There are lots of good firearms out there. If you have a range that rents firearms I suggest trying different ones to see what works best for you. Guns are like smokes, not everyone likes the same thing. I have a Glock 23 sitting under the pillow right next to me, but I like it because there's no external safeties to get in the way. But I have no kids and don't worry about such things.
If you have kids in the house look into a safe that bolts under the bed like the
gunvault. It will keep a gun locked up but easily accessed in your bedroom. I have a large safe for my guns in the "Armory" room. If you want a full size safe Costco has a decent one on sale right now.
Hope you find what works for ya.