Do not think you are ignorant...This is a great choice of firearm...hard to get ammo though (and it more often then not...is corrosive)
So...what do you really want?
Target, personal protection....just plain fun?
Think about it, then make your move...
So...I have a Kahr PM9 - personal protection (though a 5-6 shooter would be better)
I have a Walther P22 - nice handgun target (Semi Auto)
Just got a Ruger SR-22 - Love it - 22lr AR variant with 10/22 options and AR-15 options...highly recommend this bad ass long riffle target assault weapon trainer...yeah I get it, it does not break down like an assault riffle but really? It has all the Ruger 10/22 aftermarket options and all the AR-15 toy options for fun/tactical applications...like you really need a 22lr AR to break down as a trainer...if you can not figure out a .223/5.56 AR than you should re-think shooting in general silly person...
Bringing my "guns" to the show...

leasantry:
...NOTE - I am having fun here- at my expense, not trying to offend...so on the serious end if you need any advice contact me, I do not know everything but I can at least ask the guy who I took my class to get my state certification...the laws are hard to navigate...I am from AZ and trying to fall within the law in MA is just as hard in NY so do not be intimidated.I know my local authorities and do the right thing and network...I know the Police captain in my town, this goes along way! They are not your enemy...but a great resource...use them. If you are going to travel, get out of state permits for those states if it is going to be a regular thing, I have a VT, NH and a FLA permit. The FLA will get you most of the east coast.
I Belong to the Massachusetts Rifleman Association (
MRA home page) Oldest gun club in the USA! Remember YOU ARE THE ADVOCATE FOR THE FUTURE! And remember in the end guns should be fun so a club is a way to meet people you normally would not hang out with.
Do I sound like your dad yet????