I already had an SKS and a 270 win. when I got my RPAL, so I bought a pistol. It's a Glock 19 and I've put probably 600 rounds through it since December 20.
On the other hand, I just picked up a Daniel Defense V5 AR15 last week, and have a couple hundred rounds through it. It is also a lot of fun.
I'd say it depends on your budget. Take your ammo into consideration as well. 5.56/.223 is more expensive than 9mm. I got my Glock, 3 extra mags, case and 1000 rounds of 9mm for under $1000.
Where did you score this deal?
Must have been used.
Calgary Shooting Centre. New and unfired. I guess 'under $1000' makes it sound like a lot less. It came out to $980 plus change.
Would it make sense to get a .22lr pistol to get lots of practice? Or is it better to just buy a 9mm and practice with that (despite the higher cost of ammunition)? Assume that you don't have funds to buy pistols every few months.