(The following is NOT meant as a criticism of anyone that has posted on this thread -- it is just my opinion and my approach).
What do I say?
Don't buy anything until you learn the four rules, and at least rudimentary gun handling skills!
Nothing worries me more than the sight of a complete newbie walking out of a gun store with their brand new Glock/S&W/Ruger/Sig/Whatever clutched in their hands along with 2 boxes of ammo and no idea whatever what they are doing. And believe me, I have seen this exact scenario play out WAAAAY too many times, including sweeping everybody on the range, holes in the floor, the ceiling, lane dividers, etc. Fortunately, I have not yet seen anyone shot in this situation, but that is just pure luck.
I will offer to help them learn, or point them in the direction of more formal training, but I will not contribute to the above situation (shudder!!) by recommending a gun if they do not first get the minimum amount of safety training.
No one should take up a deadly weapon (and that is what a handgun is, lets not be shy about it) without having the proper training and mindset about what they are about to do.
Once the newbie has obtained the proper saftey training/mindset, I will be happy to BS with him all day about what is better, Glock Perfection, JMB the genius, German Precision, SA, DAO, DA/SA, revolver, semi-auto, etc. Until then leave me out.
Too many people seem to think that by watching a truckload of John Wu movies and then plunking down $500 at the gun store, they are prepared. They are not.
OK, rant over.