I'd approach it this way:
-- Set out a maximum budget number
-- Look at Berretta, Ruger, Browning, S&W, and, yes, Norinco (Sig is probably getting
outside your budget from what you mention). BTW, there's a great thread on
Norinco steel and workmanship currently on this forum, and the orginal post is a 5
star read. Turns out their steel is outstandingly GOOD!
-- Touch them, feel them in your hand, feel the balance
I have an old Browning Challenger I which I really like. My wife tried the Berretta Neos and didn't like it at all, nor the Ruger. We both disliked the S&W 22A (422). She bought the Browning Buck Camper for $319 brand new and loves it.
Truth is if your not experienced as a pistol shooter, they'll all perform about the same for you, so it comes down to feeling right in your hand (grip, balance etc), sights, and confidence. If you feel good about your firearm, it'll work for you.
Think about used?