Yep, Chris, you hit the nail on the head with that one.

Thank God, another woman on this board! <img src="/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Welcome!

I didn't notice anyone advising you to get some training before you get a firearm, so I will.

I also agree with the .38/.357 revolver recommendations for a handgun, and the 12 gauge with 00 buck for a long gun.

OK, without this falling into a guns debate, let me give you just some dry facts.
temper what you read here with the fact that I am an NRA life member (also a member of the ACLU and a host of other traditionally "left" and "right" organizations)

First of all, a gun won't make you safer, won't protect you from harm, and won't do a damn thing to improve your lot in life unless you know how it works, know how to shoot and always remember that shooting skills are terribly perishable.

Secondly, having a gun does not mean a bad guy will magically drop when shot like in the movies. In fact, there's plenty of times that people are shot multiple times and keep coming. So don't think "boom" = "safe" - it's much more than that.

So, without having gone through the whole list of replies to your post, I'll just put in that the guns that are easiest to operate "effectively" - as in you'll probobly HIT what you point at are, in order, a shotgun, a rifle, a handgun.

I can't stress enough how much practice it takes to be a good shot with a handgun. Not just your initial practice, the ongoing, never-ending drilling you need. I also can't stress enough that a handgun requires extra-special dilligence in terms of responsible handling and storage.

If your intention is to scare off a looter, then probobly a shotgun is your best bet. In terms of popularity and usability, it comes down to two choices, the Remington 870 series and the Mossberg 500 series. I like the Mossberg 500 better than the 870, but that's a matter of how they handle and feel differently. In both cases I load my home defensive weapons with 1 round of #6 Shot (a fine, almost kosher-salt sized pellet of lead), 1 Round of #4 Shot (a bigger bit of lead), then 2 rounds of Buckshot - heavy large pellets.

HTH

Thanks for all the input, and your warm welcome!

I obviously have LOADS of learning to do. (Like the pun? <img src="/images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" />) We will certainly consider everyone's suggestions very carefully, and rest assured, there is no way that we'd purchase anything without serious training/instruction. I have tremendous respect for weapons in any form.

I suspected there were a few other females on the boards...I'm glad to know I won't be alone here! Also good to know that there are fellow OC people here! So, when the SHTF, I'll see you guys in gridlock on the 5?? lol

Regarding my husband's friend...he was pretty discreet about discussing the new gun. And I understand what you're saying about keeping it on the DL. They were actually in a discussion about some severely under-reported story out here about 2 guys that apparently were caught attempting to set fires outside L.A. recently. His coworker said that the story was really low key, but supposedly there was much more to it...not sure what the deal was, but he heard there were many more involved. As far as I know, it was a bunch of rumors; I have no idea where his info came from.
Anywho, his friend brought up the preparedness topic, and my husband mentioned that it would probably be a good idea to have extra food and water on hand "just in case."
The coworker agreed, and said he and his fiance are working with an area gun dealer, trying out different guns, and getting instruction. They won't get their 9mm until they are done with instruction. They have some emergency supplies on hand, and decided to get a gun that could be used to make sure they don't have to share their supply "unwillingly."

Thanks again to everyone! I look forward to reading & learning more on these boards!

It will be interesting to see what SgtMike88Ret has to say.

I lived in the San Diego area for about ten years when I was young.

I am not LE but was in the US Army for seven years and have been interested in the subject for the last 40 years. I have owned handguns in: .22, .380, 9mm, .38 spl, .40 S&W, .45 apc, .45 long Colt, .357 mag, .41 mag, and .44 mag. Self protection has been my primary interest. I have owned shotguns and rifles along the way. I have no loyalty to any brand of gun or caliber. If anything better comes along I?ll drop what I have and get what works the best.

Shotguns and rifles are deadly but not good for home defense. It is very hard to negotiate rooms and doorways in a dark house with a long gun. It is too easy to have the barrel where the bad guy (BG) can grab it. Having been there; one of the most stressful/dangerous situations is a knock on the door in the middle of the night. You are not going to answer the door with a shotgun or rifle in your hands. It is easy to hold a handgun along your leg (out of sight). If you are in contact range a long gun will be hard to control. A handgun can be held close to your side (chest) and fired out of reach of the BG. A quick push and retract with your weak hand will put the BG where you want him. If the BG is able to grab the front of your handgun: take a step back and the muzzle will be pointing where it will do the most good.

I hate handgun advice to new shooters. They always recommend something the new shooter will transaction out of. Why not have them start with guns we end up with? Look around at the people you see everyday carrying handguns: the police. What are they carrying? Glock handguns. Why? They are simple and reliable. What caliber are they using? .40 S&W hollow points. Why? It gets the job done. If it?s good enough for the people that are in danger of getting in a gunfight everyday it should be good enough for us. I use the Glock 23.

What about light? A tactical light mounted on the rail of the Glock is a wonderful thing. I use an M3. Before you shoot you have to identify your target. The ?I didn?t know it was the drunken neighbor? will not cut it in court. Second, it will temporarily blind the BG while you take care of him. Tritium night sights can?t be beat! Focus on the front sight and concentrate on the trigger pull!

Like the man said: "shooting skills are perishable." If you don?t practice you will have false confidence about your skills. 50+ rounds once-a-month is a good minimal skill maintenance level. Professional training is great if you can get it. If not, get some videos on self defense with a handgun.

What about storage? Get a small document firebox. Line it with foam and keep your handgun loaded and locked up.

For fun and practice you can get an Advantage Arms .22lr slide adapter. I have one and it works great! Accurate and reliable! <img src="/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" />



What does Mr. Ritter carry? A Glock 22 .40 S&W. on your own

i would suggest that you undergo some compentent training first and then consider what type/cal., etc. weapon you should consider. [color:"red"] [/color] [color:"][/color"]

Find a well-run range. Take a safety course. Learn how to shoot various firearms by renting them at the range and have a qualified instructor help you. Pick ones that fit your physical capabilities. You'll soon enough know which weapon with which you are most comfortable (say that 3 times real fast). As others have stated, simple - safe DA pistol or shotgun with small shot - but use what feels best to you. And practice. Don't forget to purchase plenty of rounds and come back to the range now and then to brush up. And before you buy, brush up on your local and state firearm laws (the range instructur should be a big help there as well).

It's a large mental and social committment when you purchase a gun, so consider all variables that you can *before* you buy. Be prepared for WHAT *could* happen, including defending your life by taking another, or the accidental harm that could happen. Always - Always verify your target. I like the light idea mentioned earlier. As a long time gun enthusiast, whenever anyone tells me that they are buying a gun for the first time, my first question is not a breathless "which one!" but a subdued and thoughful "why?"

Actually, with revolvers, it's really easy and really cheap:

Open the cylinder, and put a padlock around the topstrap. For obvious reasons, I recommend a key rather than a combination lock. The key can be put into the lock every night, but you have to remember to take it out in the morning, otherwise it is self defeating; either that, or hang the key in a near by but inconspicous place (like behind the headboard on a lanyard that you can find by feeling quickly). A high end padlock runs about 12-15 dollars, and if the cylinder won't close, a revolver is a poor club- safer than that is hard to do with a firearm.

I just wanted to throw out a few ideas that haven't been covered, one, Massad Ayoob writes some decent books. I'd recommend In the Gravest Extreme as a starter text. I don't agree with all of Mr. Ayoobs teachings, however this book is excellent.

Second, depending on stature, a 20ga shotgun may be a better choice for you. I know all the arguments about a 12ga is bigger etc, but a 20ga is faster for subsequent shots and you can get rounds that are fairly comprable. Just an idea.

Last though, you are roughly 8 hours from arguably one of the best training facilities available to civilians in the US and the world, which is Gunsite. (www.gunsite.com) Training there is top notch. There are a lot of people who claim to know about something and frequently don't. It's unfortunate and until you have enough knowledge to see through the smoke and mirrors you can get some bum info. A course there would not be the cheapest and it would be quite a drive, but may be worth your while.

One more thing, there is a lot of information and responsibility when it comes to gun ownership, don't get discouraged. Also, as Chris mentioned, everyone has an opinion, think large grain of salt when dealing with people <img src="/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />