Oliver S

I'm looking for a semi-automatic .22LR for plinking, but I've heard a lot of them tend to have a tendency to fail -to-feed or fail-to-eject, due to the low recoil generated to operate the gun. Does any one have FIRST-HAND experience with any semi-auto .22's that are accurate, and don't malfunction a lot? This will just be for some competition amongst friends and range shooting, so I don't need some sort of match-grade pistol that will break the bank. All the information I've found on the internet is from forums that seem either biased, or based on speculation.

My friends and I do some "speed" firing, so a revolver isn't really practical.

Ok, so after taking up range shooting as a hobby as directed by a friend, I have really enjoyed it and decided to purchase my first handgun, and am looking for some advice as to what to purchase.

Here are some parameters:

1. I have about $1k, give or take, to spend.

2. I want it to be semi-auto (I have access to many revolvers to borrow, and in the future I'm going to get a Colt Python, as I love them.)

3. I want it to be either .357 sig, .40 s&w, or .45 ACP. I don't have a problem with 9mm, I just enjoy the feeling/kick of a slightly larger caliber, and have the size and strength to handle one.

4. I want something durable, accurate, and with a good amount of modern features (various safeties, etc.) I am not going to be using this as a CCW or anything, just range and out-door shooting.

5. I live in Ohio, so I'm not subject to some of the more strict capacity regulations and such.

6. This is going to be something I shoot, but I also want it to retain value, as this is the first purchase in what I am sure is going to be a collection.

7. I'd like a picatanny rail for a laser sight. I like a laser sight because it allows me to focus on making sure my trigger finger is correct, I'll switch to iron sights when I'm sure that my handwork is completely correct.

8. Ideally I'd like a reflex scope, but I'm not sure those are practical on a pistol (which i guess is another question; are they available/practical?)

I have been eyeing the HK P30 in .40, as it seems like an awesome gun with a lot of what I'm looking for, but I've heard the double action and trigger reset are kind of bad. HK45 and Walther PPQ.

Any advice is appreciated.

Also, there is a Gun Show delivered by Heritage gun shows coming up, are these good places to find new firearms, or will I be sifting through beat-up Glocks and Hi Points all day?

I know this is many questions in one, but I'm hoping I can get some advice. Thank you all very much in advance!