Sounds like many of you made a mental decision to purchase handguns and rifles. I had all of the opposite motivations.
I was given my first rifle in 30-30; so that caliber holds a special consideration.
I purchased my first scoped rifle (on consignment in a bow hunter's shop) because it "looked good and felt better", which happened to be a post-64 Win Model 70 Featherweight in 270 caliber, then hand loaded it for accuracy - never looking back.
My first handgun was a gift. A 'hog-leg' 7" bbl. Ruger Super Blackhawk in convertible 45 ACP and Long Colt, won by my brother...a staunch non-gun owner...for a $5.00 raffle ticket. It holds a very special place in my collecton.
My 1911 in 45 ACP was a purchase from a fellow NRA Member/at-work associate, sadly dying from cancer, along with his 9mm "Tec-Nine", which I immediately gave away to my friend-hunting host-and a GW in SC because he said it "looked 'Rambo' awesome" and would use it at the Hunter Check Stations for the "visual effect" (hehe).
Following my niece's boyfriend's handgun suicide, I purchased most of her & his handguns, which is the bulk of my arsenal of handguns.
The only conscientious effort to purchase a caliber was my twin 223's (16" carbine and 22" sniper bbls.), which are M-4 clones and built for my son's 18th birthday. We're having a ball together blowing up ammunition. Best Father/Son interaction we have had ever and I would recommend this to all Dads.