[RKellogg]

I have been thinking about getting my pistol permit . What would be a good first hand gun . I am looking at more of a defence hand gun , something small so the wife can shoot it also if she has to . I was thinking about a Walter P22 .
I have been around guns all my life , almost 40 years , I have shot many hand gunns , just never got my permit .

[GRIZ22]

If you are thinking more of a defensive handgun you don't want a 22. You can make do with a 22 for defensive purposes but why make do? A lot of people say something small for the wife. Small is not easy to shoot. Short sight radius, more recoil and other factors may turn your wife off to shooting.

My first answer to your question is a 4" 357 magnum DA revolver S&W, Taurus, or Ruger. A used Colt will do as well. It is probably the ebst all around handgun. You can:

1. Fire an assortment of power levels from mild wadcutters to full magnums.
2. Not too big to conceal if required but big enough to shoot accurately easily.
3. With the ammo options available it will adequately take deer size game if need be or powerful enough for defensive use.
4. Revolvers are generally considered to be safer for the casual user than the semi auto.

My wife also likes revolvers as she doesn't have to worry about getting bit by the slide coming back. One less thing to concern herself with as far as she's concerned.

If you want a semi auto I'd get a 9mm. Ammo is relatively cheap and it's adequate for defensive use. Stay away from the smaller ones (like get a Glock 17 or 19 instaed of a 26) for the same ease of use factors mentioned above. You have to find what you'll like. Glock, Springfield Armory, S&W, Ruger and Taurus would be the ones I'd look at as they offer good value for the money.

[greener]

Although I wouldn't hesitate not to use a .22 in self defense, Griz22 is probably right about getting higher caliber handguns for strictly self defense. The "right" caliber for self-defense is a discussion without end.

If you have little experience with handguns, I'd suggest you start with a .22. They are much harder to shoot accurately than long guns. Groups you wouldn't be happy with with a long gun can be satisfying at 7 yards with a handgun. It takes a lot of practice to develop handgun skills. .22's have the advantage of being cheap to shoot and almost no recoil. You can get the basics down without breaking your wallet or your wrist.

The P22 (I have one) is not my favorite .22. It has the advantage of being small and light and looks cute. Although it is capable of reasonable accuracy, I'm having a devil of a time shooting it well. I'd suggest you look at the S&W22A, Ruger MKIII's or Buckmarks. All shoot very well and reliably.

[CWL]

I would suggest either a .38 spl revolver, or a single-stack 9mm semiauto.

.380 would be the minimum in primary self-defense pistols.

These are all calibers that the both of you should be able to comfortably fire if you practice and use the right selection of bullet.

[parisite]

A Makarov, 27 parts.........simplest semi-auto pistol ever made.

No more are being imported so get'em while you can.

[Don Lu]

I agree w/what has been said so far, a smaller gun will not be easier for your wife to handle. and for defense you'd probably want more than a 22. Glocks and Berettas are good easy to use and maintain autos and any 4" .357 revo from one of the big companies would be great as a first gun purchase.

[trueblue1776]

Go with your instinct, The P22 is a fine gun to get started with.

If you were having problems with crime I would recommend something more powerful. But just to get started, the P22 is an excellent choice, I love mine!