If you need a home defense handgun, get a revolver. Smith and Wesson, Taurus, or Charger Arms will get you a good one.
If you do not want to restrict yourself to a handgun, and I wouldn't, go for a shotgun. What ever kind of shotgun you may get, buy number 1 shot, which will put the maximum number of projectiles all the way to the back of the bad guy. That is 25 each .30 caliber projectiles for a 3 inch magnum in 12 gauge. Just about as good as a whole magazine from a M-16. 16 projectiles from a 2 and 3/4 inch round.
Some like pumps. I would avoid automatics because they have to be tuned to work reliably. I prefer doubles, with double triggers because you have two chances for something to work. And no, you don't owe him a warning 'shuck shuck' sound. Use your voice.
Good luck!
Thanks, but a shotgun just isn't as fun at a range...
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