Currently shoot a Pedersolli Remmington 44 blackpowder which surprisingly, I find quite a relaxing way to pass some range time. Bought a Pietta version immediately following "The Ban" but it was a complete crock and didn't last very long!
Back in the good ol' days, I cut my teeth on a Bull Barrel Ruger .22. Hated every bit of it and couldn't wait to buy my own. First and only .22 was a S&W Mod 41. Never felt the need to change. Fitting a Bowler grip took it to a new level and it would regularly outshoot the best of the "Euroguns". Also dabbled with the wifes old High Standard Olympic but it was a pain to get to feed consistantly. That got part-ex'ed for a Wather GSP, but I still preferred my S&W.
My first centrefire was a Taurus 66 .357Mag. bought mainly cause it was cheap and I'm a tight Scots git It was part-ex'ed for the ubiquetous S&W 586 and that now happily resides with a new found friend in the States, so the handgun ban did have an unexpected silver lining for me (up yours Blair!). The wifes S&W 19 also ended up over there with a new owner who has also become a friend (so up yours again Blair!). I still have my S&W 29 .44Mag albeit deactivated, and the wife still has her Nazi issue Walther PPK in similar condition. That one particularly gets my blood boiling. Here is gun with a bit of history and no doubt a few tales to tell and THEY wanted it demonised and scrapped! I wonder how many other historical artifacts have been destroyed at the whim of the anti gun crowd?
I had a bit of a chequered experience with semi's. My first was a Bernardelli P18? in 9mm. A huge hulk of a gun with an 18+1 capacity. Not a very practical design but it was quite reliable... until it went full auto on me one day and near took out the ranges CCTV system! That swiftly made way for a Tanfoglio Ultra IPSC commemorative in 9mm and .41AE. It also went Stateside along with the revolvers to Rich Davis of Second Chance fame but I dont know what became of it. Also had an ancient Star Mod B which was so clapped out it was an absolute bargain to get money for it from the government (so up yours again Tony )