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OMG!!! A post right up my alley! Something that I actually know something about.
First, are you absolutely certain about this decision? What precipitated this epiphany? As much as I think guns are a good idea, they are not for everyone. They take committment.
Second, before you ever get control of a firearm you should take an NRA firearm safety class. The NRA is the leading organization for firearms safety and has been for over 100 years and were the training organization for law enforcement until the 1980's. They will also teach you safe firearms storage so children do not access your firearm while you are away.
Third, I need to know where you are. The laws at a federal level are the same from state to state, but each state has passed its' own legislation and the restrictions vary widely. These restrictions determine whether or not you need a license to purchase and how the license to carry, if any, is handled. With any luck you live in Vermont which has no handguns restrictions allowing residents to purchase and carry guns after only complying with federal regulations.
Fourth, speaking of laws. If you plan on using the firearm for defensive purposes, you will need to become familiar with the laws in your state. I say this because even though you want to 'learn to shoot' you ask for recommendation for 'a type of weapon'. For example, where I live, in Texas, it is legal to shoot 'taggers' if you catch them in the act at night. It is called 'criminal mischief in the night time' and lethal force is justified to prevent it. You are also able to shoot someone for a 'theft in the night time'. Be aware that Texas is the only state that has conditions which, by statute, allow lethal force to be used to protect property. The owner decides whether or not the thief's life is worth more the car stereo that he just stole. If you are willing to lose your stereo, that is for you to decide. If you are willing to kill for it, that is your decision as well. Texas will back you up whichever you choose.
Fifth, depending on how much you plan on getting into shooting and what you are planning to use the gun for will determine which firearm you purchase. Do not buy a gun right away, you shoot and train to determine which is best, then buy what you like. Initially I would suggest a Ruger SP101 in .357 mag. It is a rather heavy gun for its' size and will allow you to shoot the lower powered .38 Special ammunition. The pistol fits smaller hands well yet weighs enough to help with recoil management. You will start shooting with a .22 to get your 'technique' down and learn about recoil, then move up in power. During this process you may decide that you prefer a semiautomatic pistol and decide to go that way. This is why I suggest the training first, then buy the gun. If you do choose a semiauto, be aware that they take more practice to operate properly. Speaking of practice, you should practice monthly if possible to maintain, or develop, proficiency with your firearm. Your gun does you no good if you are not willing to use it or are not able to hit what you intend to. In fact, if you miss your target, you are legally responsible for where those bullets end up, so they better end up where you intended or someplace safe. If monthly practice is out of the question, then you should at least go out twice a year. Even law officers must requalify on a regular basis, about once or twice a year.
If you are someplace that I go, I can provide training. If not there is a good chance that I may know someone in your area who can or will know where to go for what you are looking for.
Good luck and be careful.
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