Talk to your buddies & shoot as many of their guns as you can / when you narrow it down a little - get to a range to rent as many as you can. Keep notes on each gun...how did it feel, how did trigger break, how did it reset, sights, weight, width, etc...pretty soon, you will realize they are not all the same.
Focus on what fits your hands the best...what controls and features you like...and what you shoot the best is what you should carry.
Stay with 9mm ...don't get all tangled up in caliber pros and cons..../ ammo is cheaper & you will hopefully practice more. If you decide on a revolver go with a .357 mag & shoot .38's in it if you want.
Don't exclude revolvers or full sized guns....a good holster and belt make carrying full sized guns pretty easy ( I carry a 5" all stainless 19 11 in 9mm )....and I will occasionally carry a 2" or 4" S&W K or N frame revolver in .357 mag..../ but you have to figure out what suits you...
Focus on what fits your hands the best...what controls and features you like...and what you shoot the best is what you should carry.
Stay with 9mm ...don't get all tangled up in caliber pros and cons..../ ammo is cheaper & you will hopefully practice more. If you decide on a revolver go with a .357 mag & shoot .38's in it if you want.
Don't exclude revolvers or full sized guns....a good holster and belt make carrying full sized guns pretty easy ( I carry a 5" all stainless 19 11 in 9mm )....and I will occasionally carry a 2" or 4" S&W K or N frame revolver in .357 mag..../ but you have to figure out what suits you...