Replies (157)
For most, an EDC self-defense round in 380 is sufficient and comes in many form factors such as the Smith and Wesson m&p bodyguard. The largest you need to carry is a 9mm, and most Non-Glock fanatics will tell you to shop around but avoid glock because of size and weight. Most women prefer revolvers for some reason.
blank gun. it has an explosive sound to scare but cannot kill (which is good).
One of my earliest assignments as a journalist for SportsAfield involved shopping here:
Semi-Auto Pistols for Concealed Carry and Competition Use
Beretta has a really deluxe showroom on the upper east side of Manhattan.
it worked when my uncle try to kill me
In handguns most anything 9mm. Cheap common ammunition and reasonable stopping power without too much kick. Glocks mostly but I prefer something like the Hellcat for carry. It feels best to me of the easily concealable handguns and I am the most accurate with it.
For defending the household from a Zombie apocalypse you probably want a good combat shotgun. 😉
wtf
Sig Sauer P320
Mossberg .410 pump.
The pump gives fair warning.
A300 ultima patrol shotgun.
Sig Sauer P365 XMacro comp = excellent everyday CCW
A note with tons of interesting comments
Lyn Alden
What are your favorite guns for someone who is not a big gun enthusiast but is passionate about self defense?
Like, you aren't optimizing for a zombie apocalypse but you want your wife to be able to pick up the gun and defend the house from intruders if need be, and the gun's maintenance levels have been maybe questionable but it's reliable enough to still probably work reliably and she can wield it.
View quoted note →
blank guns rarely cause harm, however i think there are some occasions led to deaths. but i agree, i don't own a gun. i do not support it.
Standard Glock 19. Simple. Straightforward. Got the Mrs to use it.
STRONG SECOND ON THIS. G9 DEFENSE +P EXTERNAL HOLLOW POINT AMMO IS NICE TOO - MAKES IT EASIER TO GET THROUGH COATS, WINDOWS, DOORS, ETC. AND FASTER FOLLOW UP SHOTS COMPARED TO 124+ GRAIN ROUNDS.
@Lyn Alden, I PRAY YOU FIND SOMETHING THAT HELPS YOU GET SOLID HITS AND FAST. "STOPPING POWER" DOESN'T MEAN MUCH WITH PISTOLS. KEEP SHOOTING UNTIL THEY'RE DEAD.
I'VE SEEN TOO MANY BAD GUYS KEEP FIGHTING AFTER BEING TURNED INTO SWISS CHEESE. ABSENT A HEAD/CERVICAL SPINE SHOT, IT OFTEN TAKES A FEW SECONDS FOR THEM TO STOP FIGHTING. AND EVERY GUNFIGHT IS STILL JUST A FIGHT SO YOUR TRAINING MEANS EVERYTHING.
For my wife to use? As-25 all day long
Wow.
Ar-15.
Check your spelling before you note!
hahahahah that's a plot twist. i am not from USA. It is really difficult to get a license in my country. you are subject to separate licenses 1. to keep it at work, 2. to keep it at home, and 3. to carry it with you. my father was a private security officer and was only allowed to carry a gun at work. in order to obtain this license, he had to go to the range regularly and repeat his training - just to keep it at work. i think this is the right thing. not everyone should have easy access to guns.
Beretta always nails it
The Remington 870 12ga shotgun is one of the most ubiquitous, low priced, and very good for home defense.
i think there is no correlation between free speech and bear arms.
oh now i get the correlation. if i would have a gun, you would allow me to speak. but i do not have it, so i will shut up. got you.
A revolver is easy maintenance and less complicated. Less to worry about with NJ magazine laws. There are decent personal gun training classes you could take to give yourself a better idea of what works for you.
The Extar EP9 is great for home defense, and the S&W Bodyguard is a great tiny .380 "pocket rocket" for concealed carry.
Use what your local police department uses.
Remmington 870. Shotty is reliable, simple to use and low maintenance. There are a variety of shells for home defense.
+1 for familiarity and practice
I've heard the argument that .380 offers less stopping power; stats from actual confrontations have shown a 9mm is much more likely to stop an attacker. And even a person with small weak hands can handle a 9mm with practice.
I'm not a pro so i don't know how much weight to put on this argument.
Uzzi, dear fed 😊😏
Very solid answer. My one adjustment would be that 22lr is not sufficient just because uf unreliability, it is not powerful enough for defense. There was a home invader shot in the face with a 22; they pulled it out of his nose, and he was fine. That having been said the British military used .38 special for many years, and it is certainly a generally capable cartridge. I second this recommendation.
Ok but what about for zombies?
Beretta M9. Not overpowering. Will put an intruder down with center of mass shot.
I WOULD DISAGREE WITH THIS. WHILE I DON'T WANT TO BE SHOT WITH 9MM, IT'S NOT GOING TO KILL SOMEONE WITH ONE ABDOMINAL HIT QUICKLY ENOUGH TO WIN MANY FIGHTS. I'VE SEEN BAD GUYS TAKE 5+ ROUNDS OF 308 THROUGH THE CHEST AND KEEP SHOOTING FOR LITERAL SECONDS.
THE BERETTA M9 IS GREAT FOR SELF DEFENSE, ESPECIALLY GUCCI-ED OUT, BUT THE SHOTS NEED TO BE FIRED AT A HIGH VOLUME AND ACCURATELY DIRECTED TOWARD THE BRAIN AND BRAINSTEM. IF SHOOTING CENTER MASS, BE PREPARED TO DUMP A FULL MAG AND RELOAD QUICKLY.
@Bitcoin Veterans might have some ideas.
If it's for home self defense, a slug barrel 12GA shotgun with buckshot is the universal tool
YOU'RE NOT WRONG WITH THIS APPROACH BECAUSE TRAINING IS ALWAYS PARAMOUNT, BUT I STRONGLY URGE CAUTION BEFORE FADING SEMIAUTO HANDGUNS THIS HARD. BAD GUYS WILL ALMOST ALWAYS BE CARRYING SEMIAUTO BECAUSE IT'S A SUPERIOR TECHNOLOGY AND SOMETIMES THEY ROLL WITH A SWITCH. IT'S NOT FUN TO BE OUTGUNNED IN AN AMBUSH.
EVEN WITH TIER ONE OPERATOR LEVEL TRAINING, YOUR SKILL CAN OFTEN BE NEGATED BY AN AGGRESSOR'S PROXIMITY AND SPEED. FRACTIONS OF A SECOND, SHEER VOLUME OF FIRE, AND GOD'S HAND DECIDE THESE TYPES OF SHOOTOUTS. AT LEAST THEY HAVE FOR ALL OF MY GUNFIGHTS WITHIN 10 METERS.
IF THE THREAT MODEL IS IN THE US AND 1-2 HOME INTRUDERS LOOKING FOR ECONOMIC GAIN, THEY'LL OFTEN BE ON DRUGS TOO. THE MORE BULLETS THE MERRIER IF THEY'RE ON STIMULANTS. RAPID, SOLID HITS AND WALKING ROUNDS TO THEIR BRAIN IS THE BEST GAME PLAN FOR THOSE SITUATIONS BECAUSE TAKING OUT THE HEART OR SPINE WON'T END A FIGHT FAST ENOUGH TO ENSURE ONE'S SURVIVAL.
@Lyn Alden you can have mine, I don’t want it anymore
IT OFTEN FEELS LIKE I'M THE ONLY PERSON AROUND WHO'S KILLED A FEW PEOPLE BEFORE. ANYONE ELSE EVER FEEL THAT WAY? #ASKNOSTR #NOSTRAFTERDARK
Lyn Alden
What are your favorite guns for someone who is not a big gun enthusiast but is passionate about self defense?
Like, you aren't optimizing for a zombie apocalypse but you want your wife to be able to pick up the gun and defend the house from intruders if need be, and the gun's maintenance levels have been maybe questionable but it's reliable enough to still probably work reliably and she can wield it.
View quoted note →
I'VE CHIMED IN A FEW PLACES THROUGHOUT REPLIES AND SIMPLY LANDED HERE:
STIMMY #40HPW🎧
IT OFTEN FEELS LIKE I'M THE ONLY PERSON AROUND WHO'S KILLED A FEW PEOPLE BEFORE. ANYONE ELSE EVER FEEL THAT WAY? #ASKNOSTR #NOSTRAFTERDARK
View quoted note →
Nothing that needs the slide to be racked, so it must be a revolver.
9mm Revolver that feels good in your hand & you shoot well with it.
Preferably a revolver that is dual action where just pulling the trigger once cocks the hammer, so you can't just pulling if need be no wasted motion.
IT'S WHAT I CARRY TOO. BUT DOESN'T FIT EVERYONE'S HANDS EQUALLY - IMPORTANT FOR CONTROLLING MUZZLE FLIP AND GETTING FAST FOLLOW UPS. SINGLE STACK LIKE A 43X MIGHT WORK BETTER FOR SOMEONE LYN'S SIZE.
The problem with semi automatic pistols is the gun has to be cocked by racking the slide - in moments of stress this isn't good for a woman who has less grip strength than a man by a lot.
The only sacrifice is the number of rounds.
OR JUST HAVE A MODERN PISTOL WITH A ROUND CHAMBERED AND BE TRAINED ENOUGH TO NOT ND YOUR OWN LEG OR CROTCH. BECAUSE BAD GUYS ARE ALMOST CERTAINLY GOING TO OUTGUN THE AVERAGE SMOKE WAGON ENJOYOOR.
I would try this, but 9mm is not a must can go lighter.
9mm is intriguing just to be able to accumulate ammo for all my weapons including my wife's.
I SUPPOSE THE 19 FOR LYN WOULD BE LIKE A 17 FOR THE AVERAGE GUY. TOUGH TO CONCEAL BUT FUN AROUND THE HOUSE. EITHER WAY, FUCK SIG, S&W, AND THE REST OF EM.
THESE SHIELD MAGS ARE PRETTY SOLID AND TAKE THE SINGLE STACKS UP TO 15 ROUNDS. BUT THE AVERAGE HOME INVADOOOR PROBABLY HAS A 50 ROUND STICK WITH A SWITCH AND A CRACK HABIT SO ANYONE WOULD BE FUCKED, EVEN WITH ELITE KIT AND TRAINING
Shield Arms
S15 Gen 3 - 15-Round Steel Magazine for Glock 43X/48
Shield Arms S15 Gen 3 - Patented 15-round steel magazine for Glock 43X/48. 50% more capacity, flush-fit design. QPQ finish, lifetime warranty. Made...
🤣
shotguns are best for home defense...
a .410 is good for women
low maintenance pistol would be a glock, 9mm probably best round for women... maybe a .380, but I'd encourage 9mm
or you can get into .300 blackout or .223 AR platforms.... would recommend cleaning after use though... this would require more time, but could also be more fun and encourage more practice and education....
EITHER WAY, PSA AND SHIELD ARE PRETTY GOOD. MAGAZINE RELIABILITY IS ONLY ONE PART OF A SYSTEM'S OVERALL INTEGRITY AND EASILY MANAGED BY MAINTENANCE AND INSPECTION. IF IN DOUBT, PUT 1K ROUNDS THROUGH A COUPLE DIFFERENT MAGS AND RECORD HOW THEY DO. THAT'S ONLY LIKE 280K SATS FOR 9MM BALL, PRETTY GOOD DEAL FOR VALIDATING ONE'S LIFE SAVING SETUP.
lyn preparing for something big here 🤔
Glock 19 in 9mm all day long, stupid simple operation, no safeties to trip you up, not terribly hard to pull the slide back.
But if you want something you can take with you and put in a purse, or conceal on your body, smith and Wesson m&p shield 9mm performance center.
https://www.smith-wesson.com/product/performance-center-m-p-9-shield-plus-with-carry-kitUhm. They go off when you drop them….. not a good call.
Actually, all of these suggestions pale in comparison to an AR-15 or a shotgun for home defense, but you ideally want both, the pistol to lay down cover to get you to your rifle. Most anyone is more accurate and deadly with these, handguns take practice.
They make models that have a decocker and a da/sa, with 15+ rounds, ie most beretta m9’s
BioFire in Colorado is building a 9 mm biometric handgun that uses fingerprint and facial recognition to authenticate the user.
I’ve never had this issue, but I don’t drop mine either.
I've seen people with armor on take a 9m and keep moving but its not a good time and it wasnt from close range like anything inside a house. Most people (99% of home invaders) are toast rolling on the ground crying and bleeding out from a 9m center of mass. Not thinking let me get Susy Homemaker. They dropped and lost anything in their hand and are praying to the god they don't believe in to come save them.
I always had my 9m on me but when I went outside the perimeter I would take a 45 I managed to procure 🤣 and an M16 or AK if i could get my hands on the ammo! Much different situation than home defense.
This is the best answer in this whole thread
Below is if we’re talking pistols. Let me know we’re talking rifles or shotguns if you’re not wanting to go the pistol route.
CALIBER: 9mm
(or .380 IF you end up liking it better after shooting the caliber. This is basically a compact 9mm without as much powder. Can be better for smaller guns and newer shooters. Worth a look if you get to test some guns before committing and think you’d enjoy it more. No sense in punishing yourself right out of the gate. Find a gun shop with a range on site, and helpful staff, for a chance at testing both and shooting before buying.)
Go get these below models in hand and see what feels comfortable and lets you get a tight, comfortable, confident grip.
** Springfield Hellcat Pro **
My pick, all things considered…
I absolutely love the Springfield Hellcat Pro.
18 round capacity, doesn’t feel big, very user friendly and reliable. Comfortable to shoot.
Springfield Armory
Hellcat® Pro Handgun - Springfield Armory
** Sig Sauer P365 **
I love this gun.
11 round capacity, very small frame without feeling small at the grip. Various sizes (like X, XMacro, etc) available if they’re more comfortable in hand.
P365 OPTIC READY
America’s #1 selling micro-compact pistol, now optic-ready from the factory.
&#...
(Just happened to see the Rose versions of these that they came out with recently while gathering this link… those are fun.)
** Glock 19 or 43x **
Glock has a very longstanding reputation of simplicity, reliability and quality. Feel these out in hand compared to the others. Can’t go wrong here if you end up liking them.
OPTIC?: As for the site, see if you like the idea of a red dot optic on the pistol. I like this for home. They make them small for these, also so that they awaken when moved (shake-awake) so they’re basically always ready, without a dead battery, and no need to mess with turning it on in an emergency. For this I really like the Holosun EPS Carry (shown on the Hellcat Pro). Even has solar power complement to long-life battery.
IMPORTANT: Let someone knowledgeable teach you how and when to shoot it. At the range, put a few hundred rounds through the gun. Maybe 50 to 100 per visit across 6 visits over a few weeks. This will help you create some muscle memory and comfort with firing the weapon.
FAIR ENOUGH. I PRAY YOUR EXPERIENCE IS MORE RELEVANT THAN MINE AND THAT LYN NEVER FACES VIOLENCE. BUT SHE IS A PUBLIC FIGURE AND CERTAINLY MORE VALUABLE THAN A SUSY HOMEMAKER TO ANY BAD GUYS WHO DO THEIR HOMEWORK.
ALL IT TAKES IS A LITTLE AFGHAN METH AND SUDDENLY UNARMORED BAD GUYS CAN KEEP SHOOTING EVEN IF THEY'RE TURNED INTO SWISS CHEESE FROM MULTIPLE CREW SERVED WEAPONS INSIDE 10 METERS. I STAND BY THE IDEA THAT MOST TRAINING SHOULD INCORPORATE DUMPING A FUCKTON OF ROUNDS AS QUICKLY AS POSSIBLE INTO A THREAT UNTIL THAT THREAT IS VERY, VERY CLEARLY DEAD WITH SEPARATION BETWEEN BODY AND BRAIN. AND EVEN THEN, DO NOT APPROACH THEM WITHOUT PROPER TRAINING BECAUSE THEY COULD BE PLAYING POSSUM OR RIGGED TO BLOW.
Do you have to look into the barrel. Wtf how stupid is that 😂
Definitely AR-15 or Glock 19
Literally the best response, & I’m an autist who went down the gun rabbit hole before Bitcoin 🫡✍️
A pump-action shotgun like a Remington 870 or Mossberg 500. Simple, powerful, and intimidating. Intruders hate them.
Message received
Glock is a powerful and effective gun, but imo not suited for women. It has a powerful kick and probably won’t be ideal for the scenario you described. I’d recommend some sport’s gun with comfortable grip, small calibre that has little or no kick. They are not that powerful but easy to handle and much more accurate in less seasoned hands.
Agreed. My Glock has never jammed. I like .40cal however for availability (common LEO caliber) and stopping power.
I cant tell if this is a troll or real. Hand a novice a revolver? Wut? This presupposes they will be dedicated to weekly range trips for life. I love revolvers but am a enthusiast who trains weekly.
ARs require a small fraction of the training. Dont get a handgun if you dont plan on training.
Anyone saying anything besides a
youth-sized 20 gauge
is wrong.
You can pick one up at Walmart for like 250k sats, they have large components that are forgiving to neglect, can be used for hunting anything from birds to medium game, and will send bad guys to a dirt nap without having much pass-through inside your home.
I'd recommend pump action due to simplicity, but you can get them in semi-auto for a bit more sats.
Train.
American society is so degraded, you have come to the conclusion that guns are a must. even an interesting topic of discussion on a "freedom" platform.
I got my wife a Byrna LE… very effective and non lethal
self defense is good actually
I went this route w a Charter Arms Pitbull 9mm. tho I think for dedicated home defense a shotgun is where it's at
just get a 12 gauge
they're tried and true
however indoor gun ranges typically do not allow you to practice with them
so you have to have an outdoor gun range which is hard to find sometimes
there are fake plastic bullets that you can practice with that are Barbie pink and obviously not a real bullets
12 gauge shotgun like a Mossberg 500 or a Remington 870, loaded with buckshot and with a lot of practice time at the range.
...and since this is likely locked in a closet not strapped under your bed, you might consider a handgun near the bed (in a proper palm lock safe) that is grabbed on the way to the shotgun in the even that someone breaks in.
GO TO A RANGE. TAKE A COUPLE OF LESSONS.
THE SKILLS ARE MORE IMPORTANT THAN THE SPECIFIC TOOL.
…. In Australia we just about have to make sure the intruder is safe and comfortable, and, this part isn’t a joke: if he hurts himself breaking in, he can sue you for negligence
Best to go to a gun range and say the same thing you just posted. Test out a few handguns, rifles. It really depends on the person.
A rifle is deadlier, easier to shoot compared to a pistol. Pistol is easier to carry, etc.
After purchase, get training or train at home on how to operate the weapon.
Peace through strength is a feature, not a bug. I hope I never “need” our guns, but will certainly be glad to have them if we ever do need them.
Just like BTC it’s the hardest right for humans. State doesn’t have a monopoly on violence. You can blame the government for the criminals, they just let them out. We have a lot of crazies on the streets as well.
It’s not degraded it just the culture
🤣🤌
Sig P365?
AR. Get an AR. It's the most modular firearm in existence. I would argue much easier for a woman to shoot than a pistol. Tolerances are tight, maintenance an be sparring and it'll still shoot as long as it's not bone dry.
I have an assembly guide.
HappyTavern - AR15 Bild Guide
Might be worth asking where they are & what ranges they are thinking of...
I don't think the courts are going to accept 400m as self defence unless there is heavy incoming fire...
You can get a 15rd. mag for the 43x.
It's a great choice. The 320 is also great.
AR 15 with a suppresor.
This is the correct answer.
Or an AR 9 that takes 30 rd. Glock magazines.
+1 for the Shotgun. If it comes down to an actual gun fight, it will be more accurate at close range and the sound is something everyone understands.
The spectre comp is great
Glock and AR15.
The Glock is cheap, reliable, and safe.
The AR15 is extremely modular. You could buy a Daniel Defense if you want something a little better.
Invest in courses, ammo and range time instead of the fanciest equipment.
Glock and any shotgun made in America
Glock 30 for hand gun, or mossberg 500 or remington 870 express pump action 12 gauge for long gun.
Its beautiful
12 gauge shotgun for a new shooter is a quick way to get someone afraid of guns. Shotguns are more complex, 12gauge hits your shoulder really hard. No go. I’d rather they get a Ruger 10/22 with 25rd magazine…. But nothing beats experience.
lolz
It’s true sadly
38 special revolver. Simple and reliable.
The Governor is a pistol that shoots .410 gauge shot shells. Perfect home defense
Pretty crazy to recommend a semi auto to someone not into guns - that shit requires practice to rack the slide in a nervous situation - especially if you're a woman.
Lyn Alden
What are your favorite guns for someone who is not a big gun enthusiast but is passionate about self defense?
Like, you aren't optimizing for a zombie apocalypse but you want your wife to be able to pick up the gun and defend the house from intruders if need be, and the gun's maintenance levels have been maybe questionable but it's reliable enough to still probably work reliably and she can wield it.
View quoted note →
Am former SWATie and military. I gifted .380s to wifey and daughter in law. You’d do fine with most of the larger brands but look for something compact and concealable that fits your hand. Absolutely most important without question is to put rounds downrange, lots of rounds. You have to become comfortable and confident not only with squeezing rounds but with carrying, drawing, aiming and shooting under stress. I mean literally walking around the house with it on your person (unloaded) and practicing ‘draw-aim-squeeze’ until it becomes muscle memory. Carnegie Hall shit. Anything less, you’re at risk of either not acting safely or getting it taken away in a real situation.
Second most important is clean and maintain meticulously so it works when you need.
Pick one up next time you’re in Texas, am always glad to teach at our little ranch south of San Antonio.
What calibre are those toenails? 👀
Yes
footstr & gunstr 🤣
Everything you need basically
This is excellent! Don’t know him. Do you have a source?
This is what peak Texan sounds like … GM to u sir 🫡
🤣🤣
Glock 19
Glock 43x with the extended mag.
I built my own, just a little guy, but it was fun to bring crafting and self defense together lol. I think whatever you choose, try and see if you can build it, and take the conceal carry class, it’s worth it.
this is what i have, and it’s perfect.
for space wise and easy accessibility, an ar would be kinda hard though. it’s so obnoxious and not easy to shoot with as a woman. fun, but extra as hell.
THIS!!! I also took the conceal carry class, expensive but worth it.
A simple Sig 226 if you have a carry license and a .223 CQBR configuration for home defense.
GM to you, is how we roll
I would get a gun like from GoldenEye 007, p90 or the golden gun
I'll see your G19 + AR-15, and raise you 1 (one) 16GA shotgun. "Total Package," bruva. 🤙
If it gets that heavy I’m breaking out the crew served but yeah probably not needed.
I’m a non gun person. I found this write up really interesting. Thanks random internet person 😄
Bad maintenance? Probably want to avoid self loaders, something that was around in the 1800s perhaps, how many intruders are we talking about? Not much to go wrong with the old double barrel or an old revolver.
Not sure you'd want much of an action if it isn't maintained.
Better off just maintaining & cleaning the damned things properly so you have faster stuff that feeds properly.
She said poorly maintained, I'm guessing they aren't going to be running clearing drills & the bastard things are going to jam.
Did y'all read what was written? Past the first sentence?
ARs require you do clearance drills for when the bloody thing jams & if it isn't cleaned & maintained it WILL jam, same with a bloody steyr, same with the rest of the auto / semi auto rifles.
I didn't see you there with all the I love muh...
Good to see someone actually read the whole thing. 😂
Nope. They need lube with use but dont need cleaning. Spend more time shooting. Guns dont need cleaning.
Read the whole bloody question.
My original reply to Lyn:
AR-15s are the superior platform today because they are easy to control even if you are a small person(low recoil), very accurate because we are accountable for our actions, low maintenance(basically dont need cleaning only occasional lube), high capacity magazines mean you can defend against multiple attackers, and they are effective at close or long ranges.
Pistols are much harder to get proficient with and require weekly practice or you’ll loose the skill. But if you are interested in carrying a weapon, get the largest pistol you can comfortably carry. Glock 19 is the Toyota truck of the pistols. The Glock 43X is great smaller option.
A sovereign individual is the primary force of peace in their world. A centralized force of peace officers fall prey to the same problems that plague any centralized system.
Well I'm sure that will be very comforting to know when they have incoming fire & a gas stoppage...
And insufficient training.
😂
😂
AK-47
I'm not going to go through all of the replies because I'm sure most of them are asinine, but, my personal carry is a Ruger LC9, .9 mm. It's compact and not hard to use.
@Kajoozie Maflingo and I are actually going to be looking for a gun for my 21 year old, waifish daughter to tote and be able to use if need be. We could keep you up to date on our search if you're interested? Or he could just give recs since I tagged him. lol <3 Stay safe out there, ma'am. Folks are crazy.
i was trained by the US Armed Forces
I'm all for self-defense and gun ownership/2A, but the average european mind that does not live in the jungle cannot conceive the need to have a spear and a shotgun at one's bedside... 😂
Action
There are two modes of gun action.
First there are those in which the user must ready the gun from one shot to the next (lever action, pump action, revolvers and more)
Second are those in which the gun readies itself (semi-automatic)
For a smaller, less-trained user (like a woman or child) I would strongly recommend a semi-automatic.
The action the gun uses to ready itself absorbs some of the energy and spreads the force over time, reducing the felt recoil.
Because the gun readies itself from one shot to the next, the user generally cannot interfere with the ready process.
However, because the gun is performing a complex task very rapidly it is possible for the gun to fail in various ways.
For example, it is possible for the shell that held the gunpowder for one round to fail to eject from the gun, blocking the next round from being loaded.
In contrast, manual action weapons will tend to have more recoil and (if operated correctly) are less likely to fail.
However, improper operation of manual action is a greater risk due to the greater responsibility placed on the user, and the failure rate of self-loading weapons is quite low.
Profile
Should you get a rifle, shotgun or handgun?
A long gun (rifle/shotgun) will be much easier to aim and control.
A handgun can be concealed and the smaller size makes it easier to maneuver in tight spaces.
Most importantly, a rifle or shotgun causes wounds in a different manner than a handgun and is far more powerful of a weapon as a result.
With handguns the body's natural elasticity (because it is mostly water) is able to absorb much of the energy and the bullet crushes a path through tissue.
In order to quickly stop a villian by handgun, the bullet must pass directly through the central nervous system or a major artery.
With long guns, enough force is delivered to overcome the elastic potential of the body and bullets can rupture entire areas of the body through which they pass.
In order to quickly stop a villain by long gun, the bullet must impact roughly in the vicinity of the central nervous system or major arteries.
Caliber
The final major category to consider is caliber.
Based on ballistic data, any handgun caliber of about 7.5mm or wider (eg 32 ACP, 380 ACP, 9mm, 10mm, 40 S&W, 45 ACP) will achieve the depth needed to present a lethal threat.
Any rifle caliber above 22LR will be fine (eg 223, 556, 30-06, etc etc)
Shotgun you're almost certainly going with 12 gauge due to availability, and then slugs are way too much and birdshots' not enough so it's got to be buck.
As to specific firearms, it depends somewhat on where in the world you are.
Some options to consider:
Glock 19 - Ultra-reliable and almost certainly the world's most popular 9mm handgun
Beretta 1301 - Semi-automatic shotgun
Benelli M4 - Semi-automatic shotgun
AR-15 in .556mm - Extremely light recoil, lightweight, and ammo is widely available in West/NATO regions
AK-47 (or AK74, etc) - High reliability and you may find the ammo more reliably in 3rd/Soviet world
If I had to pick one gun for home defense (which might be handled by less trained women or children) it would probably be the Beretta 1301 with 00 (double aught) buckshot.
I would also recommend you get a 22LR pistol / rifle (the same handgun / long gun choice as you made with your main gun)
This will be super low recoil and ammo is extremely cheap
This is a good training tool
However you do need to shoot your actual home defense gun from time to time to maintain competency
TO EVERYONE WHO RECOMMENDED A SHOTGUN: you're wrong and you don't know what you are talking about. Out of every tool available that is by far the worst choice. Too much recoil, low capacity, low armor penetration but too much wall penetration. There is no advantage to a shotgun - none. A poor marksman is going to miss just as much with a shotgun as a rifle.
AR-15 would be my top pick. 9mm handgun (pistol) that you shoot well and practice with if you need portability. A high quality pistol that fits your hands.
Revolvers have some advantages (and many disadvantages), but require more skill and practice than a pistol, such as a Glock
uh...I just leave it loaded, and in moments of stress simply pull the trigger
100% this...basic instructional knowledge that non-instructors lack yet assume they have
Knowledge about firearms does not equal firearm competency in an emergency situation
the keyboard warriors saying shotguns are the best choice..smh
Its wild to think of handing a hand gun w an 8 pound trigger to someone unfamiliar. Or a 12 ga to someone of Lynns stature. Im certain she could handle either w practice but till then i hope she has an AR in her closet.
That scene in pulp fiction when the dude busts into the room w a huge revolver and misses every shot. If i was to go against someone w no training, i hope they have a revolver not an AR
Glock 19
