I would suggest getting a good .22 to get started with. I like stainless in handguns and would go with a revolver with a longer barrel, 6 inches or so and decent sights. That is a good safe choice to learn with, fairly inexpensive and should last a lifetime. Something like the Ruger Single Six as already mentioned. When you are confortable with that try the various handguns used for personal defense. Here again, I would go with a stainless firearm or one that is protected from rust. I think .380 us usually sited as the minimum caliber for use here, a compact 9MM would be much better. Two guns for two uses.