for the record, I do not "chime" on guns. When I speak guns it is with a huge resonating GONG and you will heed the gong.
one of the reasons I even talk guns here is not having to argue with "bang for the buck" or "know-it-all's" that infest the gun forums. Too many tools trying to spew out "stuff they read" in Soldier of Fortune and SWAT mags. Get them on the range and it is a different story. I posted on them for many years but not so much anymore.
It is pointless, kinda like getting Hemi or uluz to wake the fuck up here.
Also, I guess I gotta stop posting pr0n or pass the torch to my secret stockpile to some worthy applicant. Do not like hearing that comment about after-hours stuff. what happens in AH stays in AH.
You are a gun newb so I will suggest along those lines with fun, safety, praticality and ease of accessorizing all considered. I have owned literally dozens and dozens and will only suggest the ones that pass my test.
The best 22 rifle is the Ruger 1022. Go buy one from Dicks or Cabelas on sale. They come with a scope mounting base. The stock triggers suck. Buy a "match hammer" from Cabelas online, $30. Also a small scope, 3-9x32 is about perfect, Bushnell or Simmons. Buy Federal ammo from Cabelas, blue box of 525 for $8.99. There are hundreds of accessories for every part of it and it can be left simple or modded to ultra-wild. We will need to talk. I have had seven. Own two now.
The handgun is far more dificult to learn. Best first handgun is a 4" 357 Magnum double action revolver that you first master with 38SPL loads. It will take a lot of work but will translate to other handguns. My preference is Smith M19, M66 or M686. I have owned 5, still have an M19 4"
2nd best learning handgun is one of those 22's, Rugers are not my preference, Brownings or Smith 22 autos are. The Ruger 22/45 is ok. Hate the MarkII type Ruger even though I own one. Bad ergonomics compared to the others available. Owned 4 22 pistols, still have two.
Best carry/defensive gun is a Glock 19, but only after you actually "learn" handgun. It really takes a lot of practice to do good work with one.
Another gun you did not mention is a shotgun, they are essential to a decent armory. Best available for most purposes is a Remington 1100 in 12ga. Clays, Deer, small game, DOVES and home invaders. Own 2 now.
I do not suggest pump shotguns but have owned 4, still have one. You must train diligently with it or you will not work it smoothly. I have used them (shotguns, all types) in every discipline from skeet, trap and sporting clays to tactical 3-gun and deer with slugs. own six, sold a dozen or more.
"The path to true knowledge is paved with wasted money", copyright postban forever. I coined this phrase after 100 or so guns. about 5-6yrs ago.... Only took 25 yrs of shooting/hunting everything to get here.:icon_mrgr
Feeling the gong?
pm me your # if you need more. I can talk guns endlessly.