If you are a rank beginner:
- start with a .22 so you can afford to learn to shoot correctly.
- start with a used wheel gun of high quality rather than a low quality new one.
While neither is ideal for concealed carry, why would you carry before you really know what you are doing? Learn what you need to know to keep yourself and others safe first, then concern yourself with the right gun. If money is an issue, as you said it was, even a .22 handled by someone who is well trained is better than an XDs .45 ACP in the hands of a neophyte. If you are going to carry, spend more on the training than on the gun.
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