Actually the P-90 Ruger is a .45ACP. The 9mm versions of the Ruger P series pistol are the P-89, P-93, P-94, and the P-95. Any of these or the S&W you mentioned would be a fine beginning shooter's pistol. Follow the link for more Ruger P-series info. Wish you the best.
Ruger P-series pistols
Jesse