[mn-bush-man]

Wow, thanks for all the great answers so far!

The only handgun shooting I have done is with a .22/.22 magnum winchester(?) six shooter. I hated it - clumsy, awkward, and not very accurate. I would like something with a little more zip than a .22.

If need be, I can spend more than $300 - especially if it means getting a lot more for my money!

[AmericanCheeseFood]

GLock model 38 .

A .22 is nice, probably something to keep in a location you can get it near where you can get of need . Put the money to getting a laser sight and if it comes up, aim for the head and make some cottage cheese in a coconut . The only mess from that would be from the scums' hair after he's dead or labotomized on the carpet .

Cheese .

[Nuke'm Glowing]

Actually the first thing you need to get is proficient with a handgun. The .22 magnum is excellent and the Beretta .22 is good also. I would reccomend buying a target .22 or even a .38 in semi-auto to get familiar with cleaning, practice, etc. Then decide on what to spend for the big bucks. I personally own a Ruger in 9 mm and a .357 Taurus. The .357 has awesome stopping power with the correct ammo but if you are not used to firing it, start small then move up. The Ruger is a very good weapon in 9, but I got it pre-ban with all the goodies you can imagine and it remains my home defense weapon of choice. Don't buy a cannon as your first choice! Most people make that mistake. When you practice at the range remember the average hand gun encounter, especially in a home, occurs at less than 20 ft. Most burglars are not proficient at any range so build in the advantage by practicing!

[Aric2000]

Nah, save your money, go to a gunshow and see if You can find a CZ-70. This is a czecholslavakian knockoff of the Walther PPK. It will run you around $180 including a shoulder holster, it is .32 caliber, and can stop anyone in thier tracks.

I take mine to the range about once a month and have never had a misfire, and it gives me a shotgroup of around 3 inches at 50 yards. Very nice weapon, and doesn't kick the hell out of you. I carry it everywhere, and believe it or not, it is Lighter then My phoenix arms .22, and that is with a fully loaded clip with one in the chamber.