I don't know where you live but many bigger gun stores have indoor shooting ranges and you can try some of the guns on their range. Try to find one of them and shoot a few of the guns that feel good in your hand. Don't overlook the small revolvers as they are much easier for SOME PEOPLE to shoot. A small frame 38 special or 357 Mag is cheap to shoot and good protection. They are simple to use and very dependable. I have seen autos malfunction at about 20 times the rate of revolvers. I shoot both but when it comes to betting my life, I go back to the 4 inch Smith and Wesson or Taurus K frame size revolver. I will carry an auto but not before I run at least 500 rounds through it without a malfunction.