[Jeff Higgins]

This is an awful lot like saying "I'm going driving with my girlfriend tomorrow. While I have never driven a car before, she has and wants me to learn. Any tips?"

Yes, it is that complicated. Shooting, that is. Your first day behind the wheel of a car should probably be in some rather slow, boring, automatic transmissioned sedan. Shooting is the same way; don't start with something that will be intimidating and difficult to use. It sounds like a simple task (as does driving), but your first few efforts will be rather overwhelming.

The easiest, least intimidating introduction will always be the .22 rim fire. Rifles are always easier to learn to hit with than hand guns (actually hitting something is fun, and the point of the whole exercise anyway). RPKESQ is spot on; start with the rifle if you can. Most indoor ranges will allow the use of a .22 rifle.

If, for some reason, you do need to start right in with a hand gun, make it a .22 as well. Revolvers are simpler and safer than autos. There is far less to do, and it's far easier to ensure one is not loaded and safe when need be.

If your girlfriend is supplying the gun(s), it may be more important to use what she brings than to listen to us. She has made the offer and is putting in the effort, not us. Hopefully she brings a .22 for you. If not, make do, don't insult her with advice we have given you, and have fun. If it sparks an interest in you, then get back with us and we'll provide some advice (and argue vigorously among us) concerning which kind of gun you should get, or if you should rent one (and which kind). For now, just go with the flow. Be safe.