[PapaBear3625]

The most important metric is to have a gun if you need one. In most cases, the mere presence of the gun is enough to stop the aggression.

Most people don't like getting shot. The ones who are crazy or drugged enough to not care, will also need a lot of putting down.

One rule: although bigger is better, a .22 in the hand beats a .45 left home in the gun safe.

[ErnBatavia]

I'm perfectly comfortable with my .22 pistols (three of 'em, with the closest being hollow-point magnum). The large Rambo contingent here on FR watches too many Bronson movies.

They're easy to aim, shot place, and plenty loud.

For wifey, we have a 20 gauge Mossberg scattergun - being as she's well under 90 pounds, a 12 gauge was gonna be too oppressive for her to handle.