re: looking to buy my first gun

Saying "Beretta" is pretty broad. My Beretta shotguns have all been extremely reliable.

As was said the M9 (Model 92FS) is uber-reliable. I have owned own for 25 years, but would never choose it for SD if other options are available. It has a slide-mounted safety, the safety moves in dumb direction [up =engaged], it's huge and heavy.

I don't own one, but understand the PX4's to be considered pretty reliable. Longevity (able to handle high round counts) is still questionable. At least the PX4 safety lever is designed to move in the proper direction, but it's still slide-mounted. The bigger issue, according to a SME at LSP is the rotating barrel.

Not sure if this is any help. I have no experience with any other "modern" Beretta handguns, but would be glad to ask my LSP source if there's a particular model you're considering.