This may draw some negative comments, but you can rent handguns of various sizes and calibers at Pop Guns. They're on Post Road, south of Washington. You do have to buy their ammo.
Then, once you've sized up what you shoot well with, go throw your business to one of the sponsors of this site, or look through the classified section. There's always a bargain on INGO.
If you are not interested in a .22,I would go for something like a Bersa Thunder .380.....easy to handle,inexpensive,and they look pretty cool....my 2 cents.... Donzo