My introduction to firearms was through a Ruger Mark II, 22LR.
I grew up in a middle-class, suburban, non-firearms family. Not anti-gun, just not involved in firearms.
At 30 years old I finally got interested enough to purchase my Mark II. Back in the early 80's firearms instruction, per-se, was not readily available if you were not a member of the NRA or of a range or gun club. Most people learned firearms shooting and safety and maintenance from family or friends - but that was not my situation. So, I read up on firearms like a mad-man and taught myself up in the woods. It was good no one was around me in the early days.
After becoming proficient with the Mark II, I bought a stainless, SA, Beretta 70 in 380 ACP. Pretty gun, but not a user friendly pistol. I really learned a lot by becoming proficient with that platform.
Then came my first DA/SA - a S&W 456.
Ran DA/SA for a long time until 1999 when I purchased my first striker fired plastic pistol - Gen 3 Glock 26.
Since then I've run a whole lot of different platforms - except 1911.
Then, about a year ago I picked up my first 1911. A cheapie that I could dissect and alter and mess around with - a learning gun. (It shoots pretty well, too).
Just picked up my second 1911 in 45 ACP.
I think I may need to join "1911's Anonymous" pretty soon, as I can feel the addiction tugging at me.
Cheers.