MX,
My favorite "handgun" for home defense would be the Remington
870 with 20" barrel. The Mossberg 590 is also a good choice.
Any of the Glocks should fit the bill for you. The really small ones
don't offer much of a grip for someone with big hands, so check
them all out. Around here, most places charge around $550 for
most models, but the shop I just purchased from recently had
them for $489. If you don't reload, 9 mm would be the way to
go in caliber. Magtech is a good cheap round that worked well
in the Glock 19 I had. Pick something that your budget will allow
you a lot of practice.
I really like the Para CCW that I bought. Might be a good choice
for you if you don't like the combat tupperware. Carrying on your
person is a pain, and a consideration of how much discomfort and
trouble you are willing to put up with is in order. I like the various
titanium and scandium framed revolvers for carry, but if I were
only going to own one handgun, they would not be a choice.
Springfield and others are making polymer frames also these days,
and are cheaper than Glocks, but from what I have read, they
can't hang with the Glocks when it comes to accuracy. Sig makes
some good (or should I say imports them) choices, but you may
find them a little pricey.
I really feel for you living in a gun hating state. Any good gun shop
should be able to acquaint you with what it takes for a carry permit.
Ask when you go to look. I can't understand why every gun owner
in California isn't a member of the NRA. There is also a California
Rifle and Pistol Association. Here is a link to their site:
http://www.crpa.org/firingline.html
Good Luck!
Steve