[HairOfTheDog]

For personal defense, you'll want a semiautomatic and not a revolver.

Why do you say that? I would recommend a revolver for simplicity and ease of upkeep as a first gun. A .357 is hard to beat as a self-defense gun.

More important than which gun you choose is to learn how to maintain and handle it properly, and how to shoot accurately. Go to the gun store and put your hands on a few and feel out what is comfortable for you.

This was good advice. He should find someone he can learn from and go shooting in helping him decide.

[Mr. Mojo]

I would recommend a revolver for simplicity and ease of upkeep as a first gun.

Yep. Another thing I like about revolvers is that, unlike semi-autos, they're unlikely to jam if you don't have a secure hold on your piece or you fire it placed up against the perp's body. .....And since many times gunfights (and fights in general) don't go down clean, and you may end up rolling around on the ground with the perp before you know what's happening, this should always be taken into consideration.

A .357 is hard to beat as a self-defense gun.

I like .44 Spl snubbies as well. (Taurus makes a good one these days). Far less fire and noise than a .357 mag, and it makes a nice big hole.

[freedomlover]

I agree on the validity of a revolver. I have come full circle from revolvers to semiautos back to revolvers. Carry a 357 Airlight on my ankle wherever legal in Ga. I have done a LOT of range time and even a Glock will fail sometimes. I have never had a revolver fail. If you have a dud you just, well, pull again. My suggestion is a 357 revolver for carry, the semiautos for fun.

You semiauto buffs begin your retort with a report on whether or not your semiautos have EVER jammed.