Cthulhu

I call shenanigans.

-JT

Black Knight

As far as a shotgun goes I too agree that they are very effective, provided you know their limitations as well as their capabilities. They are good for room defense but can be a hindrance when doing a search of the property. The barrel sticks out so a perp standing behind a corner could grab it and you are in for the fight of your life. Plus it takes two hands to operate it so unless you have a flashlight attached to it you'll be walking in the dark. If you choose a shotgun the Mossberg is probably the least expensive high quality shotgun. You want to get one with an 18 to 20 inch barrel. The 18 inch barrel model is what we use at work (Dept. of the Army Police).

SleepingZ

Ding-Ding-Ding- we have a winner here!!!!!!

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MitchellCT

Whatever gun you get, this attitude is likely to get it taken from you, and you killed with it.

Roadrunner

You may be surprised. Go to a local shop (not a Dick's or Wal-Mart) and you've probably got even odds of finding a decent person behind the counter to help you. I used to sell guns and I wasn't getting a commission. If you came in asking the same question you posed here I would have recommended a shotgun and probably shown you one of the cheap used ones we were sure to have. The guys working there now are the same way. There isn't much money in selling guns, you'll find a lot of the guys doing it are there because selling guns is more fun than flipping burgers and it's something they enjoy. Yes, there are plenty of mall ninjas in the business as well (I had the misfortune of working with one), but they're pretty easy to spot and then ignore.

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- Kurt
“Freedom is the sure possession of those alone who have the courage to defend it.” ~Pericles of Athens
Primary Carry - Colt Commander .45 in a Brommeland Max-Con V

garn

I vote two guns:

1)3" to 4" revolver of your choice, ex. Ruger GP100

2)18" to 20" 12ga or 20ga pump of your choice, 20ga may be easier for the lady to shoot

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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.

SIXTO

I think thats a very reasonable plan...good luck and stick around, you may have found a new hobby too. (DC.com is free too!)

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Kerbouchard

So far, that's the most reasonable thing you have said.

But now that you have said that all of our advice is going to change. Get thee to the range and rent a pistol. Find out what feels good in your hand and what you can shoot the best. If you would would put a price on 'cheap' we might be able to give you some specifics.

There are many places where you can rent a pistol or wheelgun for under $10, throw in a box of ammo, and have yourself a blast. You should multitask. Take your girl or wife out and call it a date. Good luck out there!

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Who is John Galt?

buckeyeLCPL

A .410 shotty while not ideal in my book, certainly is better than a 2x4. Especially for that price.

As far as J-frames, they pretty much have 3 hammer options, the 637, with a traditional spurred hammer, the 638 "humpback" bodyguard styles with a shrouded hammer that allows single action, but in theory doesn't snag like a spurred hammer, or the 642 with no external hammer which is double action only.

I opted for the 638 model, new in Ohio they can be found for under $350 occasionally, which I consider a good deal.

If I was going to use a J-frame primarily for HD, I'd get some replacement full size grips, then if you decide to switch to carrying it, go back to the smaller ones.

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