[thoughtomator]

If you plan to use it to stop a person, some hollow-point ammo (if legal in your area) might be useful. For personal defense, you'll want a semiautomatic and not a revolver. 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. Also, remember that kids can climb extraordinarily well, so if your safety method is to keep it out of reach, make sure there is no way for the kids to climb up to where it's stored.

[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.