Edit -- see post #10 for the eventual pickup.

So I'm thinking about purchasing my first handgun. I've never owned a true firearm before. I've shot rifles and shotguns, but the closest I ever had to a handgun was a pellet gun for varmint hunting.

A local range here offers an NRA-approved day-long pistol training/safety course I plan on taking before ever firing a weapon. This gun will likely be used just for target shooting and the inevitable when-zombies-take-over-the-world scenario. I don't really plan on using it for home defense, but I would like it to have decent stopping power just in case. I was thinking something in a 9mm or .40.

So I need help finding a weapon to buy. I've heard good things about the H&K USP series and the Glock 17 & 22. Are these too much gun for a beginner? Should I get a .22 revolver until I'm comfortable, and then upgrade? I'd prefer to just purchase one handgun for life, but obviously safety is foremost. I certainly plan on checking out these weapons in person before I purchase to make sure they are comfortable, so give me some ideas on handguns to look at. Any help/advice is appreciated!