1. Read on-line reviews of the guns in which you are interested, seeing who likes what in terms of reliability.
2. Go to a range or store where you can rent time on as many different pistols as possible. Try them all. Find the most comfortable ones, and buy from among those.

Thanks a lot. I will do my research and try an find a range around me that allows. Thanks for the reply

I've got a Gen 4 Glock 22 that has been nothing but a joy to own. The 9 mm Lone Wolf conversion barrel works flawlessly and the Tactical Solutions 22LR conversion does too. I've shot it in 40 S&W configuration and it's reliable and competitive in Production Class. No problems even with reloads. I carry it regularly now.

So your saying a 40 cal s&w is a good choice? What model though? There are so many different ones

Sorry, but I have to put in a plug for the Beretta Model 96. They are large, but they are made for winning the fight. If I were going for the Glock, I would have to go for the G23. Its chambered for the round you want, and is in more of a compact size range for concealing ease. Don't rule out the Smith and Wesson Model SW40VE Sigma either. Lots of people slam them, but they are worth their price tag in spades. Kahr makes some nice stuff in .40 S&W as well. There are so many choices out there that it boggles the mind, but that is part of the fun of buying that first handgun. Good luck on your search.

Thanks a lot berettatoter that was a lot of help. It's time to do some research

i have had a tz75 series 88 and a taurus pt100d .... both in .40cal .... both alloy frame (old school not polypistols) and i like the tz better only because of the ergos but either of them are a good gun in that caliber