I think your best value for dollar would be the M&P with a trigger job, which is super easy to do yourself and there's a pile of good youtube vids that will walk you thru it. Plus when you decide that striker fired guns are great for duty guns but not so great as range guns, you won't loose much when you resell. I've never had mag problems with them but some don't like mag loaders.
The G 17 is right in there as well, but generally a bit more, and you don't get the range kit (holster pouches and extra mag.
The PPQ is a sweet pistol and one striker fired gun i would add to the collection (to sit beside the xd glock and M&P). They feel good point well and have a very good trigger for a striker gun. You pay more, holsters are harder to find and mags are pricey
I can't comment on the HK, but i suspect it's as good or better. but you generally pay for those two letters. I don't know what they sell for in canada, but i doubt you'd be dissappointed. Again holsters and mags are going to be a bit more work to find, and mags will not be cheap
I've shot the FN and really liked it, as for a very good price as well. Trigger not quite as nice, but then it's a good bit cheaper.\
Don't overlook either the original XD or the XDM series, I've had stirling service from them in terms of accuracy and reliability.
There really aren't any dogs in the race if you stick to the name brand players. The oddballs like the FMK can be nice, but i've personally seen reliability issues and it's hard to find parts / support.
Finally, for a first handgun, it's really worth checking out used. You will save a good bit, and at this point you really don't know what you like yet, just what you think you like, The more you shoot, the more your opinion may change (or not, but most do) So don't sink a giant wad until you've got more experience.
Cheers and have fun!
