My first was a 22 revolver. I liked revolvers as a kid and really didn't consider a semi-auto pistol at the time. I bought an inexpensive revolver, a H&R 999, shot it a couple of years and learned the ropes. I had no plans for another handgun of any kind then. Defense was not an issue. There were no ranges that rented handguns that I was aware of and there was no range period within a reasonable distance. We just headed to the woods and shot. Up to that point in my life, I had never shot a handgun of any caliber. After a few years and life had settled down a bit, I started buying Colt's. My first semi-auto was a High Standard Victor (22lr). It was not cheap. The H&R has disappeared a long time ago, but still have most of the Colts and the HS. Since that time, I have other semi-autos now, but my love has always been with 22 revolvers.
I was pretty frugal (read, cheap) and didn't understand why a Colt or Smith cost so much more than a High Standard, Charter Arms, Ruger, or H&R revolver at that time. There were no forums and you learn as you go. It is one of the reasons that I try not to be too hard on new shooters who are considering a Heritage Rough Rider 22. It is more important to take the plunge and begin to learn and shoot than it is to choose the ultimate handgun the first time out of the gate.
I recommend folks buy a 22 the first time and follow up with something like a 38spl, 9mm, 40 S&W, or 357 next depending on your preference for a revolver or semi-auto. Buy new first and then after you learn a few things, start looking at used guns. Nothing wrong with new guns. That is what keeps the wheels of commerce greased.
A carry gun was never a major deal for me even though I have a concealed carry permit. I do have several carry guns now. I have the permit because of the work I do and I have always liked to keep a handgun in my vehicle loaded. Loaded is illegal in my state unless you have a CCW permit. I just decided to get legal on the off chance it would cause me a problem in the future. I never carried then unless the situation that I was in placed me in potential danger and I had no choice as to being there.