[SteveStromberg]

A 22 revolver would be good at theaching the basics.Cheap to shoot and no recoil. get at least a 6 inch barrel.Contact you local NRA chapter and attend a Gun Safety class
Here is a good sight to check out.
http://www.shootersexchange.com/ruger_pistols_revolvers.cfm

http://www.davidsonsinc.com/consumers/subsites/inven_sql.asp?dealer_id=15&preview=&dealer_id=retail&manufact_combo=Ruger&category_combo=None&price_range=None&mod_ser_combo=None&g_type=None&finish_type=None&calib_combo=None&sight_class_combo=None&num_rec=50&instock=all&offset_rec=0&b1.x=41&b1.y=5