Bigbulls, you were right on about the Glock and smaller hands. Also, the H&K P2000 V3 9mm was very nice.

If I am not mistaken ,They make a "slim line " Glock. I believe I saw one in my Shooters Bible.

First and foremost... Find a gun that fits you well...

IF you plan to conceal carry you'll want a smaller firearm... If not... full size frames are easier to shoot all around.

My carry firearms are an S&W J frame ladysmith... all stainless, chambered for 357 mag. You won't enjoy shooting this thing too much.... For carry and sitting in the headboard it is fine... for every day use at the range.. even with 38's it isn't the most friendly thing in the world... The airweights and and airlites are 10X worse... My other carry gun is an S&W M&P 40c. I absolutely love this thing.... Unfortunately the 45c had not been released when I bought it... Otherwise I may have gone that route.

Lot of good small frame compacts, subcompacts and revolvers on the market these days from a lot of different manufacturers. Just get out there and handle a few, ask questions of both retailers and those who own and shoot them. Everyone has a favorite brand or model that they'll hype... But remember it may not be the firearm for you.

First, get a .22 revolver to learn how to shoot. Ammo is cheaper and you won't develop as many bad habits. After you learn how to shoot, decide what you want to upgrade to.

If you want a new gun I'd look at the Ruger SR9. If you really wanted to conceal it but not much else I'd say the LCP however if you want to do everything I'd look at the SR9.

If you want a used one check out the Ruger P89, P95 if you want a 9mm and P90 if you want a .45.

Those seem to be all nice guns. Not quite as accurate as some others but a good price and great reliability with decent accuracy.

If you end up deciding on S&W, be sure to download the coupon. Good 10/01/08 - 12/31/08.

http://www.smith-wesson.com/wcsstore/SmWesson/upload/other/SW_HH08_coupon.pdf

im gonna get killed on here for this one, but...
..stay away from the glocks. very bulky, heavy, etc. i'd recommend a S&W M&P, in .40S&W or .357Sig. comes in compact or regular frame, adequate price. VERY ACCURATE!!! ask law enforcement...

oooh, firefighter just reminded me. he's right, S&W is running rebates. 2 free mags or $50. i took the mags, they do take a few months to get, but better deal.