Reply #8: for home defense (for new gun users)I recommend

[daveskilt]

A short barrel 12 gauge, a pump action with room for at least 7 shells. this gives the widest damage spread and the least range and power (less chance of going through walls or travelling far enough to injure someone in the next room.

but the biggest recommendation i have of course is TAKE GUN SAFETY LESSONS first.

IMO no one should be allowed to own a gun without a huge background check, a long waiting period and a series of gun safety lessons. I grew up around guns and by about age 5 I knew never ever to point a gun at anyone or myself (even if it isnt loaded, or if you are just moving it past them etc.) It also would help to take self defense classes and understand some basics there - as someone else rightly pointed out having a gun in your home actually increases your chance of being hurt - something called the weapons effect in psychology where people are more threatened by the presence of the weapon and more likely to take greater risks to avoid harm, also in any self defense class they should teach that any weapon you pick up can be used against you.

knowing what the hell you are doing and how to safely handle a weapon are essential.