[300winmag]

A revolver, and not an autoloader?

A revolver should always be the first centerfire handgun in your inventory. It's 100% foolproof and panic-proof, at least as long as there is ammo in it.

I seriesly recommend the S&W Model 640, a five-shot stainless in 9mm. Plan on searching for perfect grips for your hand, because the grip is tiny, and you want total confidence in your handling of the weapon.

[Rose in RoseBear]

I tried a LadySmith once, when they were kinda new. The grip was very ladylike ... unlike my hand, which is square and rather large.

One day, soon, DaBear and I will stop in the swanky local gun store --- McBride's --- and check out the newer merchandise.

[RosieCotton]

I liked the .38s at Shootmoot. Got to fire a .22 revolver, too, which was again, a lot of fun. Not sure if that'd be big enough to be worth much for self defense, but it'd be nice to use for target practice, mebbe. Rather gentle compared to the bigger rounds.

I'm probably mixing terms up every which way, but you understand, I expect!