Before you buy a handgun, you should find out what you can handle, first.

Find a gun shop with a range, and attend a training class. They'll let you handle and fire a whole range of stuff, while teaching you the proper way to use it.

A hand cannon will likely just get you killed. Reality isn't like the movies.

I prefer something small and light, myself, easily concealable with a fast reload capability. Just keep in mind that the smaller the weapon, the less accurate it is going to be.