gnfanatic: As if you need some additional advice after all this, but..
Most of my pistol-shooting for about 20 years was annual qualifications with the Army Reserves, and then I had a 10-year break after retirement. I decided a while back that it might be fun to shoot pistols again. Shooting .22lr was the least expensive way to relearn how to shoot. After trying a few pistols, I started with a Smith & Wesson 22A-1. Its a great gun to learn (or relearn) with and cost <$200. I liked it better than the Rugers I tried, and for $200, if I decided I really didn't want to shoot, I wasn't out much. Besides, you can get 550 rounds of .22lr for $9, less than the cost of 50 rounds of the higher calibers. I've since added a Ruger Mark III Hunter, instead of buying the 1911 I intended to buy. Shooting .22 pistols requires the same mechanics as larger caliber's and save $$$ in the learning curve.
All the recommendations above a good pistols. I'm surprised that no one mentioned a Sprinfield MilSpec. (A Kimber Custom II, .45ACP, makes one ragged hole at 15 yards, but then so does the Milspec)
For $800 you can start with something like an S&W 22A, Ruger or Browning Buckmark and get something like a Milspec or Springfield XD.
With the advice above, pick what you want to shoot, for what ever reason. Pick the model/style/make that feels comfortable and you like.