Originally Posted by
TheRX7Project
I love my Ruger 10/22 Carbine. It's way more accurate as a gun than I am as a shooter (unless I get down with the bipod). You can usually find them used for under $200.
Another recommendation I may make, if you want home defense, is a New England Firearms 12ga pump. I stole mine from Gander for a mere $135 including transfer fee and tax. Even though it's not really a "name brand" it still gets excellent reviews, and although I haven't shot it much, I have had zero problems thus far.
Like stated, what exactly do you want to do with it? If it's for plinking / fun, just get a .22LR rifle or pistol. It'll be reliable, it'll be cheap, it'll be accurate, and the ammo is like a nickel a shot. If absolutely needed, it'll work in a bind, but definitely not a primary defense weapon.
If you need a home defense weapon, you can never go wrong with a 12ga pump. I don't buy into the hype about the "sound of a racking round scares off most criminals", but a few ounces of buckshot, or better yet a slug, will stop them no problem. Plus, skeet shooting is fun.
If you really really want pistol, you're going to be spending more than $150 for anything worth shooting (unless it's a .22)