"Best Gun" discussions are a lot like the "my karate is better than your karate" discussions. Much as there ain't no "best karate", best gun is myth too. Having said that, get with the friends that you go to the range with and shoot their guns a few times (try to shoot their bullets too, it's cheaper that way

), and start to see what feels good to you. What i mean by that is how does the grip fit your hand, is the trigger too far away, so you have problems reaching the safety or magazine release, how does the recoil feel, etc etc you get the idea. As far as a few good ones to try; I'm a fan of 1911's and about anything made by Ruger, a lot of people love Glocks (I'm not one), Springfields XD line is popular, Smith & Wesson's MP series is also popular but I have heard mixed reviews (haven't fired one so I don't know). Mostly Id suggest buying any firearm from a reputable company. You can save money buying an off brand, but it's gambling with quality, durability and performance. Hope this helps even a little.
Jamie