OK, since you want a simple answer and you're leaning toward a .22 cal pistol: Buy a Ruger SR22. The plain old model 3600 is fine. IMO, it's the best "do it all" .22 rim-fire pistol on the market and you should be able to get one in the $300 range.See, this is why I was avoiding the whole gun thing for so long. It gets so complicated. I come in with a simple question, like, "what is the part number of a good short-range raccoon ventilator?" and it starts simple. Then it goes off the rails, like shoe/purse shopping with my wife.
Then call Doug at Bear Creek Holsters and ask him to make you an OWB holster for it so you're not tempted to stuff it in your pants mexican-carry style when you go out to check whether any coons need killin'. Like this:
OK, that's an SR9C. Think of it as the SR22s big brother.
-Uwe-
Edit: I previously said "In the $300 range". Here's one for $270:
http://www.cdnnsports.com/ruger-sr22-22lr-da-sa-adjustable-sight-2-10rd-mags.html#.VCnjp2Nxlo8
H/T to Eric who can always find a bargain.
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