I would suggest taking a ride to S&W in Springfield
http://shootingsports.smith-wesson.com. They have a rental for around $25 you can rent a gun to shoot get ammo and targets and all the time you want on the range. Try a few guns see what fits your hands and fells better in your hands.
Myself I have trouble shooting small guns because of my bear paws so I tend to stay with larger guns. You can't beat going there and holding the different guns.
It comes down to what you are buying it for also, if it is going to be something you are useing at home for protection and are not going to be shooting it much you may want to consider a revolver over a pistol. Revolvers are easyer for someone with little training and in that stress time to use over a pistol.
You could even take a ride up to Sig in NH, they have a gun range also so you can try out some of there guns there.
Or take a ride to one of the club type shooting ranges. I don't no of any in the western part of the state here but there are some out in the eastern part where you mite be able to go to and get some rental time. Anyone else able to help here that's from the east as far as a (private/club) range?
Good Luck and Welcome to shooting.