22s are great because you can then afford to practice, and that's what you have to do to become a decent handgun shot. As for what kind, head out to your local range when they are having a shoot, or contact someone local on here, I'm sure there are folks near you who will let you try a bunch of different guns until you find one you like. I took a pretty inexperienced shooter out yesterday, and took a dozen 22s along for her to try. Once you find one that fits you decently, and the sights work for you (at this stage, don't even consider a fixed sight handgun), then you'll know what kind to buy. After that, buy one box of every kind of 22 ammo you can find in your area, and test the pistol to see what it likes. If you're not a good enough shot to do this find someone near you who is (and honestly, I don't think you will be, not at first). Then buy as much of whatever ammo you're new gun likes that you can afford, and practice. That way, if you're missing, you'll know it's you and not the ammunition (which can be pretty common in 22s). Once you have your basics down pat, then you can move on to bigger guns. It's not about noise, or recoil, or how much of a "man" you are, it's about hitting small targets repeatedly, and the best way to learn how to do that, is to start with a good 22. - dan
