Since I already wrote about Selecting a belt holster I figure I should step in with both feet and tell you what to put into it as well.

Everybody has their opinions about what is a good gun for first timers, and these are frequently biased by what they own. I am sure there will be some disagreement with my advice.

If you are a normal size human being then get a Glock model 19. The glock 19 is a simple handgun to maintain and very accurate and reliable. It accepts high capacity magazines, and is well supported by holster makers. It is small enough to conceal, but large enough to be a primary firearm.

This is not to say that there are not other good models of handguns, in different calibers or configurations but the Glock has a number of things going for it.

Simplicity. The Glock does not have de-cockers, thumb safeties, grip safeties, loaded chamber indicators, or an other extraneous controls. This matters because there are enough skills for new shooters to master without having to deal with extra controls. This is difference between learning to drive a car with an automatic transmission and a manual. So long as you follow The Universal Firearms Handling Rules the Glock is plenty safe.

Reliability. The Glock will pretty much work right out of the box. It is already 'de-horned' and doesn't require an additional or upgraded parts (except for night sights.) Glock pistols feed most ammunition without a problem, though you should certainly test your specific mix of ammunition and pistol.

Cost. Glocks aren't particularly expensive (around $400 as of this writing) and used pistols can be had for much less. Used is certainly an option, since the pistols are reliable enough to last for more rounds than most people will ever shoot. A complete replacement of all the internal springs and parts is typically less than $100.

Accessories. Finding quality holsters, flashlights, and night sights is trivial, as all major manufacturers support the Glock-19. One of the best accessories you can buy for the Glock-19 is an Advantage Arms .22LR Conversion Kit. This will allow you to practice some skills by shooting .22LR instead of the more expensive 9mm. I like my kit so much that I want to get a another Glock 19 frame to dedicate to it.

I have not been talked into a Glock in any other caliber than 9mm. The original Glocks were designed around the cartridge, and they remain the most reliable. I don't believe most of the junk science surrounding stopping power, and I am perfectly satisfied that 9mm is just as good as any other caliber for self-defense purposes.

New people frequently spend a lot of time arguing how they are a special case to justify their firearm choice. If you have really small hands then I would suggest looking at Kahr Arms, if you have huge paws then look at getting a full size Glock-17.

I am not a fan of the sub-compact pistols. Concealing the length of the barrel is easy, concealing the length of the grip is hard. The grip length on a Glock 19 is 5", versus the sub-compact Glock-26 is only 4.17" - not enough difference to matter. Most of the people I see with sub compacts have extended base plates, so this is even more of a moot point.