My 92FS is solid and reliable. 9mm ammo is a good cost balance from the .45 if you intend to put a lot of rounds through it to practice, practice, practice to gain accuracy which to me is much more important than "knock down" power. I'd rather fire an arrow than throw a hammer.

Go to the gun show and hold a bunch of different ones in your hand to see which feels natural. You're not going to want to shoot one that doesn't feel safe.

First handgun should arguably be a full frame to take to the range, second could be a smaller for carry conceal, but you want to get some practice at the range. Full frame will have much less recoil on average than a sub compact and better mannerisms. Perfect for learning. Your driver's ed car wasn't stick shift!

At gun shows, also check out safes like the Cannon Safe, about $80 with a 5 button combo. Note that ammo and weapon need to be locked and stored separately in your vehicle out of reach (like gun in the trunk, ammo in glove compartment) unless you have a carry conceal permit. State Police and NRA usually give out free gun locks at the shows up at the front desk. I use one on my rifle, handgun is kept in the safe.