[Centurion2000]

The most single critical factor in a defensive firearm is reliability. It should fire every time the trigger is pulled and conversely it should never fire unless the trigger is pulled no matter what

Then their first gun should be a ruger double action revolver. Works like a champ :)

[from occupied ga]

Then their first gun should be a ruger double action revolver. Works like a champ :)

This is a good choice, likewise Taurus I prefer taurus, but this is a personal thing.

I suggest that in the realm of reliability and usability, battlefield experience is probably the most severe test of a firearm. Military type firearms are usually engineered so that even the dimmer lights can work them (My translation of the AK-47 manual stresses that ammunition is not to be thrown in fires) They have proven reliability , and adequate stopping power. My current Uzi fits all of my criteria of an ideal home defense weapon except one (cost).