A compact, alumium framed .45acp was probably not the best choice for a first gun. I had no formal training and set myself up with some bad habits and a flinch from hell.
Luckily I discovered IDPA and had a few experienced shooters mentor me.
My first handgun was a ruger p-89 and the p musta stoof for PieceofCrap, i remember the first time i took it to the range and the mag split along the seam, leaving the gun jammed. That was a long time ago and since that i always try to bring a few tools with me to the range, heh.
My first handgun was a brand new Ruger Mark 1 22 cal. pistol. This was in 1975. The pistol was a birthday present. I still have it, and it still shoots great.
Taurus Model 65 .357 Magnum, bought right after i moved to Indy in 1993. Essentially a full-size K-frame clone with a 2.5-inch barrel. Painful as hell to shoot with the stock wooden grips, slightly better with a set of Hogue rubber grips. Bought it as a carry gun, but I rarely carried it. Got rid of it a couple years later.
The Springfield XD 9 subcompact I have now.....would like a springfield 1911 in the future....and maybe a cheaper ultra small 9mm for pocket carry....like a kel tec pf9.....just wish I could post to classifieds to look for more....