My wife has expressed an interest in learning to use a weapon for self/home defense and my suggestion was to have her train on a handgun. ( I minimally train and qualify on one for work purposes, but am not an expert) . A law-enforcement friend has suggested that a shotgun might be more appropriate for the purpose and believes that a standard (and locally available) 8 hour course would provide adequate training. Neither of us do any shooting for sport or hunting purposes. I don't know anything about shotguns or their advantages and disadvantages, and am frankly skeptical that one 8 hour course would be enough for someone to be properly trained. Any opinions or direction to a source of information would be greatly appreciated. <br><br>Thanks much.....Robb