A revolver requires little to no training, goes bang 99.99999% of the time, and come in very potent calibers. So what if you need half moon or full moon clips? Its not like you load a semi without a magazine. If you need more than 6 rounds, you dont need to be staying in the firefight.

+1 on the CZ-75 in 9mm. CZ-85 if you hang with any lefties, it's the ambi model.  It really is a honey of a gun for an obscene price.  When it comes time to carry in a few years, get a RAMI and stick with a familiar pattern.  9mm is cheaper than .45 for practice.. About half the price at wallyworld.  15 rounds with cheap hicaps makes for fun at the range.  The problem with cheap 1911's is they are often cheap 1911's  I love my .45 to death, but it wouldn't be cool on a 16 year old budget.

Quoted: Have you considered an EAA Witness?

+1

Used you can find them around $275.
New they run about $375.

I just picked up a new 10mm not too long ago and bought 2 x 15rd mags for $25 each from
www.eaacorp.com

My buddy has a 9mm Witness and loves it.

I also agree that the Rock Island .45 is worth a look but if you are on a budget .45acp get expensive fast.
$275 www.gunbroker.com/auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=24396431

EAA witness is a wonderful pistol. I own a full sized wonderfinish 10mm, and its a nut cracker.