All very valid points, unless you intend to practice with your handgun alot a small caliber in a gun thats more user friendly would be best. But for inside the home nothing as was mentioned is more likly to stop a attack or home invasion then a shotgun whether used or not. Aleast seem that way when I see US reports from after home invasions especially so in publications like American Rifleman which posts alot of their stories.

A Remington 870 or Mossberg 500 would make a good home gun, loaded with something like #4 or smaller to prevent it from injuring others then the target would be ideal.

Could you shoot a criminal? Possibly cause you already thought about getting a gun. Can you deal with the fact that cause a slug or heavier buckshot went through the wall, and you killed your neighbor or a loved one by accident? Don't think you could

Dimitri

Beckman54, Hey.. Maybe pick up a .22 pistol and plink away. Get used to using a hand gun, the .22 is a lot of fun to shoot. Then move up to something more suitable for self defence. a .38 cal or bigger..IMO. Good Luck

Beckman, we've tossed some ideas your way, how about sharing what you're thinking so far? I think we've all kinda assumed that you aren't an experienced shooter but we really don't know that.

Gidday Beckman...bit late to welcome you here, but what the hey....grab another beer mate.

All of the advice I have read here is good info. However, no doubt you are about as confused as they come by now.

Best advice I could give you now is to consider joining your local gun club, feel out the people there...sort the wood from the chaff, discarding those that you are not comfortable with or who just seem to waffle garbage. With some luck you will now have a couple of people whom you feel can give good advice/assistance. Shoot as many different types of pistols and shotguns as you can get your hands on....get a feel for what you are comfortable with.

Once you have done this find yourself a good, quality and most importantly, a reputable firearms instructor who can give you that final bit of assistance to help you make up your mind which way to go. I would suggest that you talk more with SwampFox. He is from your neck of the woods and will have the DS solution...correct answer...to many of the problems you may experience. Not only that but he is also a self defence instructor.

At the end of the day, the most important things are to be comfortable with your decision to carry, be comfortable and proficient with your chosen firearm and practice, practice, practice then practice some more. Of course all this practice is also a heck of a lot of fun too....something that the whole family can join in and enjoy as well.

Good luck with your mission mate.

Cheers, Vince

Some gun shops and ranges offer rental guns!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!