A pistol from a major manufacturer, a quality 1911 or a Glock, which is what probably 90% of people use, in 9mm or more, with say 10 magazines (5 for carry, 5 for practice) a surefire type light with belt clip, a quality belt holster and at least one spare belt mounted mag carrier and a cleaning kit, eye protection and ear protection-preferably electronic. A Sig or Beretta, or even a Ruger or S&W auto would work also.  edit-and a quality gunbelt

Trijicon type sights I am almost willing to put on the necessity list, along with two holsters, one regular belt holster and a 2nd iwb holster of some type.

An identical, spare pistol would be a good next purchase if you can afford it, but really a training class should be next after getting the basic equipment.

Now all I need to do is tack this on a church door

Quoted: Ok, gimme your credit-card info so I can get started!

Take it out of your monthly beer budget!
Or buy used-hell how much is a used Ruger semi, $ 300?

Quoted: dont forget a good rifle martin luther (the origional) oh, and more mags!

This is posted in handguns, my AR lecture is scheduled for tomorrow. Sure more mags would be good, but you can get by on what I posted.

Quoted: Where did Aimless' post go, you know, the funny  one about how HK's are "Unreliable with commonly available ammo" ?

I was trying to keep this on track but not falling for your trolling. Yes HK's will not function with some commonly available ammo.edit-I mean the ones that shoot bullets, not the little glow in the dark plastic BBs, in case you weren't sure.

I would say btw this and your "funny jesus pictures" you are officially "on the radar"