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“I’ve always had a 12 gauge shotgun, which I keep loaded for home safety. Recently I bought a .38 snubnose revolver, since it is easier to handle with the arthritis.”

Your are the first one in this string to get the total package right. A 12 gauge shotgun, preferably a pump, is the obvious choice for home defense. I have both the Mossberg 500 and a couple of Remington 870’s and either a good. The only tidbit I would offer on pumps would be to buy an older used model if possible because one can hold the trigger and work the action for rapid firing without releasing the trigger. With, the newer pumps one must release the trigger after each shot. Gets a little klutzy sometime. On the pistol, the 38 special is a great handgun. I would suggest a revolver because of simplicity when firing and reliability. If there should be inexperienced folks within the perimeter being protected, this is critical as semi's are complex pieces of machinery and will malfunction unless all the variables are just right. Lastly, availability of ammo could possibly become and issue; thus the choices of the 12 gauge and 38 special is good because these two very common. The only adder I would suggest if purchasing a new revolver would be to purchase a 375 magnum as also fire 38 special rounds.

I almost got the .357 revolver, funny you should mention that. The store owner said, “Of course, it will be a little bit large for carrying in a purse.” I replied that I would just get a bigger purse. I didn’t realize that the whole store was watching the little old lady purchasing a handgun, until everyone laughed.

I almost got both of them, also. I’m not sure if I’ll want to be doing range shooting, though, and for home defense, the snubbie is fine for close range. I got regular ammo for practice, and Remington Golden Saber .38 Special (+P) for defense use.

The .12 gauge is just too heavy and unwieldy in an emergency. I know it’s not a huge weapon, but I am little and arthritic. The revolver has fewer moving parts, less chance of something going wrong, it’s double action, nothing to fuss with, just pick up, aim and shoot. Simple to clean.

The dogs will alert me if anyone comes near the house, so it doesn’t matter if I’m sleeping, before they can get close, I’ll be ready.