[}{arlequin]

I've decided to learn how to fire a weapon. Now I'm looking at different types of handguns. I've heard of all the great guns out there, and have seen the "glamorous" looking ones on film. What's the reality of it?

I know I am not looking for a revolver. Not yet. I know that most beginners are told to start w/ simpler guns, such as revolvers. I'm interested in an automatic.

I don't have super huge hands so I'm not looking for a really wide grip. I guess that rules out some of the high capacity clips/guns, right? Does the caliber play a big role in the gun's size? I am probably going to go w/ a 9mm due to low cost of the bullets. It may not be the most powerful but it's fairly universal and I am using it to learn to aim etc.

I've been given several suggestions:
Beretta (Cheetah model, due to its size, not quite full frame)
Sig 228
1911

I know that Glocks are user friendly but I'd like to stick to the "traditional" gun design to better acquaint myself with them. From all the 1911s out there, how do you decide which one? For cost reasons I'd like to keep out of the lineup all the "special" models that have been massaged by a gunsmith etc.

Do same models of guns have different sights? Fixed vs. adjustable? What's the benefit? Tritium finish? Any suggestions welcome.