[SScattergunSS]

The thing is, if it's for HOME DEFENSE, and if you're only going to buy one gun, it has to be a quality double action revolver! The main reason is because there is so much less that can go wrong with a double action revolver as opposed to a semi automatic handgun. For example, if you pull the trigger and it goes click instead of bang, all you have to do is pull the trigger again. If you do that with an auto, you will have to take that little extra amount of time to clear it to get it back in action. With practice, you can do it very quickly, but it still takes time, and that may not be something you'll have the luxury of. Also, if one of your hands is out of action, for any multitude of reasons, such as a broken arm, having just been wounded yourself, having ahold of the bad guy, or simply being covered in blood (regardless of who's it is), you will be very hard pressed to clear any malfunction should one occur.

Only get a blue or black finish...stay away from stainless steel, and most especially nickel plated finishes. You don't want anything that's could shine if you can avoid it. A slight glint of light bouncing off the gun (although very rarely) could effect your own eyesight for a split second. It also could give your position away if you're either trying to hide or trying to gain a positional advantage.

There is a great combat revolver Smith & Wesson made awhile back. It was a remake of their Model 27, but this time they gave it an eight round cylinder. It's a .357 Magnum, with your choice of either a four, or six inch barrel. The 4" would probable be your best bet...but if you can afford it, buy 'em both!!!

There are some other ones to consider as well, but to get the RIGHT one, you mave have to buy one of the older ones. Even though they will be "used", don't worry about it! A good gunsmith will let you know if it's still in good shape. The calibers to look at are, .41 Magnum, .44 Special, .44 Magnum, and the .45 Long Colt. If you go with one of the Magnums, you really don't want to be using full power loads. If you keep the velocity down around 1100 feet per second, (maybe closer to 1200 for the .357), that will give you more than enough power. If you go with the .45 Long Colt, (not to be confused with the .45 ACP round used in the auto's) you can get some loads from 975-1050 feet per second, while still throwing a very heavy bullet out there, which would be very effective.

Now, if you're willing to buy more that one gun, get a good shotgun. A shotgun should be your first choice in any situation, that allows the use of a shotgun. You're revolver will be right there on you should you need it, but let the scattergun do most if not all the work.

One other thing, don't underestimate the value of top quality knife no matter what gun you buy! In you find yourself in real close with a bad guy, it will be alot more valuable than ANY GUN!!!

If you want to, send me a private message with you phone number. I'll call you back on my dime...I don't care. I can convey more info interacting with you, rather than just typing.

On a final note, remember, Murphy's Law always applies! If it can go wrong, it will! Always have not only a second backup plan, but a thrid and fourth one as well.