The military will only train you on the 9mm Baretta. If there is a gun store/range near you that rents handguns, you can try several side by side. You will find that some have safetys and some do not, There are de-****er models and other features that you should look at and consider.
The most important thing is fit and feel. Only trying will reveal what feels right.
As to caliber. I prefer a .40 or .45. They have more stopping power as the police and military are finally admitting. Both are slowly moving away from the 9mm (and .223) as the SOG proves to them that these rounds do not have the penetration or stopping power needed. The are finally correcting a 50 year old mistake.
Do not be in a hurry. Be an informed buyer.
Last edited by Big Bullets; 03-16-2011 at 08:38 AM.
Reason: misspelling