cant go wrong with a .45 if your looking for some piercing action the 9mm works well

9mm

go with a Glock 9mm. I've never had trouble with mine. I shoot it almost every weekend and it's easy to clean and maintain. lots of people will try to shoot them down (pun intended) but try to find a police dept that doesn't have almost every officer carrying one around

I'm really partial to revolvers. They are easy to control and accurate. Perfect for an inexperienced shooter. You should test out several brands and calibers in order to find out what fits best for you. I also have a colt mustang .380 semiautomatic (if you decide to go that route instead) that fits my hand perfectly, is small enough to conceal and has just the right kick for me.

Nothing says I love you like a .50 cal. Desert Eagle to the face.

All well & good, but what for??? A gun is a "Tool" like a Saw & has (like other Tools) Limitations. If U are going to use it for just "Paper Target" work, a .22 caliber pistol that meets or exceeds the "Rules" of the "Competition" U enter must be used. Whereas for Hunting U need to match the "Game" to the Pistols capabilities. I hunt small game, punch paper, shoot "Iron" & protect myself with a wonderful Taurus .357 mag. revolver w/6" barrel using a variety of hand loads to "Fit the Need". For example: my first 2 chambers are loaded with "Shot Shells" to be fired into the face of an "unwanted guest" while the rest have "Full Power Dyna Point" rounds. This has several important features: 1) The ease of "Hitting" the Target 2) The "Safety" of not blowing huge holes into Ur own house & "Loved Ones" in the rooms beyond 3) The opportunity for bad guys to exit "Stage Left" without U getting tagged for "Murder 1" 4) In the event that "Kids" get hold of Ur weapon, they have a better chance of "Surviving" a "Shot Shell" then a "Full Power Load". John

Here is the very best advise I can offer: Denpendibility, You get what you pay for, you can go and buy a Highpoint pistol of any caliber for $100 - $200, and most of them have no problems. I think that it is a great gun for the range or a back up in the event you need to send your great one into the shop. As far as durability if you get a revolver MAKE SURE that you talk to other people who already own them and confirm that they don't have any problems with cycling properly. Accuracy, my opinion glocks, 1911's and SAXD, are some of the most customizable/reliable guns out there. They are very accurate and if you get a nail driver for a gun then you know if you miss it was the shooter not the gun. *READ/Listen closely* When it comes to the brand or caliber that is up to you! By this I mean start with the brands (yes brands) find a few easy to find brands then look at the calibers available for each then go to the local gun store find out how it feels in your hand once you have made a list of pistols you like then go to a local gun club rent a few guns and start small begin with .22 then move your way up to the largest caliber you feel comfortable with, just keep in mind you will want to stay away from 10mm and 45GAP, The reason being you want to stay away from something that you can not afford to practice with. yes that's right practice if you intend on carrying the gun for concealed/plain view self defense purposes you will need to continue to practice even past perfect. If you are looking for something for hunting it all depends on what you after. as far as home defense there is a revolver made by tauras that uses 45 long or 310 (shotgun ammo) and would be much less bulky than a full blown shotgun, which is still good to have. If your looking to concealed carry there a bunch of people who know everything about it a www.carryconcealed.net

Here are some links with LOTS of information on just this thing: http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/5539008 http://www.answerbag.com/q_view/1271786 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/3309067 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/5527817 After reading through them, if you have any specific questions feel free to post them here and I'll answer them.

my husband has a 9mm and a .45, i on the other hand LOVE my 38 special revolver. :)

In a revolver I prefer .357 mag.Though I shoot .38 cal ammo in it... As for auto..I cant help it I love my customized 9mm.Browning highpower

Smith and Wesson model #36,38 caliber.

I agree that a Smith & Wesson Model 36 would be a good choice. If you do get it, please learn how to use it properly and safely including how to keep it clean.

Glock 23. A Glock is arguably the most reliable pistol out there, even if you NEVER clean or lube it. A model 23 shoots a .40 caliber S&W round. It is a better stopper than a 9mm round (that would be the same diameter as a .38 caliber), and easier to handle than a .45 caliber. If you love to shoot as I do, you may prefer a model 1911 Springfield design in .45 caliber (several companies make those; Colt and Para Ordinance make top notch ones). To me, they are more fun to shoot and feel more natural, but they do require a bit more attention and maintenance. (Answer by DogChaser's husband)

my latest gun is a cobra .32 automatic. majestic pink in color with custom white handgrips. deadly AND cute!!

Smith & Wesson 38 revolver, fits in the hand nice, small enough to carry with you when necessary. If you have to point it, others can clearly see that it is loaded, easy to handle, casings stay with the pistol. and it's not PINK.........need a gun that you and everyone else will take seriously. Being responsible for a firearm is not a game............

DEAGLE DEAGLE DEAGLE

I read the answers you have gotten so far and all have pretty good ideas. They are missing one thing. They are telling you what they like or have and even what is a good buy. What you need to know is what fits you and your hand. What you can shoot with a comfort that no matter if it is on the range target practice or a life saving event you will shoot easily without it kicking out of your hand maybe hurting you or someone near that was unintended. That being said you should go to a gun store that has a firing range that will allow you to shoot a range of hand guns to find the one that fits you. A good gun store will have someone that can walk you through it telling you the pros and cons of each type. I like a revolver for the fact it's fun to shoot no matter the size. Go and find what you like.