As far as versatility goes, it's hard to beat a 12 Ga. pump shotgun. About the only thing it won't do is conceal easily. (I don't know if that is a consideration for you or not.) This one firearm gives you the capabilty to hunt everything from birds on up to really large bears. Loaded with buckshot, it may be the most fearsome weapon available to the average American "civilian". If you really have to drop the hammer on a bad guy in the house, then the noise will probably be the last thing on your mind. As with any firearm, beware of overpenetration.

The .22 long rifle round will indeed kill the bad guy, but the question is whether or not it will kill him before he sticks his screwdriver in your neck. If you decide to defend yourself with a handgun, then you want a fightstopper. I think the suggestion of a 4-6" .38/.357 revolver is a good starting point. Gunstores are full of outstanding used examples from Smith and Wesson, Ruger, and Colt. Later models of Taurus will also do the job. Practice with the .38 Special, and load the .357 for defense. You can still get the .22--they are fun guns to shoot, and you can never have too much practice.

An excellent resource for firearms safety is the NRA. Stereotypes aside, I have also found the people at local gun/hunt clubs to be well informed and safety minded, and that would be a good place for you and your family to get started. Good luck--I think your choice to defend yourself is the right one.

Regards, Vince