[FateAmenableToChange]

Purpose is key.

Self Defense - H&K USC Compact in 9mm or .45 is my top choice, followed by the Glock 26, 27, 28 or 31 in 9mm, .40 s&w, .45 & .45 rexpectively; followed by Para-Ordinance in LDA; followed by everything else.

IDPA / IPSC / PCP match shooting - H&K USC match grade in .45; Kimber Custom Match in .45 or the Glock 21 (also .45). For IPSC, Para Ordinance in .45.

.22 Pistol (i.e., bullseye matches) - Ruger .22, heavy barrel, price limited only by how hard you want to compete.

Plinking and shooting beer cans off your fence rail - Ruger .22 is far away the best, followed by browning buckmark.

If you're in Michigan, the best place for a combination of price and selection is Jay's Sporting Goods in Clare. I've never been in Guns Galore in Fenton but it's supposed to be pretty good too. Don't buy at a gun show - prices and guns generally s&ck.

[1Old Pro]

.22 Pistol (i.e., bullseye matches) - Ruger .22, heavy barrel, price limited only by how hard you want to compete. Plinking and shooting beer cans off your fence rail - Ruger .22 is far away the best, followed by browning buckmark.

What's the approx. price range of these?