I have a
Smith & Wesson SW9VE, Jamie. I even got you a linky for it.
It's got some weight to it, barks them off real sweet, and doesn't gob up even with cheapo rounds. They make nice little holsters for them that work great.
They're very economical and hold up very nice, and they're easy to shoot. Easy to shoot fast, too.
I'm not a "gun person" either, although I've been a hunter and shooter all my life. I went to Grice Gun shop near home, handled some guns, and this one suited me. It's worked out great and is super easy to shoot. I'd like something fancier and shinier later, but I know with this I can take care of any protection problems if need be. The safety is in the trigger, which is nice if you're nervous.
It's a good "dispatch" weapon for hunting and trapping, as well.
If you try it and don't like it for some odd reason, you can always trade up. You'd lose less than you would going to a range and renting a gun.
It's not a great option if you're gonna go all covert ops and sh1t, and be carrying your gun to the grocery store. I'm not about that. It's crossed my mind that I might like a conceal and carry, but I'd have another gun for that completely. A small gun like that isn't for targets and hunting, so it'd be pretty much useless to me except for getting me in trouble.
For a CCW, I'd probably have a little Ruger LCP .380 or S&W Bodyguard 38. More likely the former, it's way lighter.
Take a look at budsgunshop.com, it'll give you some good, inexpensive ideas.