[Another-MA-Conservative]

Wow, averaging two replies per minute so far! Guess this is a pretty good audience for my question overall - thanks everyone! (Did I mention I love FR? :-)

Several folks have mentioned shotguns; I can see that angle for home security, but it's not really what I had in mind to start out with. Is this thing even legal?

I realize revolvers are simpler, but I'm not intimidated by the mechanics of a simple blow-back semi-auto; I'm pretty mechanically inclined and I don't think I'd have any trouble breaking it down. Actually, the fascinating mechanics of semi-autos are part of their appeal to me, silly as that may sound.

I know a .22 isn't much good for personal defense, but it's still better than a Louisville Slugger or a kitchen knife, no?

The Beretta looks good at $310 for the 6" barrel version... I'll also look more closely at the Ruger and Walther 22s. Maybe a Colt 45 or 1911 clone down the road...

[logic]

Actually, true story:
I was someplace in an agressive environment and brought my Ruger MKII with a bull barrel for protection incase violence erupted.(I was young and stupid and now know better than to even go in the first place) A week later someone I was with told me that the next day someone told them if they had known my Ruger was a .22 they would have started something..... funny how stupid some people are. No a .22 is not nearly as devastating as the .45 (1911 clone) I carry now, but DEAD is DEAD. The moffia made .22's famous for one shot kills to the head....

[Stashiu]

Yes, that short shotgun with front and rear pistol grips is legal, even in the Peoples Republic of Maryland.

[Ranxerox]

Nice looking bunch of guns, all in the same price range. As far as recommendations, I would look for online forums that feature the particular gun you're interested in and see what people are saying. Also look at the trouble-shooting/FAQ portion of the manufacturers website for clues to problems with a particular gun. I know Beretta has an active online forum for their lineup, so take a check over there.

As far as the revolver/semi-auto thing goes, I wouldn't worry about it for a range/plinking gun - it is more important for CCW than for casual shooting. That doesn't mean you shouldn't be familiar with the operation and clearing of your gun, it's just not as critical when you're not in a life threatening situation.

As far as finding ranges, look in the yellow pages, or do a search on the internet. You're bound to find something.

[Chemist_Geek]

I can see that angle for home security, but it's not really what I had in mind to start out with. Is this thing even legal?

Depending on the state, yes. Some states might restrict that. However, why bother with that thing? By not having a stock, you've lost the great stabilization advantage that a long gun has over a pistol. Furthermore, all recoil energy will go straight into the shooter's hands. Not comfy.

Tank's Rifle Shop up in New Hampshire has a nice 20 gauge defense shotgun.

I know a .22 isn't much good for personal defense, but it's still better than a Louisville Slugger or a kitchen knife, no?

No. Yes. Uhh, I'm always confused by that. ;-) In any case, yes, a .22 handgun is more useful than a baseball bat or kitchen knife. But home defense, is something for later. Get familiar and comfortable with firearms first, then look towards defense. Take the Personal Protection in the Home course offered by NRA Certified Instructors before going out for defensive firearms.