[bonillamktg]

First of all, THANK YOU to everyone who took the time to offer advice, I’m grateful.

Second, I’m figuring out that I’m really grateful there is a range in eyesight of my work. I didn’t even realize they would have guns to rent!

Third, my game plan seems to be: Go rent and shoot guns, go to a gun show and handle different guns, find a good local gun shop, be willing to increase my budget, buy a shotgun for the home first then worry about my CCW second, and practice as often as I can (and the wife too).

I’ll come back to reference these posts often and again, thank you!!

[darkside321]

you definitely made the right choice! as most people have allready said a shotgun is just perfect for home defence! the next good Idea was to “ increase my budget” because you should not make your life dependet on a few hundred $.
you are on the right way.
enjoy your new hobby and have fun.
I´m shure you will soon find your “personal” gun which fits just perfect for your individual CCW needs.
greetings

[Clinging Bitterly]

The shotgun will provide some comfort if home invasion is a concern, and when you're out for fun they have a nice BOOM and make big holes in stuff. And thankfully the two most popular pump gun models are not terribly expensive. One of our local discount store chains often carries the basic Mossberg 500 defender model for just $200 - and it comes with both the standard length and 18-1/2" barrels. The Reminton 870 Express is usually about the same price. Either one you can modify or accessorize in seemingly endless combinations.

Something like this is still on my wish list. I don't want to be loaded down with a lot of extras but I do want to have a breacher nozzle. And I'd probably add a sling and some kind of holder for extra rounds.