Another somewhat overlooked option are the now pricey M1 carbines. With commercial softnose cartridges in a compact package this is a very effective house gun. I stick to advocating my bread and butter approach, though my last few social engagements used anything but! There was something about my C96 Mauser AND a Colt New Service 7 1/2" Target in .45 that intimidated this would be antagonist with his Jennings .25 held sideways. <img src="/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Either one would make an impression on me. But I'll bite... why did you have both? And why was someone antagonizing you with a little .25 like that?

ironraven,

That is a great idea to keep the key in the lock at night! <img src="/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

I was walking out of shooting range with a off duty officer! This genius gangmember figured it was a good location to upgrade. My shooting partner allready had his off duty piece drawn and moving around my right side. I merely used Butch Cassidy's motivational technique ( and reason for carrying the 7 1/2' SAA) and banged the New Service HARD on my assailant's nose. <img src="/images/graemlins/blush.gif" alt="" />

In most locations, you might have a point. The original poster lives in California, where (AFAIK) anything larger than a 10-round magazine is illegal. There is something nice about a 15-round mag, but not if owning one will get you arrested.

Given this restriction, a Glock will only hold four rounds more than a revolver. I say go for the revolver.

Now, if a person wants to shoot as a hobby, a nice little 9mm semi-auto will be far easier on the wallet for an hour or two at the range than any other centerfire caliber known to man. Semi-autos are also simply more fun than revolvers, IMHO. But that is another discussion entirely.

You have received so much good advice already, (most of which I actually agree with!!!), that I am going to say only one thing, and it is the most important, and can not be said too many times: If you are going to have a firearm of any kind for self protection, you MUST have the mindset to actually use the weapon against another human being when the time comes. You will not have time to think it over then. If you have not already made that decision and the time comes, you will end up with the bad guy having your gun.

And you must know the laws re lethal force in your area(some states will allow you to shoot anyone who enters your residence uninvited, others will fry you).

You will probably be arrested on the spot, and the bad guy, or his survivors, will try to sue you for wrongfull death, you name it.

So be prepared for the aftermath of your actions. Then blast the SOB!!!

You called? <img src="/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

-Blast

Statistically, that is when you are most likely to need it. By the time you have opened the drawer, found the key, and remembered which way it turns, you are awake. The funny space between asleep and awake, your brain isn't running so well, you are working as if you were drunk.

Or did I miss the compliment and mistake it for sarcasm? *scratching behind ear* If so, sorry, been a long day.

Me, I always looked at the guys who keep the cocked and locked .45 under the pillow as a DIY lobotomy waiting to happen. And it can't be comfortable to sleep on.

hahahahahaaaa

What are the odds???

No sarcasm.

I have wondered if I woke up in the middle of the night if I would put the key in backward, be in panic mode and break it off and not be able to get to my Glock 23.