If you intend on shooting very much it makes a lot of sense to shoot 22 rimfire. Shooting is all about sight alignment and trigger control. This is true whether you are shooting pistol, rifle or shotgun. The pistol I carry the most is a Glock 27 compact 40 S&W and I carry a Glock 22 when in uniform. The pistol I shoot the most is a Glock 22 with an Advantage Arms 22 conversion kit. I usually have an AR 15 close at hand and I also have a couple of dedicated 22 rimfire AR 15's I use for training. I shoot a lot and have shot the biggest and baddest including the 500 S&W, 50 AE, 44 Mag Destert Eagel, 454 Casaull and 475 Linebaugh handguns. I've also shot 50 BMG bolt action rifles 460 Weatherby Magnum and 458 Winchester Magnum. My point is I can tolerate recoil but it really does nothing for my shooting ability and helps induce flinch. My recommendation would be to buy a 22 pistol or revolver and shoot it for the enjoyment. Once you've mastered the 22 and want to take the responsibility to carry concealed and train with a centerfire pistol you will have learned the basics. Like the previous poster stated shooting can become a very enjoyable addictive hobby. Here are some pictures of a few of my guns in 22 rimfire.
Rock Island 1911 with AA 22 conversion slide and different grips
DPMS AR 15 dedicated 22 rimfire upper with E O Tech sight
Savage 22 rimfire bolt action rifle with 3 X 9 AO scope
AKT 98 dedicated 22 rimfire training rifle.
