I'm not very familiar with Berettas. Some folks like them, but I just don't see a lot of people shooting them compared to the others mentioned so far.
One that I forgot to mention that I do see a lot of is the Springfield XD series.
Another thing that I forgot to mention that may or may not be important to you is that most of the ones mentioned so far do not have external/manual safeties. They do have internal safety mechanisms and safeties on the triggers so they won't go bang unless the trigger is pulled. So you don't have to worry about them going off when dropped, etc. But the Smith & Wesson M&P series does offer models with manual safeties.
That said, when you do buy a gun, be sure to also buy a holster that completely covers the trigger and guard. It doesn't have to be fancy. Keep the gun in the holster so there is no way of accidentally pulling the trigger when you pick it up in the middle of the night.
Aries is spot on about the night sights. Most factory sights leave a lot to be desired. I've replaced the front sights (and some rear sights) on all of the handguns I shoot. Mostly with fiber optic front sights, but I do have a couple with night sights.
