When you say "fun", I have to say .22. When I bought my .22, I already owned a 9mm, a .357, and a 1911 in .45. I love all 3 of those handguns.

But the .22 is an absolute blast, because I can shoot it all day without the recoil and/or muzzle blastgetting to me. (Even with quality hearing protection, 300-400 rounds out of a stout handgun is going to get to a guy.) And I can shoot it all day because the ammo is dirt cheap!

If you're talking about takingyour handgun"up the mountain", and doing so on foot, the weight savings of a .22 will certainly be noticed, as well.If you're at all concerned about scaring game away, the "pop" of a .22 is almost inconsequential compared to the bark of most any other caliber. Another plus is that it's a wonderful little tool with which to introduce one's lady friendsto shooting. I've actually found it to be particularly effective in wooing prospective lady friends!

No, the .22 is not "powerful", and it won't stop much beyond a gopher, squirrel, or rabbit. But for all-day fun, it's almost impossible to beat!

I got a Browning Buckmark, on account of it seemed easier (to me, anyway) to strip & clean than a Ruger. I'm EXTREMELY satisfied with it. It was $250, and I'd be just as happy with itif it had been $400.

I'd also recommend just using the regular sights: it'll make you a better shooter.