Hello, since you are looking to spend $500 or less I guess the kimber, Wilson, H&k, Sig, and most Glocks are out of the question. I was where you are 7 years ago, on a budget wanting a pistol. My first pistol was a S&W Sigma 40 cal 2 tone. This gun is a defensive gun Period. My trigger pull is 8lbs but the newer ones have a more user friendly trigger pull plus a sight rail. This pistol is a light weight and a nice size to carry if you ever need to. I have fired over 3500 rounds through it.

Recently while field stripping it I did not have the slide on correctley and broke the striker assembly(I was in a hurry to clean it and I should have slowed down). I called S&W and sent it FedEX for repair on thursday and got it back the next tuesday(5 days). They cleaned the whole gun(areas that you cant get to) and even test fired it. I did not pay for shipping, parts or the repair. When they say lifetime warrenty they mean it.

I also have a EAA witness full size 45 acp ported. This is a CZ clone is a actualy under priced for the quality you get( they are made in Italy by Tanfoglio). I have fired over 2000 rounds through this one and no problems, still looks new. These guns have a nice feel, Target type trigger, and are very accurate.

My dad and brother have rugers(89, 93DC) and both guns are nice. A friend of mine has a Taurus and loves it. The nice thing about older Taurus guns is that its actualy a Beretta(Taurus bought the old Beretta factory and tooling). Stay away from cheap, junk, throw away guns like High point. My old boss bought one for $130, fired 60 rounds in it and it broke. I would go to the store and see what feels right in your hand. Caliber wise I would buy a 40 S&W or 9mm as the ammo is cheap. I personaly would stay away from calibers like 357 sig or 45 GAP. There is nothing wrong with them its just not as cheap to shoot.

Have fun shopping
Jay