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First rule is to get something you feel comfortable with and which fits your hand. Go to a range that lets you actually fire a number of models. Or borrow them from friends. It is tough to make a decision hefting just half a dozen models in the shop.

I like a little .22 model called the Peacemaker. I can practice using cheap rounds. When I'm after something with more knock-down power, I just change to the magnum cylinder and use hollow-points. The recoil (and different feel from shooting the cheap rounds) is negligible.

Some people call the .22 a wimp gun. But the knock-down power on magnum hollow-points is nearly equal to a .38. The fact that I'm comfortable with it and can shoot the necks of bottles at 20-30 yards will give me more advantage in a situation with a crook picking up a .45 for the first time. That, and the fact that it fits neatly under a car seat, in a CCW holster or glove compartment also makes it more likely you will actually have it with you if it is needed.

I agree buy a shotgun. Unless your going to carry go with the most most stopping power and accuracy available... a shotgun. If you are going to get a handgun and know someone who has an FFL (federal firearms license) then you might want to browse the shotgun news where many new and used handguns are advertised at reasonable prices. It would give you an idea of what to pay at the very least. The person with the ffl will have to assist you with the ordering but you can save a boatload of money. A reasonably priced but well made handguns include the makarov which fires a 9x18 round. It's a smaller round and not a lot of stopping power but a good size for carrying. Another is the CZ52, a czech made military pistol that shoots a 7.62..25 a very hot round. Both of these go under 200$. You will want to look for these at a gun show. Otherwise a .45 seems hard to beat massive stopping power, though only holds 7 rounds. Advice on this subject is very opionated but your making the right move by at least researching!. Get lessons if you do purchase..at least from a buddy or something. You want to be competent.

Also, the .22 will not leave a big mess to clean up in your house after an incident like a shotgun or large caliber pistol.

"Some people call the .22 a wimp gun. But the knock-down power on magnum hollow-points is nearly equal to a .38"

nope. But the .38 isn't great shakes either. For that matter, neither is the .45.

handguns are anemic, defensive weapons. none of them have what could be called "knock-down" power. Put it this way- if the recoil is negligible, so is the terminal impact.

While a .22 beats a handful of jello, why not practice with a 9, 40, or 45 until you can put three rounds rapid into the middle of an IPSC target at 7 yards?

Having said that, my browning buckmark would be a mighty comfort if the choice was between it and being naked...

I like a little .22 model called the Peacemaker. I can practice using cheap rounds. When I'm after something with more knock-down power, I just change to the magnum cylinder and use hollow-points. The recoil (and different feel from shooting the cheap rounds) is negligible.

I too own a .22, do you know if there is a hollow-point long rifle round available?