I'm from a little town in Louisiana where I learned how to shoot a gun before I could tie my shoes. My father was a big time gun collector and that was one of the ways he connected with his 6 sons. Underneath every bed in the house there was at least one case of weapon and I have shot hundred of guns from guys who come around to shoot with my father due to his reputation with firearms. And before he passed away, he directed one of my older brothers to divvy up the gun between the siblings. Out of all the guns that was there for me to choose from; I went with the Baretta Model 92 and the Mossberg 500 pump action shotgun. The Mossberg is the perfect home protection weapon!!!!! All you have to do is just pump this gun one time and any home invader will know you mean business. And as far as personal handgun, you can't go wrong with the Model 92. This a simple well balance gun that take a licking and keep going. Just look where the Army transferred to this weapon from years of using the Colt 1991 .45 ACP (another of my all time favorites) if you need more evidence. The 1911 has been in service since 1914 which says a lot about what replaced it. It's easy to maintain and accurate when put into use. This is my favorite, however, I suggest you go to an indoor range where you can rent several guns to see what you like. But maaaannnn, I can get pure medieval with the Model 92. And this is from guy who has around 50yrs (along with 25yrs in the Army) of weapon experience. Again, I recommend you go out test drive a few before you make your decision.
A little advice, if you have children, buy a locking device and also take them to a shooting range to show the power of a gun buy shooting through an old telephone book (or any target that thicker than skin) because this will let them see the damage that a gun can do. Trust me, it's one of the best lesson I've learned in my 54yrs.
