You really don't want a light weight pistol as your first handgun because the extra weight of a heavier weapon will help absorb recoil when you fire. If you can, pick up something like a used Gen 3 Glock 19. It will probably be the best handgun that you can buy for the money right now.
If you are looking for a home defense gun, consider a decent AR. I prefer an 10. 3" barrel, which would be a pistol at that length, for home protection, but 11.5" or longer provides better ballistic performance. Absolutely do not go shorter than 10". You may as well be shooting a spicy 22 long rifle at that point. The reason I'd chose an AR for home defense is that the 5.56/.223 round has less barrier overpenetration than a 9mm or 00 buckshot round.
Whatever you choose, don't just buy it and put it in a safe. Take yourself to a range and practice. Save up some money and take a few classes.
You really don't want a light weight pistol as your first handgun because the extra weight of a heavier weapon will help absorb recoil when you fire. If you can, pick up something like a used Gen 3 Glock 19. It will probably be the best handgun that you can buy for the money right now.
If you are looking for a home defense gun, consider a decent AR. I prefer an 10. 3" barrel, which would be a pistol at that length, for home protection, but 11.5" or longer provides better ballistic performance. Absolutely do not go shorter than 10". You may as well be shooting a spicy 22 long rifle at that point. The reason I'd chose an AR for home defense is that the 5.56/.223 round has less barrier overpenetration than a 9mm or 00 buckshot round.
Whatever you choose, don't just buy it and put it in a safe. Take yourself to a range and practice. Save up some money and take a few classes.
God bless.