .357mag in a 6-Shot revovler 4" or 6" with your little handgun experience would be easier to handle,Also a quality 1911 .45acp is allways a great choice.Basically whatever shoots and feels good to you.Maybe buy one for you and your wife AND your daughter!!!!!!Viva Tejas