This is an open-ended question, and so far you have received a lot of personal opinions, some based on misinformation.
The questions only you can answer are:
What is the intended purpose of the pistol (you can't purchase an "automatic" they are illegal for personal use). Is it a "range toy" Most of mine are, and the majority of handguns sold are used as "range toys", I compete in several "multi-gun action sports". Is it for home protection. Do you plan to conceal carry. You must know the intended purpose of the tool before you even know what to look at, otherwise you will waste your money on something recommended by someone's personal opinion, not fact.
Best of luck looking for what you want, like, and can afford. It is no easy task, and should not be taken lightly.
Forget, for the time being, about caliber. Foolish talk of "stopping power" and "over penetration" is gun store talk based on personal opinions, not facts.
Most important is that it fits *your* hand and you can reach the controls. This is for safety, and safety is still number one.