I never understand this. I think you should find something that fits your hand and that you are comfortable with then learn to shoot with that instead of 'building up' to something else you will have to buy later. A .45 may be what you start out with,or you may really like that XD subcompact 9mm and hit great groups with it and it become your choice of carry. The renting advice is a good one. For me its availability of ammo,what I shoot the best with,etcetc- which means having a variety of different firearms for different uses.start out with