[Teutonics]

What's the purpose for owning? Target practice, home defense, concealed carry, etc? Or some combination thereof? My recommendation would be to decide how you intend to use it, and then let that decide the model/type.

For a beginner, I would say no larger than a 9mm (work your way up if you want), longer barrel (more accurate, safer because it's easier to know where it's pointed), manual safety (i.e. non-glock), loaded/cocked indicators (new Ruger has some nice features).

Personally I would recommend starting with a .22 and shoot the heck out of it in a controlled environment (1000's of rounds). Cheap and easy to shoot, great way to learn the basics.

I'm sure others will add more detailed recommendations.