Before I bought my first I did a ton of research. Was on a budget and found what was perfect at the time.
Got a c&r and had a cz82 delivered.
Still like that little ugly thing.
Smith and Wesson 686 with 4" barrel bought brand new around 1986. Still shoot it today. There's nothing I don't like about it and it just looks badass.
First I ever both shot and owned is my Ruger P95. Looking back, I wish I would have spent the money on the M&P 9 to begin with. It's way too clunky and the M&P isn't that much more costly.
I had been given a 1911 colt by my grandfather but the first gun I bought myself was a colt special agent 2 in barrel in 38 special. Still have both of them and that is over 40 years ago.