[Slawth]

Originally Posted by orangello

FYI, somebody just put a nice-looking 9mm pistol in the on-site classifieds for under $500. You might solicit some opinions on it.

p.s. If i read correctly, it comes with a free cat toy.

What a wiseacher.

Depending on your feeling about cats, either/or could be considered a cat toy.

[Mark F]

Originally Posted by Gatekeeper

My sister recently wanted to buy her first firearm for home defense.
I told her to buy a shotgun. Shes a single mom of a three year old so didn't want to leave a loaded gun unsecured in house and what goods a unloaded weapon if someone kicks down your door?
So she just purchased a 38special revolver and a lock box for her bedroom. One of those quick access ones with fingertip combination lock. Problem solved.

Not really. What if she is in the kitchen, living room, bathroom, kid's room, etc? That .38 Special in the bedroom in a lockbox is worthless. That .38 needs to be on her, for maximum protection.

[Gatekeeper]

Point taken.
What hours do most burglaries occur?
Seriously, she is new to gunownership and originally thought to leave it in box and not carry even though she has had her LCF for over a year.
After gaining some instruction and confidence she now carries whenever possible.
Id call that a good start.

[orangello]

Originally Posted by Slawth

Depending on your feeling about cats, either/or could be considered a cat toy.

My cats are baaaad about payback when i'm asleep; i'll stick with the light-type cat toy.

[martyj]

There are alot of nice used smiths in 9mm and 40 s&w and even glocks for under that price. Even that Polish p64 is a very well made pistol in 9x19 for 200.00 by the time you pay ffl dealer.

[741512th]

The MSRP is a little over $600.00, so it may not meet your requirements, but it could also alleviate Spanz' concern. Besides, this type of pistol, that can fire a .410 shotgun shell, is just a cool idea.

Taurus International Manufacturing Inc

[Stormbilly]

I personally think a ruger GP-100 with a 4" barrel would be a great starter gun for home defense. Practice lots with .38s. Like others have suggested, if you want a gun for home defense, you should practice a lot. I'd suggest a MINIMUM of 100 rounds a month. Though I'd prefer that much a week. And if you have kids, you may want to look into glaser safety slugs to prevent overpenetration.

Most of all, read lots and practice lots. Don't take getting a gun for your home lightly. It is a big responsibility, and you should feel obligated to learn as much about it as possible. *steps off soap box* Sorry about the mini-rant. Practice is fun, do lots of it, and look into reloading. It makes LOTS of practice affordable.

[JiroZero713]

Originally Posted by kdog

For that budget, I would also look for a nice used one.

Check out, oh what surprise from me, the CZ75 series Pistol.

A very tough and easy to use semi auto pistol.
Has a manual safety and if you are new to firearms, fairly easy to handle, due to the steel frame.
Trigger is DA/SA.
You can usually get them at a good price and keep it for lots of years.

And best of all, it is very accurate.

CZ 75 B

CZ 75 Compact

Don't forget the CZ-75 PO-1

[maksim]

What about the taurus judge, that fires 410 shot shells or 45 rounds.

I do agree though, shotgun would be alot better.