[Uri’el-2012]

I'm an NRA Certified Firearms Instructor. You should first off get trained by a certified instructor who should start you off on a 22LR just to detect and correct any fault in technique inasmuch as the basics of pistol marksmanship are concerned........ everybody starts on a Ruger Super Single Six Single Action revolver 22. Then we progress up through 9mm, 40, 45 etc..... .........

As a NRA Certified Training Counselor
I train hundreds of NRA Certified instructors a year.
I concur; JR should get trained first!

Handguns are good but nothing beats a 870 12Ga. shotgun for home use.

The sound of an 870 being racked will put the fear of G-d into anyone.

There is also the concern of over-penetration with a handguns,
which leads to collateral damage.

[ExSoldier]

There is also the concern of over-penetration with a handguns, which leads to collateral damage.

Depends on the structure, the caliber and configuration of ammo. You think a 12 ga loaded with a slug or 0-0-0 Buck won't penetrate? Ball ammo in a pistol will tend to penetrate further than JHP or the frangibles like Glaser, MagSafe or RBCD.