(...and if you haven’t figured it out by now, every gun owner has an opinion. Some are based on some kind of experience & training, others not so much. Some are complete BS, like the “I’d rather defend myself with a Q-tip than a fill-in-the-blank!” comments. In fact, a lot of gun owners are dumb as rocks: they don’t vote, and won’t donate $5 to a pro-gun candidate BEFORE an election, but - boy howdy! - do they run out & spend money AFTER the D@mocrats take over & announce the next ban! Bottom line, do your research, make an informed decision, and learn/correct/repeat as necessary! ;^)
So I will just concur with WIJG, but not leave you with ‘do your research’ as the only recommendation. Reading through the thread, I dont see anyone asking you the basic questions that you should be asking yourself when seeking to buy a gun:
1) What is your desired purpose? Target plinking, competition, defense, etc? A gun is a tool and like tools, a multi-tool isnt as good a special purpose tool for a particular purpose.
2) What is your desired form, as in semi-auto or revolver. There are advantages and disadvantages to each.
3) What ‘fits’ you, your hand size, your carry method if that applies, etc? Does it feel good in your grip? Can you swap grips to make a gun with features you like fit your hand better?
4) What caliber? Related to purpose, but you did identify you want a .22 already.
Freepers with knowledge should be asking you these questions to answer your question. If you walked into a store and said I want to buy a gun, and the clerk didnt ask you any questions, just said, “here is what I like, buy this”, you would smartly ask for someone else to talk to.
FRegards