[quote name='tiredfornow']Yeah I've fired a handgun a couple of times out in the country, but I'd just be using the gun for shits and giggles, fire off a few rounds when I'm not feeling too hot or something.. but I'm pretty responsible and can withstand the kick of a gun and what not.
plus I live in some apartments where break-ins happen all the god damned time, and if my car was broken into once more and I was up for it, I'd scare the shit out of that person.

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Well, regarding the first comment, I'd suggest a .22LR handgun. They're cheap as is, and the ammo is like five bucks for 100 rounds. Very inexpensive, and fun as

to plink with. I'd suggest a SIG Mosquito.
As for the second remark, a .22LR handgun won't cut it for defense, heh. If I were you, I'd choose the Taurus PT99 AF-D. I have the PT99 AF model, the -D means it has a decocker and can speak from personal experience that this handgun is awesome.
It is 9mm, and has an odd sort of action where a block inside the frame drops down as the barrel recoils, rather than the tilting action like the 1911. It is a full-size handgun, but I have big hands so it's not really a problem. They're easy to disassemble, they're reliable to shoot, and they're cheap. The sights are pretty damn nice, and you can get new ones by shipping the slide to Taurus. 9mm is a great round, especially if you use hollowpoints, but those'll run about $20 for 25 rounds, but they're worth it. The PT-99 AF usually runs around $400. I have pictures if You'd like to know more. Still working on the AR stuff...