Thanks guys he said since hes getting it for my birthday he wanted to buy a quality one that would last me if i take care of it and said i can get one that cost up to $500 and ill probably get a 9mm for the cheaper ammo costs a pawn shop by me has a beretta 92 im pretty sure they wanted 499 for it but what other guns are around the same price?
Like others who has said, get what "feels" good to you, not what "looks" good. Going into a gun store is like a kid in a candy store. If it's a well equipped store, they will have just about every model, and brand available. I have several brands, S&W, Beretta, Colt, Ruger, Taurus, and others, but seem to have always gone back to S&W and Ruger.
The S&W M&P 9MM has interchangeable "Backstraps" which is great for all different types of hands, This gun was going to be the replacement weapon for the Military replacing the Beretta's, but the deal fell through, so S&W sold them to the general public. It's a great gun, and I have shot over 1500 rounds through mine without a problem. (OK I like it!). The Ruger SR9C also has a interchangeable backstrap, not like S&W but does offer some different feel.This is a newer gun from Ruger, which they have been providing quality weapons for some time now, and giving S&W and others a run for their money. They also are a little cheaper in price.
It's going to be hard to go into a store, and "try" these all out with your grandfather buying it, since of the straw purchase, but maybe you could go in at a different time to try them. Most gun stores are happy to let you look at them, knowing that you could be a potential buyer at some point.
Hope this helps some, and fell free to ask anything. Most people on here have great advice, and willing to help.