Choosing my first pistol.

[TooBigToFit]

This was kind of my thinking as a newb. I just don't have experience, I won't really know what I like or don't like til I get that experience. I really liked that springfield xd mod 2 I tried, leaning that way right at the moment.

Striker fired guns have been very popular recently, since they're pretty easy to shoot. Also consider:

HK VP9
Sig P320
Walther PPQ (M1 or M2, depending on which magazine release you prefer)

Everyone will answer this question based on their preferences. I'm personally an HK fan, and started out with the VP9 as my first handgun. Their grip system is probably the most customizable of any handgun maker.

Again though, as you shoot more, you'll find you find out more about what you like. Personally, I ended up finding out that I prefer a hammer fired gun, and pretty much the only reason why I keep my VP9 is because it's my first handgun.

[philadelphia patriot]

I'm a new shooter, just took a basic pistol course. I was given a Glock 19 to fire my first shots. I actually did really well for it being my first time shooting! Anyway now I'm certain I want to take the next steps to choose my first pistol. My intention is to go to a local range which rents out guns of different types and try some of the following:
-Glock 43
-S&W Shield
-Springfield XDS or whichever is the smaller type like the above two

I'm pretty sure I'm gonna wind up wanting to get a Glock. I know there's disagreement out there, but, I don't think I've heard as many or as glowing reviews about reliability about any other maker.

Oh and something occurred to me. Semi automatics are always going to have less recoil than a revolver...right? Or not. Not sure why I assumed that, perhaps it is not true?

I say Glock 43 or Glock 19. I have a shield and love it, but if you get one, I'd buy the apex trigger kit for it. After you shoot other brands and models of firearms, you'll see why shield owners install apex kits.

Very important....if you want something for concealed carry, then get a good gun belt!!! Belts are what make or break the ease of carrying a gun. I like the bio-something belt from daltechforce.com

[Mity2]

Cool! I appreciate the offer, maybe I'll take you up on it some time. Gotta get my LTCF and probably PGC range use license first (assuming it isn't permissible to just let guests in there) I'm aware the range use license will expire June 30th if I get it right away.

Having LTCF certainly nice, but not required to shoot at the range.
Getting LTCF in Centre county is pretty easy/quick anyway(at least when Danny Nau was a Sherriff. Not sure about Sampsel...)
I can take one guest with me on my permit.

[alpacaheat]

I must be doing something wrong, I've found the G26 difficult to conceal.

You're just trying to compensate for having a small Glock.

[IrocGuns]

best way to choose a handgun is to handle a bunch and also be fit by someone who knows what they're doing...