Best of the following handgunds for a first-time gun owner?

I'd recommend a 357 revolver. Shoot as many 38 specials through it in practice as you can afford. The 357 is very simple in a double action revolver. Maintenence is very straight forward. You can shoot 38's in it for a low recoil, cheap practice round. Full blown 357's are as much power as you would ever need for what you're wanting a handgun for. Ruger makes a very nice revolver, as does Smith and Wesson. I'd recommend a 4" barrel in a stainless steel finish.