re: OT - Handgun recommendations?

There are so many quality pistols between 400-600 it's all about fitting your hand. I'd stay 9mm so you can practice a lot, no reason to have it if you suck with it. Look at M&P, Glock, XDm, FN FNS, HK VP, or CZ P07 on the polymer guns. If you prefer all metal it'll be slightly higher prices but Sig 226, Beretta M9, and CZ 75 are all fine weapons.

If you have a range near you that rents guns rent your top 2 or 3 choices before buying just to check overall fit when firing.