What we usually tell folks when they come out to the MDC range is:
Set a budget and stick to it. Allow for $100 in flexibility over your budget.
Decide if value for dollar, features, or brand name/reputation is most important.
Find what's within your budget. You might find firearms with things below that are within that $100 overage, thus it's important to have a cushion.
Figure out what features you want.
Figure out if you want steel or polymer.
Find what has the features you want within your budget.
Find what of those fits your hand or shooting grip.
Narrow your options to what you think you truly want.
If possible, find folks locally that have what you might want and see if they will let you shoot it/them. Value their feedback, but don't take it as gospel as they might be a lousy shot compared to you.
Decide if it's what works for you and make your purchase.
Note: if you will need range gear (eye/ear protection, bags, ammo, cleaning kit, etc.) factor those into your budget. If you need carry gear, factor that in as well.
Some I've personally owned and/or shot:
Glock 17, Glock 23, Glock 30, Sig 226, CZ-52, Baby Eagle .45, Beretta 92fs, XD9 standard, XD9SC, XD40 standard, Springfield Champion .45, Rock Island 1911, Colt Commander 1911, FN 5.7, DE .41mag, DE 44mag, DE 50AE, SW .357 revolver, Walther P22 in 3 and 5 inch, SW .38sp police edition, Nagant revolver, Ruger Vaquero .45, .454 Casul, Taurus Raging Bull .44mag, older Ruger .45lc, Taurus Mil Pro .45 2nd gen, Wilson Combat competition 1911, and a few others.