[mn-bush-man]

Sorry, forgot -- If you could suggest the best place to buy, I would appreciate it too! Thanks!

[Nuke'm Glowing]

Have you ever fired a handgun is my first question? Then I might be able to answer your other question with my opinion a little bit better.

[Free the USA]

I would suggest an HK but it will cost more than $300.

[Dallas]

Spend the extra money, and buy a .40 caliber glock.

[Bommer]

Screw a handgun. If your looking for family protection, nothing says "I love you honey" like a Mosberg pump shotgun! If the pump sound doesn't scare the crap out of a intruder, the blast will definately take the crap out of them. If your going to buy one, I suggest buying from a seller in the newspaper classifieds or someone you know. Buypass the 5 day waiting period and FBI background check!

[TexRef]

You need to go try out a few different ones and figure out what you are most comfortable with.

The first gun that you buy will probably not be your last though :)

I agree that for home defense, the best option is a shotgun. So, you should really evaluate what you are going to use the gun for, etc. before making a decision.

[Vigilanteman]

First rule is to get something you feel comfortable with and which fits your hand. Go to a range that lets you actually fire a number of models. Or borrow them from friends. It is tough to make a decision hefting just half a dozen models in the shop.

I like a little .22 model called the Peacemaker. I can practice using cheap rounds. When I'm after something with more knock-down power, I just change to the magnum cylinder and use hollow-points. The recoil (and different feel from shooting the cheap rounds) is negligible.

Some people call the .22 a wimp gun. But the knock-down power on magnum hollow-points is nearly equal to a .38. The fact that I'm comfortable with it and can shoot the necks of bottles at 20-30 yards will give me more advantage in a situation with a crook picking up a .45 for the first time. That, and the fact that it fits neatly under a car seat, in a CCW holster or glove compartment also makes it more likely you will actually have it with you if it is needed.

[danielobvt]

I like Rugers. They are very reliable, and very reasonably priced. I have 4 of various calibers, and never had any problems. Might not be the most stylish gun, but I have no complaints.

[keithtoo]

Buy a Beretta 9mm. They are fairly popular so they tend not to be too expensive and they are of great quality.

Buy it out of the paper or over the Internet from an idividual! Don't give the Fed's a chance to put your name in a non-deleted database. I respect gun shops, but they have been corralled into servitude by the BATF B*st*rds.

[Mr. Lucky]

It's no contest. Any version of the .45ACP 1911 government models. Nothing stirs a sudden desire in a bad guy to go straight like staring down the barrel of 80 years of US military history.

[TEXASPROUD]

For home protection a 12 guage shotgun is outstanding. Riot configuration with an eighteen inch barrel and an extension magazine gives you seven rounds. Number 4 buckshot is ideal for the load. Mossberg, Remington, H&K, pump, or semi-auto are the other options you have.

Look at what is available and make your choice. Then Practice, Practice, Practice.

[Lee Enfield]

CZ-75 or EAA Witness in .40 or .45, feels like a Hi-Power only more so. The DA Browning would have designed. And you can carry it cocked and locked if that is your bent.

[Cold Heat]

I keep a loaded 12ga winchester pump(with plug removed)and a S&W 357mag W/hollowpoint ammo. I use BB shot in the 12. I keep the pistol under lock and key due to kids, but the 12 stays where I can get my hands on it, along with a Maglite. I feel secure...

[tbeatty]

Go with a revolver. It's simple and easy to use. If your wife is going to use it, get at least a 6 inch barrel to make it easier to shoot (less wrist snap). Get 38 caliber or 357 that can shoot 38 caliber light loads (no need to go through walls).

I wouldn't recommed a semi auto if your wife is going to use it because small caliber rounds can jam the gun if the hand isn't firm enough (energy goes into moving the arm/wrist instead of ejecting the round). High caliber rounds don't generally have the jamming problem but the gun is heavier.

[Don Myers]

bttt

[DubyaDubyaDubya.Com]

In the army we used beretta 9mm which I really like but my new beretta 45 rocks. 8 round mag in the 45 versus 17 in the 9mm but if you can put steel on target 8 rounds of 45 is enough. If you live close to a range you can sometimes rent a weapon and try out a few types to see if you like one better than another. I grew up in farm country and have had lots of weapons training, if you haven't please please for your own safety get some training from a qualified source.

[alfie]

if you have never used a handgun, get a pump shotgun, 12 gauge with #4 shot. makes an awesome noise in the dark. i have #4 and oo buck staggered in mine. also have a .45 auto nearby. i never really liked anything smaller, although a 9mm browning with a 13 rd mag would be interesting with a second mag handy.

[DubyaDubyaDubya.Com]

sorry didn,t see that you said you were a hunter. still be safe. Had a good friends brother shoot himself in the head because he was fooling around with a handgun he thought was unloaded because he had the mag out. No one told him there is allways one left in the pipe.

[tx4guns]

I'm a little partial to Kimber 45's or any other quality 1911 b/c I own one, but you have a lot of options.

For home defense, Bommer is right. The shotgun is the most effective and safest firearm you can own. A 12 guage shotgun loaded up with large birdshot or small buckshot is more potent than any handgun. A cylinder or improved cylinder choked barrel is recommended, and if you can get a short barrel (must be 18+inches by law) it throws a nice wide pattern. The Mossberg 500 is cheap, very reliable, and there are tons of parts available to turn it into a tricked-out street sweeper. Any Academy or Oshmans should have them at a fair price, and if you have gun shows in your area, I'd start there and look for a used one.

If you are set on getting a pistol, there are lots of models that are in your price range. You will need to decide if you want a semi-auto or a revolver. Revolvers are usually more reliable, but they have a lower ammo capacity and slower rate of fire. For a revolver a 38 Special or .357 would be the smallest and cheapest available. Taurus, Smith and Wesson, Ruger and Rossi make some good guns in your price range, but the S&W and Rugers will probably be used for that price. For the semi-autos, I would not go any smaller than a 9mm, and I would recommend at least a .40. Taurus also makes some nice semi-autos, but if you really want quality and reliability, I'd go spend a little more money and get a Colt, Kimber, Beretta, Glock, or Springfield. Most of these come in a 45ACP. It is the most field proven round for defense, and many police are handing in their 40's and 9mm's for the old tried-and-true 45. It has a little more recoil than other pistol rounds, but if you practice you will only need 1 shot. ;)

As a final bit of advice, don't get in a hurry to buy one. Take the time to do your research (the internet has a lot of info), and pick the one that is right for you. Local gun stores are usually more than happy to help out if you tell them you don't know what you want, and you need help picking the right gun. Good luck.

[E. Pluribus Unum]

If you want it for HOME protection, get a 12-gauge pump shotgun. Much more effective than a handgun. The only reason handguns exist is because they are more convenient to carry than long guns.

If you really want a handgun, though, get a .45. My Ruger P90 is in the $300 range, and it is an excellent gun.

The only reason you would ever shoot someone is because you want them to stop what they are doing THIS INSTANT, and in a handgun, a .45 gives you the best chance of doing that.