Go to a range and rent a pistol. I did and found I cannot tolerate giant calibers in itty bitty handguns. Also, this ain't 1975 anymore. The 9 mm ammo available today is stout stuff and commonly used for defense. Last; but, not least. for practice a glock or XD will shoot cheap CCI, 9MM practice loads all day. Spend your money and practice some on your defense loads. I also recommend joining the IDPA, their competitions will make you proficient. This objective advice from the guy with a Glock 36 and a Smith Airweight.