I was lucky in that I discovered the pistol that best fits and performs for me early on... Tried a friends P89 Ruger, a Glock 17, and a SAM 1911 thanks to guys at the range but the Sig 226 just works best for me.
With that said I shot the Glock better than I expected and plan to get a G17 as well a the 226.
In regards to TDC, I think he's made very valid points about professional training. I will be taking some instruction myself, anything that makes me a better shooter is worth doing. TDC/ anybody else out there is there anything that is worth looking into specifically? I'm located in Manitoba