This will be my first gun. I've shot a few pistols, but had no clue about them nor had any interest to own one due to laws in my home state. Now that ive moved, I want to enjoy the security of gun ownership. I am however a total newb in this world.

I'm taking a 1 hour gun safety class and demo next week at my local gun range and am thinking about trying out a few small pistols to figure out which one I want to buy. Was doing some research and two that stand out are Smith and Wesson m&p shield and Glock 42.

Do yall have any experience with either of them? Are their any other you suggest I should try? Id love to start a small collection one day, but for now this is an exciting first buy for me.

My budget on this is around $500. Main goal is to have a compact edc that is reliable and a good introductory gun.

Thanks in advance!