id actually go with a 22lr for a first hand gun. cheap ammo. easy to learn with..fun to plink with...and no recoil or anything..10$ for a brick of shells and your shooting all weekend. i have a browning buckmark and i love it. dad has a ruger mark II and its just as good..can pick either one up for 2-300 new..shooting a pistol is something that takes practice and learning...