This is what I always tell anyone looking for a gun. FWIW. This is in addition to the excellent comments made previously.
1. Before you plop down any cash, go to a store, and do some research. Buying a gun is like buying a car or a set of golf clubs. *YOU* have to find the BEST fit for YOUR HAND. Pick up a few, heft them, see if it is comfortable in your hand and you like the grip. Can you grip it quickly and easily? Does it have a smooth feel to you?
2. Line up the sights at a target. Be sure you are not pointing it at anyone! Can you get on the target swiftly and compfortably? If the gun is right to you, you should be able to line up on a target quickly, with no fidgeting or excess movement. If you can’t, find another one. After all, your life may depend on this ability.
3. Get something ubiquitous. While the Glock Automatic Pistol is cool, rounds are hard to come by. Find a weapon you can get ammo for in Walmart, and not at a gun shop. Good choices are .45 and .357
4. Make sure you get something that has knockdown power. The 9mm is great, but law enforcement teach you to double tap with this round because it is so small. You want to be able to neutralize, not wound.
5. After you find what you like, PLEASE get training from a licensed firearms instructor. It is like golf again, perfect practice makes perfect shooting.
6. MOLON LABE!:)
Let me know what you get. Always glad to meet another well-armed citizen.:)
I can relate to your question, as a few years ago I was exactly where you are now. I did considerable research, and I eventually chose my firearms based on these criteria:
1. The ability to find cheap, plentiful ammo to stock JIC
2. Ease of operation & to a certain extent, maintenance
3. Absolute, when it all hits the fan, rugged dependability
4. The ability to not only defend my home & family, but also suitability for other uses such as hunting if need be
With these factors in mind, I have purchased several guns, but these are my favorites...
1. Handgun- Glock 9mm
2. Shotgun- Mossberg 500 12ga
3. Rifle Marlin 336 30-30
Hope this helps