I assume you and your father don�t have any guns and don�t know much about guns. If you do then my suggestions will be off base. I would suggest getting some training before buying anything. Learn the 4 basic firearms rules. See if you can try out a few guns during training. If you can�t or don�t really want the training go to a range and rent a few guns so you can test them out.

I should state that the 9mm, 40cal, 45acp, and probably the 10mm are not the best hunting cartridges.

Now, I don�t think you will get a Glock 18 as they are full auto and they are few and far between. Not to mention that they cost an arm and a leg and require federal registration.

I agree with Bill in Oregon that the Ruger Mk II is a great beginner pistol. If you add a scope it can be used to hunt small game like rabbits and squirrels. It is not a self defense gun. After you know the Ruger go get a personal protection gun.

But here is another option, buy a normal Glock in 9mm, 40cal, 10mm, 45acp and get a conversion unit to 22lr. This way you can practice with the 22lr most of the time and have the center fire cartridge for personal protection.
The problem is that this configuration will cost you almost the same as buying a Glock in center fire cartridge and a Ruger in 22lr.

The same conversion idea will also work with a Beretta 92 and a 1911.

Critter: If you want a semi-auto, I would strongly recommend a Ruger .22 with adjustable sights. Get one with a bull barrel, and you will be competitive in target competition, too. My first non-black powder pistol was a Ruger .22 and learning to hit ground squirrels taught me a lot about pistol shooting.