I have a rather interesting selection at hand ranging from a Kel-Tec 380 to a Taurus PT1911. An important consideration is what you will use it for- If it's concealed carry, you need something smaller, but if you're doing open carry than a big gun is just fine. If you spend a lot of time at the range, you need to find a gun that fits your hand and also won't cost a fortune to feed. Reloading is a great thing, and an easy way to save a ton of money as well as appreciate your gun more.
A lot of people go after the lightweight polymer frame guns, but those can be a pain to shoot, literally. The light weight doesn't absorb the energy of the recoil very well. My wife's Kel-Tec is difficult for me to shoot since it's so small and I have big hands. My Hi Point 380 is about the smallest I can easily shoot, and it is still easily concealable.
Make sure you get at least a decent fire safe to keep your handgun/s and ammo in.