i just had this conversation with zero nine. when it comes to owning one gun for self defense there are only two numbers you need to know. four-five. i told him to go with a springfield xd. but if you're counting in the cost of ammo etc, buy a good 1911 and get the conversion kit for .22 that way you can plink and practice for cheap, and then put in the big boy barrell for making holes in more than just paper targets.