First, congratulations on your new license. Second, good job on doing your homework/research towards what to buy.
My suggestion is this: First, figure out what caliber you want to carry. Do your research on pros and cons towards this but in the end, it's just going to be your call. Everyone on this forum can give you a good reason for why they carry the calibers they carry and it's because that's what happens to be important to them. I like the 40S&W, but that's just me.
Second, go to a large size shop, find a helpful salesman, and literally go through their cases looking at everything. Look in your chosen caliber, but put everything into your hand and see what makes sense. If you're looking specifically to carry, then look at compacts and sub-compacts. Being tall like you are, your hands may not like some sub-compacts. Personally, I cannot stand the way Glocks feel but I love the way HK's feel, so I buy HK's... but again, that's me.
Good luck & make it a fun experience. I would also say this for your consideration: Better to buy something that you like, feels good, and shoots good, without consideration to price. Don't give in to a good deal. If it costs a lot, then just save for another month or two and buy for the level of quality that meets your needs, you'll be happier with your purchase. Just my opinion.
Good luck!
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