Indoor range? Don't stand next to someone firing a .44 mag (or any other "hand-cannons"). The percussion will scramble your brain and you'll have a headache the rest of the day. I can't shoot @ indoor ranges.
Outdoor range, if available, is preferable. Wear good eye/ear protection, regardless.
First pistol? Revolver, .357 mag. You can target with .38 specials then work your way up to magnum rounds. An old "highway patrolman" is ideal. When not using it to shoot, you can use it to hammer nails around the house:
