Choosing a handgun

[skittledoo]

Advice? Josh wants to get me a handgun for home defense especially since we are planning to move out in the country more.

I'm going to get a concealed carry. I have smallish hands and want something that would fit comfortably in my hand. I'd like one that has a decent range and not too much of a punch when you shoot it yet still has enough power to easily put someone down if I had to in defense.

I'd also like one that I can do target shooting with as well. I was looking at a little one today that was nice. The barrel was super short though and Josh didn't think it would be so good for target shooting and its more of a strictly home.defense gun.

So those of you with gun experience. What's a good handgun that might be a good fit for what I'm looking more that's no more than $500?

I do already know how to shoot and own a few rifles, but I want something smaller.