A couple of things...sounds like you have a good grasp of what is right but wanted to emphasize a few things that have already been said but, in this day and age anything may get blown out of proportion if the wrong person gets involved.
Show your best intention is to be as safe/law abiding as possible.
One is to be aware of RCW 9.41.050
Carrying firearms. (2)(a) A person shall not carry or place a loaded pistol in any vehicle unless the person has a license to carry a concealed pistol.
Don't want you to get in any trouble at a gas pump fill up or stopped for a tail light, or whatever the innocuous situation is, and have to spend the $ to undo a situation for an over zealous LEO.
A pound of prevention is worth $. If on the blacktop I would recommend having all the bases covered so there is no misunderstanding. A cheap $30 bulldog box is a good investment for your unloaded pistol.
(3)(a) A person at least eighteen years of age who is in possession of an unloaded pistol shall not leave the unloaded pistol in a vehicle unless the unloaded pistol is locked within the vehicle and concealed from view from outside the vehicle.
If you get training it will go a Long way. Pistols are a horse of a different color when it come to proficiency.
AND caliber.. if its your first pistol... 22 caliber is the best trainer....but if your stuck on a centerfire.
Look at what you want to use it for. Hunting..then what size of game - or general plinking?
If its for defense - try to take classes.
Short of it- a 40 isn't the best. They are all cool but semi-autos in general will break the bank to shoot.
To recommend a caliber without a reference for its use is entertaining but probably not too helpful- oh well..too late.
The 40 - have 2 of em BTW- and I am not recoil sensitive but most people including myself can shoot a 9mm better- faster and cheaper. You want more power shoot 9mm +P. The 40's are cool and fun but snappy and harder to keep on target esp. with +p loads.
If you have an opportunity to try several out a head of time, shoot as many as you can. Training classes are good for that and usually have loaners.
I prefer my 45 ACP for a number of reasons - maybe bias - BUT for the boonies- I would recommend a Ruger Blackhawk in 45 Long Colt - they make a 'convertible' giving you the ability to shoot 45ACP if that is your druthers and it is safe and rugged.
Sweet thing about it is, if you get froggy and want to take on bear/buffalo or whatever can buy HEAVY loads for it that will humble you.
Have a 44mag (had a 41 mag which I wish I still had) and a 45 Colt. The 45 Colt is awesome fun shooting cowboy loads. Bear issues, load it with COR-BON or Buffalo Bore ammo.
And if you run across a Ruger Bisley you may like it even better than the Blackhawk frame.
Upgrade the grips and get a Bianchi 111 cross draw holster for bush whacking or a Guide's Choice Chest Holster from DIAMOND D.
http://www.diamonddcustomleather.com/Chest_Holsters.php If I was going to pick a favorite pistol out of the pile- I wouldn't want to do that...its whatever strikes you as interesting.
Loong story short - if you have 2 identical guns side by side to choose from and are stuck on getting a semi-auto for zombie's - one a 9mm & a 40 S&W- my recommendation is grab the 9mm. Holds more and you will have sooo much fun shooting it - until you turn out your pockets and wonder where the $ went for ammo.
If it is for bears- move to the next counter and get something you can use.
There are a lot of choices but most important- be safe and enjoy.
