I think the Marlin guide gun sounds like a great idea, then you should get your dad to let you go shoot his pistols and see what you think. I enjoy handguns greatly, but it takes a lot of practice to become a really good pistol shot, it is much more difficult than shooting a rifle the same distance. If you are set on one of the blackhawks get the 44, practice with 44 specials, and work your way up to full-house cor-bon loads.

Gordon