Sorry I have come late to this party.. I had the same question about 8 months ago.... After researching, watching video reviews the good and bad, then hitting multiple gun shops I settled on what I think is the best first pistol.. I chose the Springfield armory xd mod2 subcompact in 9 mm. Here is the why..
1. Saftey.. it has a backstrap saftey much like a 1911 in addition to a saftey trigger.. the gun will not fire unless both safteis are engaged..
2. Grip \ feeling in hand..Man it is comfortable, it just fits my medium to large hands perfectly. The grip zone is awesome..
3. It has great sights out of the box.. that front fiber optic just pops... Although I wanted nights sights and got tfo' s right away..
4. Accurate... It shoots accurate... More to do with the shooter I know..
5. It comes with one 13 round mag and one 16 mag all in a nice pelican style case.. Also between now and June 30 Springfield will send you 4 mags, mag carrier and I think a owb holster to get you started when you register your gun..
6. Concealability... I have my ccw and being a sub compact this fit the bill..
I looked at many of the guns above and for one reason or another just didn't do it for me.. hope this helps... Happy hunting.. peace out ook