Hi dodger02,
Semi-auto' s are great weapons. There is some sage advice here posted by others, But I wanted you to have my 2 cents.
Almost everything designed by John M. Browning is terrific![:-], Hi-Power, 1911A1 et al.
Having worked in a gun shop for years, owning, shooting and handling just about everything out there...I would suggest a Ruger P-97 in .45acp. This weapon has passed the " military" 10 thousand round torture test. It is made of polymer and stainless steel. It will digest any ammo from hand loads to military surplus. The .45 is a true man-stopper! Designed experssly for that puprose.
On the subjest of recoil...it' s my opinion that the .45 is actually easier to shoot accurately because the recoil is not as " sharp" but more of a " push" I think the 9mm and the .40 S&W both retain this snappy, sharp recoil. Yes the bullet is bigger and heavier in the .45, but it is moving much slower.
If not the P-97, then maybe a decent 1911A1. You can always get a .22 cal replacement slide to swap out so you can shoot .22' s.
You really DO want the Ferrari...remember, you anly need to buy quality ONCE![:-]