CALIBER: 9mm
(or .380 IF you end up liking it better after shooting the caliber. This is basically a compact 9mm without as much powder. Can be better for smaller guns and newer shooters. Worth a look if you get to test some guns before committing and think you’d enjoy it more. No sense in punishing yourself right out of the gate. Find a gun shop with a range on site, and helpful staff, for a chance at testing both and shooting before buying.)
Go get these below models in hand and see what feels comfortable and lets you get a tight, comfortable, confident grip.
** Springfield Hellcat Pro **
My pick, all things considered…
I absolutely love the Springfield Hellcat Pro.
18 round capacity, doesn’t feel big, very user friendly and reliable. Comfortable to shoot.
https://www.springfield-armory.com/hellcat-series-handguns/hellcat-pro-handguns/
** Sig Sauer P365 **
I love this gun.
11 round capacity, very small frame without feeling small at the grip. Various sizes (like X, XMacro, etc) available if they’re more comfortable in hand.
https://www.sigsauer.com/p365-optic-ready.html
(Just happened to see the Rose versions of these that they came out with recently while gathering this link… those are fun.)
** Glock 19 or 43x **
Glock has a very longstanding reputation of simplicity, reliability and quality. Feel these out in hand compared to the others. Can’t go wrong here if you end up liking them.
https://us.glock.com/en/pistols/g19
https://us.glock.com/en/pistols/g43x-us
OPTIC?: As for the site, see if you like the idea of a red dot optic on the pistol. I like this for home. They make them small for these, also so that they awaken when moved (shake-awake) so they’re basically always ready, without a dead battery, and no need to mess with turning it on in an emergency. For this I really like the Holosun EPS Carry (shown on the Hellcat Pro). Even has solar power complement to long-life battery.
IMPORTANT: Let someone knowledgeable teach you how and when to shoot it. At the range, put a few hundred rounds through the gun. Maybe 50 to 100 per visit across 6 visits over a few weeks. This will help you create some muscle memory and comfort with firing the weapon.
