First thing I would do is shoot a couple of different caliber guns. 9mm, .40, .45 and see what feels best to you. I personally recommend a 9mm or a .40. They will get the job done, a .45 just makes things messy, heh.

I use a SW99 as my carry and it's beginning to feel a little bulky for my liking. Easy to conceal under an untucked polo, holds 16+1rds, accurate and never had a jam.

As far as good gun ranges, they're all pretty much the same.

As previously stated, H&Ks are a little on the expensive side but they're great guns. You will tell the difference when holding it, the weight of it, etc. I also like Sig Sauer pistols. They're a little heavy for me but reliable and accurate. The Sig P250 is very nice carry.

I've heard the new Glock 45 is a nice gun. Haven't had a chance to shoot it. Springfields are also pretty nice.

I've got 4 boxes of ammo I just found in a closet and I wanna go shooting again. I've just been busy. Let me know if you want to go shooting sometime.