^^^^^ Yup, agree completely. I wouldn't really consider carrying my Ruger 9mm (I carry an H&K .357) just because I don't like the power of a 9mm, but for general plinking and whatnot, it's a great gun b/c of the cheap ammo. On mine, I've had a few FTE's but never a FTF, and I'm approaching 6000 rounds through that gun. However, since I don't carry it, I can easily clear the malfunction on the range and keep firing. I think the malfunctions are a part of less exact tolerances in manufacturing, but probably also from parts wear. In guns, you definitely get what you pay for.
I think he was just asking for something to shoot as a first gun. I personally wouldn't recommend that someone go out and drop more than $300 or so on a gun if it's their first gun. Some might disagree, but a person can buy a whole lot more ammo with the money they save on the gun which means a lot more practice time than with the more expensive gun. Then, if they really like shooting, down the road they can upgrade to a better/more expensive pistol.
FWIW, my Ruger was my first pistol, a P95 9mm, got it for about $215 on sale.