help choosing my first

[Arloashean]

.22 cal fo sho. Then 9mm. You can get excellent deals on reliable guns, buy some extra ammo, and then graduate up to something once you get settled into shooting.

.22 - Norinco Woodsman or Vostok Margolin
9mm - Norinco 226 clone or Glock 17
Other calibres = more $

I've farted around with a pile of pistols as I got started up, and I kept coming back to these again and again.

 

[nscavello]

I agree with the postings so far; 9mm good place to start, I did, and dont regret it (Beretta 92), but if you have never fired a gun before, maybe check out a friends, or whatever a club has to loan (rent), you may find a 22 semi-auto might be more you to your liking for starters, that is the traditional "wisdom" I found when I first started shooting, but its really up to you, so try first if you can. next is cost really, for which I would recommend CGN for a used gun first time out; you save a ton of money, and there are good people on this forum that are selling quality used firearms. I've never had a problem and am grateful I found out about this place a few years ago.
find something that feels good and comfortable for you, and then go for it...the "hobby" begins....