Among other reasons I was happy Kamala lost was b/c I thought everybody would go buy out the gun stores. Not a problem now, so what should I buy?

I do own one bolt action .22 right now, so not technically a first-time gun buyer. But it was really just to introduce my kids to the idea of guns and while it was good for that, it's dull shooting just that, so we don't go out shooting anymore. My wife and I are both familiar with guns having shot multiple kinds growing up. I'm most used to the M4 rifle and Baretta M9 handgun from my training with the military. My wife has actually been talking about getting a handgun for awhile now. I've been thinking of getting some sort of 9mm and/or AR-15 style rifle. Mainly just for plinking at the gun range, secondarily for home defense. Not planning to concealed carry.

Any handgun should be relatively small grips so my wife can easily handle it (and frankly I don't have huge hands either).

While I feel more comfortable with handguns, I really don't know the differences between Glock, Sig, Baretta, etc. The easiest would be to just buy the thing closest to what I've shot with the military, but figure I could find something better.

AR style I really don't know much about yet and really don't know how to compare or what to look for.

Not looking to spend a lot at this point- brief inspection seems like $500-600 for a 9mm and a bit more for an AR gives a bunch of options. Open to any ideas.