automatic revolver, maybe?
I own both, and I enjoy shooting both. However, if I could only have one pistol (.22s excepted), I would go with a .357 mag revolver with a 4-inch barrel. Basically, it boils down to ruggedness and caliber. Less to go wrong on a revolver, and the .357 is, in my opinion, a perfect balance between power and "shootability". I know alot of you, given only one choice, would scoff at my choice and suggest a .44, and certainly that round is a winner, but for general purposes, its just too much, whereas I can shoot .357's and .38's all day long. In fact, I carry a .357 as my main gun, so that should tell you where I stand pretty clearly. However, when it comes to my all-time favorite caliber, .22, I actually have no preference. Currently I shoot a MkII and a H&R Sportsman, and I enjoy both a great deal. If I absolutly had to choose, I would probably go with the MkII only because I have shot one since I was a kid, but the reality of the situation is that I don't have to choose, and so I shoot and enjoy both equally.
Timbo
BTW, I know about the Metaba, and its automatic-revolverness, so please, don't beat me up about it!!!