Ok, I really mean no offense by this, but the way you worded your post, I'm kind of wondering if you don't mean you want a 9mm Luger, not Ruger...simple mistake.

That said, I completely disagree with the statements above about ruger autoloading centerfire pistols not being very accurate target pistols, I had two 1911type pistols (what the military has used for almost 100yrs), one a Colt 1911A1 and one a Ballister-Molina-I sold both of them because my new Ruger P-97 out shoots both of them. Short of getting a competition target pistol, I'll probably never own another pistol than a ruger. I'm a .45acp shooter, but I've owned and shot many 9mm's, my lil'lady shoots them and loves them-they're a great women's gun.

For a beginner, a 9mm is fine, not everyone wants to start out with a .22lr, it's a good idea for some, but there's no reason to really, the 9mm is a good starting point as well...most people just like to start with a .22lr because ammo is cheap so they can shoot/practice a lot more for the same dime, i.e. 550rounds of .22lr from walmart is $10, 50rnds of 9mm from walmart is $10-15. If you change your mind to a .22lr, get a Ruger Mark II, they ARE target pistols, especially if you get the Gov't target model or the 10" bull barrel!!!

If you stick with the 9mm, I highly recommend the Ruger P-95 for you, I'd get it in the stainless slide and Manual safety model, the kP-95, the composite grip frame makes it lighter, but more top heavy and balanced towards the muzzle (especially if you only load one round at a time-the magazine is heavy loaded)-this really helps to lessen the recoil of the shots, which the 9mm is a ***** cat anyway, but this would help, stainless guns are just easier on maintenance and a manual safety is a must for a beginner.

You might try to find some 9mm's in your neck of the woods that you could try shooting before you buy one, maybe check with your local police, they might issue them or if their officers buy their own-either for duty or pleasure, you could probably try one on if you ask politely.