For the Firearms guys

SmoothZ

Damn, that gun brings back memories. I think revolvers are great guns, easy to maintain, and are simpler than semi-autos. I've shot revolvers and SA's and know how to handle both for different reasons, but for the past 10 years I've been carrying a SA.

I would highly recommend a revolver not just for your first gun but as a keeper. Point and shoot is all it takes. If you want it for home defense, that's the way to go. Just be sure that you have it locked up and hidden when you're not taking it out of the house, and I would even go so far as to suggest you learn how to carry it on your hip or wherever when in the house.

One never knows if there's a B&E that's going to happen while you're home. I know of a fed that got killed at his house by an escaped convict. Sucks that the convict got the first shot off.

I kept thinking that a .22 is a great assassin weapon.

As for the shotgun, that's also a good one since you don't have to be very accurate to make your point. However, if you don't know how to handle it or load it quickly, it won't do you any good.

The shotgun is another great investment. Get the 870 and find a rifle range to practice becoming proficient at shooting the shotgun. Learn to do tactical reloads, and you'll definitely scare the bejeezus out of an intruder. LOL