[jyl]

You might also consider starting out with something other than a 9mm. .22LR is cheap, accurate, fun, punches paper just as well as 40c per round 9mm. Ruger Mk 3 is a classic, quality gun, you can buy one used and sell it for the same price years later. Revolvers are fun too, there are quality ones (Ruger, Smith & Wesson, etc) that you can also buy used and, essentially, own for free.

I assume this is a play gun, not a home defense / ninja warrior fantasy gun.

Anyway - next step is to go to the pistol range, try out (rent) different guns, see which you like, they feel different in action than just holding them in the store. If you have smaller hands, look at the single-stack semi autos or revolvers. Note some ranges won't rent you a gun if you come alone w/o bringing one (anti-suicide measure). Ask around about local safety courses, maybe a local Pelican can help you. Learn up on local (CA) laws - calguns.net is a good place to ask.

Safety first. We've had some threads on the topic, worth a good search.