I'd recommend getting a .22 LR to start out with. Either a rifle or pistol - rifle: Ruger 10/22 - great gun. pistol: Browning Buckmark. Just my two cents, but .22's are cheap and accurate - plus there a number of oppurtunities for competition with .22 LR pistols and rifles.
- M
P.S.
I am currently competing in a .22 LR NRA Bullseye Postal League. Results are posted
Here
(Me = Jonathan Holen (Wildlife))