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For a person with limited familiarity with handguns, it is hard to go wrong with a 6 shot revolver in 38 Special. Get a 3-4” barrel. Load it with Federal HST +P rounds.
This should fit all your requirements.
I’m thinking of those videos we’ve all seen with a LEO demonstrating firearm safety and the handgun fires inadvertently.
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Then you don’t want to put your finger on the trigger, until you are ready to fire, regardless of the handgun you choose.
Not familiar with any guns that fire inadvertently. I guess you probably mean you’d like a revolver. In that case, look for something in .357 magnum and probably a 3 to 4 inch barrel. You can shoot .38 special loads in the same gun.
Any young kids around your home?
Get a double action revolver. .38 should do just fine and there are plenty for sale at gun shows. Buy from an individual owner.
If price is a major factor, take a look at the Makarov 9x18 pistol. Good used ones from CZ and FA can be found for under $200. 9x18 ammo can be had for cheaper money than most. The pistol was good enough for the KGB for decades. I bought my Bulgarian one for about $100 15 years ago. The new ones are much more expensive now.
Because you said you wanted inexpensive. It is also reliable.
http://www.hi-pointfirearms.com/Hi-Point-handguns/45ACP_handgun.html
Actually I would suggest a .357 revolver. You will pay a bit more for one over a .38 special but it will be more sturdy (since it has to handle the more powerful round) and of course gives you the option of moving up to .357 if you think you should need it. .357 revolvers will handle .38 special rounds as well just fine.
Taurus usually makes a good enough revolver, but do make sure of the particular one since their quality control is known to be spotty. It could just be safer to go for a Ruger though it will likely be a bit more expensive (a Smith and Wesson would be the nicest option, but much more expensive). I’d suggest a 3 or 4 inch barrel (since it is not for carry).
Sounds like a gun safety class might not be a bad idea since you express some concern on the subject.
Ammo availability is something to consider. 9mm is a good middle-of-the-road caliber. Go compact for easy concealment; Ruger LC9 or SR9c, etc..
Wait, you only have one firearm?
Disregard everything you read on this forum excepting the recommendation to obtain quality training on armed home defense.
You indeed get what you pay for and other than advice to get professional training, the value of anything else advised on this forum is valued at zero.
Sorry to sound harsh to all those who recommend such and so gun wise, but seriously, get personal professional training.
Best;
You will like the following:
http://www.taurususa.com/product-details.cfm?id=133&category=Pistol&toggle=&breadcrumbseries=
It can be carried safely with one in the tube, with the safety on. Flick the safety off and squeeze off the first round double action. The following rounds will then be semiautomatic. You get 17 chances with this pistol and it is also big enough to beat the bad guy to death.
If you want a simi-auto, .45 is the way to go.
All this assume you can handle a powerful handgun.
9mm with good hollow points IS effective.
Just avoid the short barrels on all platforms. It kills your velocity.
I agree with the .38 caliber revolver in your situation.
Software is much more important than hardware when it comes to self defense with a firearm. Take a class! Then buy either a revolver that will fire .38 Special or a semi automatic pistol in 9mm. Whichever you prefer is fine.
http://www.charterfirearms.com/index.asp
I have a charter arms bulldog that I really like. I use it as a backup piece to my Springfield XD. They make very good quality revolvers in a wide variety of calibers, even 9mm.
Very accurate. Very reasonably priced. Check them out!