First handgun is always special for people who is new to the target shooting sports. Myself included. Whether it is .22LR caliber or 9mm, .40CAL, etc... is more critical than the actual handgun per say. I remembered that when I was interested in handguns, many friends suggested to start with .22LR and then get a .40cal or above as they have stopping power, but for the sport I was, and still am, was target shooting. So, I purchased my first .22LR and I enjoyed it but in the short run, I lost interested in .22LR. But, I always enjoyed 9MM cal handgun and still am today. Back to the .22LR, it is a safe queen. I also have a .45ACP 1911 which I though I would have interest in, but 9mm Glock is my preferred target/competition handgun.