[legion]

Yep, other than .22LR, everything else will be more expensive than 9mm. If buying new, you'll want to spend at least $500 to get a "quality" pistol. Other than that, everything else is personal preference. Different manufacturers will fit your hand differently and have different controls and features. The first pistol that I bought I traded for something else after two years when I actually understood what I liked and disliked.

Glock, Ruger, Smith and Wesson, Colt, Sig Sauer, Walther, Beretta, Browning, and FN make quality pistols (though most have a dud or two). Newer Tauruses and CZs are great bargains for awesome quality, but some older ones I'd avoid. I'm not a big fan of Kel-Tec (for handguns) or Hi-Point.

My 2¢.