Adam5 may I suggest
one thing. This suggestion is based on my own past practices and regrets. If I have, say $300 extra, and promise myself a new gun, or whatever, I will set out to spend that money and often buy too hastily just because I have the dollars to buy something. So, may I suggest taking it slowly on buying something. Get some reference books on guns and look through for what you are interested in. Do a little research on what the members here suggest. Develop, in your mind, one or two or three different models that appeal to you and then go checking the shops and shows. Do NOT buy the first thing you see unless you have spent some quality time researching and know what your target item is (no pun intended). When you find one of the models your interested in pick it up and try it out as much as possible and talk with the seller about it and other gun people. I think that if you do this, and make a seriously considered purchase, you will have a much better chance of making a purchase that you not regret. And, also I agree with a lot of opinions about a SW, or perhaps, Colt 38 special or the like.