First handgun

Why buy new?

Find a used Ruger, Browning Buckmark (in my neck of the woods, they tend to be more expensive), or revolver. Smith, Ruger, even Taurus.

Any of those three will be less picky than the P22, and thus even cheaper if you can use, say, Federal bulk instead of Minimag or the like.

agreed with above, dont buy new. ask your uncle for advice and have him come with you when you buy to inspect some used guns.

CZ 82 they're ugly but nothing shoots finer. Do some research on them.

A used Ruger MKI/II/III semi auto .22 would be great.

Your budget makes it very tough. I would suggest the Ruger Mark II or III, or Browning Buckmark in 22LR as the more cost effective choice where quality is a concern. The cheapest 22's will likely be a Heritage Rough Rider (single action) or a used H&R. The well liked Ruger Single Six will be close to the price of the Ruger Mark II and III used.

A GOOD .22 revolver or semi-auto pistol is a lifetime investment. Even if or when you get something bigger for other purposes later, it's always there for inexpensive target practice and plinking fun.

Budsguns is selling the ISSC Austrian made 22lr pistol for $199. Don't know a lot about them but they look interesting. I agree with the poster who suggested The Heritage Roughrider as a good starter gun also.

Before you have a gun shipped to a dealer, you talk to them and ask what their transfer fee is if you have a gun shipped to them. They will also have to provide a copy of their FFL license to the dealer who is shipping the gun to them. Your gun just doesn't show up at a dealer out of the blue and you go pick it up.

The cheapest new 380 ACP is made by High Point as far as I know. Not much of a range gun, but something you could carry if you chose to.

You need to think about your priorities. Is the gun to be used at the range mostly or do you intend to get a carry permit and carry it? It probably will make a difference on the size of the gun you choose. Larger framed guns are easier to learn to shoot with regardless of caliber but harder to conceal. It is unlikely that you will conceal a single action revolver in 22 or any caliber. But they are cheaper in general for general shooting than many of the other choices. A 22 is not the best choice for home defense, but it will do in a pinch especially if you plan on buying other guns later. Some would simply say to buy the larger caliber first. I think it is better to learn to shoot first and carry later. A 22 is certainly the least expensive option in the long run if you consider ammunition costs and they are the easiest to learn to shoot with since you can concentrate on the basics and not be affected by recoil concerns.

Save up some more money and get a Ruger Mark III or Browning Buckmark. Or go with a larger sized pistol like a Glock 9mm.

If you are on a very tight budget, .380 ammo will kill you.
Get a used .22, you'll be able to shoot more.

Used Mark II, save up for a buckmark, Mark III or P22 if you really want one. My P22 likes the Federal bulk.

I agree on the .22, but my preference would be a revolver. I think revolvers are better to use to master trigger control. As was previously mentioned, these guns will serve a lifetime for inexpensive practice and building basic skills. I have taught several of my friends how to shoot, and we always start with my old Taurus 94 revolver. It's a 9-shot .22 cal.

Save a little longer until you have about $300 or so. In the meantime, shop around and compare the Browning Buckmark and the Ruger MK series. Buy the one you prefer.

Ammo will be cheap as dirt compared to centerfire ammo. Save your money towards a good centerfire gun for defense while you are practicing with the 22lr, which you will want to keep for a lifetime.

There are many good quality used centerfire guns. The best values will be Glocks, XD's, and 357 revolvers. There are a few bargain 1911's too. Figure out the market in your area for those guns. Be patient. If it takes 6 mos to save $100-$200 more and get the right gun, its a better choice in the long run.

Just my two cents. Good luck.

For $200 you're looking at a used S&W 22A. For a little more you can get a Buckmark Camper.