I stand by my earlier recommendation of the S&W M&P9mm Full Size and safety:
Smith & Wesson 17 + 1 9MM/Ambidextrous Manual Safety/4.25" B $508.00 SHIPS FREE
Ergonomics (how the gun feels in your hand) is very good. The frame mounted safety is a plus, and is ambidextrous. It isn't too expensive ($508 plus shipping and transfer fees...or find one locally). 17rd capacity.
Trigger on the gun is a little weak--but probably not a big concern for a novice shooter. I have seen big boys conceal full size weapons without me noticing until they told me, so that's also another benefit. The trigger is swappable for a nicer, aftermarket unit, if you ever decide to do that in the future.
I'd strongly recommend night sights if you can swing it. I like them, some people find that unnecessary, but I usually spring for night sights.
S&W Customer service is superb.
A good handheld flashlight is always good for home defense too (allows you to illuminate something without pointing a gun at it.)
I personally went with a HKP30S in 9mm, but that's another $300 ($825) and doesn't offer any marked benefits. It was just personal preference. HK usually costs more, including magazines and parts, like the famed $50 firing pin. Customer service is reputed to have gotten better over the years, but I've never used them.
You may also consider the Glock 17/19/34. They're the famed ultra reliable glocks...
However I didn't want to recommend that for 2 reasons:
1.) No external safety.
2.) Current batch on the market has had reliability issues with their extractors and newfangled recoil spring. They aren't as reliable as the Glocks of yore.
Cool thing though, is you can stick a 33rd mag in it...(Yes. I have read criminal cases where the homeowner ran out of ammo, so it does happen, however rare).
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Last thing, if you go with 9mm, it is a good choice because target/practice ammo is inexpensive. HOWEVER, I strongly recommend buying defense 9mm ammunition for your home defense/carry gun. I have seen X-rays of perps shot with 10rds of 9mm and survived to kill the homeowner. There have been a couple of famous stories of 9mm failing to stop the threat, so buy good 9mm defensive ammo like Federal HST 9mm in either 124 or 147gr, or Corbon DPX or Winchester Ranger Talons.
Hope this helps.