Will be my first handgun, but with the PITA it is in NY to get the permit and purchase authorizations, I want to make a wise decision the first time.

Obviously not a carry, but rather will be kept in house. Will also take it to the club for target occasionally.

Looking at the below model specifically. A little higher end, but want something nicer I can 'keep in the family."<ul><li><a href="http://www.sigsauer.com/Products/ShowCatalogProductDetails.aspx?categoryid=6&amp;produc tid=170">touch me</a></li></ul>

I'm not fond of Sig pistols because I'm a lefty and they aren't too lefty friendly. But other than that, they're well made and very reliable.

the p220 is a classic battle pistol used around the world

Older non-rail, no beaver tail version. It is one of my favorites.

You can carry it, but it is not very comfortable.

...ambidextrous safety. They also had a very reachable slide release. You can find them used on Guns America.com. A good used 8000 or 8040 runs in the $400 range. An 8045 will run about $50 more.

<img src="http://cchanphotography.com/guns/brushed-background/images/dsc_3720.jpg">

pretty damn cool too.