If your plan is to build up a really nice long term collection that shoots well I would suggest you up the anty on each by a little. The "best bang for the buck" is seldom the least expensive. The cheap options CAN be OK but with a little more money you typically buy a nicer feeling trigger and less risk of some sloppy/wobbly parts fit. And typically a nicer quality of finish overall. So with that in mind....
A. Single action revolver rimfire. I was thinking heritage rough rider.-- I'd say either a Ruger Single Six or Single Ten or possibly one of the new Pietta revolvers. The Pietta looks more like a classic cowboy gun.
B. Double action revolver rimfire.-- There really is only one decent option. A S&W K22, Model 17 or Model 617. All are K frame DA guns. There's the Colt Officer's Match rimfire but those are so rare and collectable that it's just a pipe dream for most folks.
C. Semi auto rimfire. Must be a 1911 style -- That's an easy one. A GSG. The Browning might be a well made gun but it's a scaled down size that won't fit most men's hands.
D. Single action 357. I like the 1873 style need good brand --Uberti, Pietta or Ruger. Uberti or Pietta for versions that are more faithful to the old original Colt action. Uberti and Pietta are wonderfully reliable and durable so I'm not sure there is any advantage to going Ruger these days except for the style of action and the name.
E. Double action 357. Going with SW 686. -- Having tried both S&W and Ruger I'm more a S&W fan. But Ruger is really close. And as you can see by the replies it's really a "Ford vs Chevy" sort of deal...
F. Semi auto 45acp. Kimber eclipse -- Now you're up to speed with the idea of buying a good gun so it doesn't need replacing later on. Along with Kimber also consider STI, Ruger, S&W and Sig.
G. Semi auto 9mm. Norinco 1911 -- This should be your eventual competition gun. So you want to go with an option that has 10 round magazines that fit in the size box for these guns. That means the 9mm 1911 isn't really an option. Look around at what sorts of events are held for handguns in your area and go with one of the options that is popular and which has a good supply for holsters, spare magazines and magazine pouches.
This last bit about competitions should be something that you look into seriously. Standing on one spot and perforating paper is fine at first. But it gets old pretty quickly. Using your handguns in various competitions really adds a spark to your new hobby. Check out the local club events and attend as a spectator. Introduce yourself to the folks running the event and mention you're on a fact hunting visit to check out the action. Attach yourself to one of the squads and chat with the guys and help out with patching targets and setting up the steel. You will almost certainly be invited to try a couple of guns on a stage at the lunch break or the end of the day before the stuff is broken down. Don't just drop by for a quick visit. Show up before the event starts and spend the day talking with the guys and learning about the gear and guns. You'll get more from this sort of day than a ton of these forum threads.
