I'm a fan of Ruger hand guns myself but really it seems to be a personal preference. What caliber are you looking for? Check out the SR9 if you are looking at Rugers. I really like it and to me is one of the better feeling handguns I've held.

Ruger handguns always seem to be very reliable although not the most accurate. Accurate enough to hit soda cans at 20-25 yards or so but not much moreso than that. That's my experience with them anyway.