9 mm was what I was going with until couple of my friends (they're volunteer deputies) completely laughed at me for being a woman. Not that I care too much about that, but it does seem like you'd grow out of 9 mm pretty quickly kind of like when you grow out of 250cc motorcycle pretty quickly into 500cc if not 1000cc.
If these friends possess any wisdom on the general issue, they are concealing it brilliantly.
Thanks.
Also, would you recommend a stock AR-15 for a first timer? I was planning on buying a G21SF but looking at the real ones made me want a rifle more. I was thinking about M700 but the bolt action is tad bit annoying.
If I can get AR-15 at a gun show under $650, that would be a good deal, no?
An AR is a fine rifle and can be a good value. I would read a lot about the specific components you are thinking about buying. What barrel length, gas tube length and barrel type (4140, 4145, stainless, melonite treated) and contour (government, pencil, heavy)?
That an AR is a fine rifle doesn't make it an ideal first firearm. Cost of ammunition, report and complexity may work against a focus on basics of position and accurate use, and the trigger may be heavier than you will find on many 22lr bolt action rifles.
Perhaps more important than where you buy your first firearm is who helps you in refining your choice. Having a friend who has been in the hobby for a while and can give advice (this means listening to and addressing your questions rather than just telling you what to do) will give you a leg up.
What is your budget?
What shooting venues are available to you?
At what distance do you reasonable foresee shooting?
Someone already in the hobby will be able to provide basic guidance. If you are limited to a 25 yard indoor range requiring expensive frangible rifle ammunition, an AR is an awful first firearm.