[2ndDivisionVet]

If you don't have thousands of dollars burning a hole in your pocket/purse, there's Hi-Point firearms, where all the pistols are UNDER $200 with a full lifetime, transferable warranty.

[SIDENET]

Had the Hi-Point 9mm (C9) a while back. It was 140 bucks, completely reliable, and very accurate.

Sold it to a buddy who was new to guns and he loves it.

I still have the 9mm carbine that HP makes. Great little gun.

[Gargantua]

When I was 20 years old I was attacked by a gang of 15 ethnically unique individuals with clubs and chain. All I had on me was an unopened (glass) quart of Coca-Cola. 11 of the 15 went to the hospital for treatment. Though my shirt was torn off, I didn't have a bruise or a scratch on me.

I'm far more deadly in my 50's than I was at 20. I no longer have access to glass quarts of Coca-Cola, but I do legally carry 3 sidearms-- Ruger .357 Magnum Police Service 6 (6 shot), Taurus 9mm Parabellum (13 shot + 1), Kurz 9mm "Little Buddy" (6 shot + 1)-- whenever I go out. All are loaded with Federal Hydroshock Plus-P hollowpoints.

I practice fast-repel techniques and am always aware of every person in sight when in public areas. Having been jumped by 15 goons will do that to you. I can draw and accurately (in close-quarter combat--less than 10 feet) discharge all rounds on my person in well less than 30 seconds.

I am never afraid.

Long story short... don't be a flash mob. It might be me you're about to jump, unaware of the lethal danger you're in.

;^\