Originally Posted by bisquit

I've digested all the information you've all provided. A shotgun never crossed my mind, but I did my homework. I thought searchingly about caliber and gun manufacturer and looked at a lot of photos. I became neurotic over gun barrel length and there was no way I could compromise. I was either buying strictly for home and 4" stainless and no big deal about weight, or home and away from home where I favored a snubbie around 1 lb. and no hotter than 38 special whereas the .357 would be okay for my dresser drawer in a heavier weight.

I can get a 410 very cheap, free in fact to fulfill the shotgun part. I've decided that even as cheap as I am, I'm better off buying an S&W because it'll always be saleable. However, every time I see prices, I blanch. I don't have to do this yesterday, so there's no hurry. My target is going to be any S&W J frame pistol in .38 or .357, there are scads of models to chose from. I intend to wait until what I consider a good deal appears on the scene.

I'm going to concentrate on a used gun. I saw a picture of an old Chief's special that might be out of favor, but I'd snap it up were it here near my city.

Please critique what I've said and let me know where you feel I'm missing the boat. Let me add, I'm resolved to learn to shoot properly — I've already found a gun range and rifle range within a reasonable distance from me.