[bandleader]

You are much better off with a S&W(38spl./357Mag.)revolver if you are going to use it for self-defense.These guns are practically fool-proof.A semi-auto is much more complicated and(therefor)much more accident-prone.The beauty of the double-action revolver is that there are no safeties!You must pull through the trigger-cycle completely to fire it.You don't have to pull the slide back to charge it or keep it"locked and cocked"

[supercat]

You are much better off with a S&W(38spl./357Mag.)revolver if you are going to use it for self-defense.These guns are practically fool-proof.

Revolvers aren't totally fool proof. I managed to momentarily bewilder myself on a range after I started to squeeze off my third shot, felt a sneeze coming on, let go of the trigger and put down the gun, sneezed, and then resumed. I was then rather surprised when shot #6 went "click". There was still a live round in the gun, but it was in chamber #3.

[BILLYBOBB]

Get a Glock 26. The finest subcompact out there. Don't let anyone tell you that a 9mm is not enough stopping power. Put a round in their behind and I'll bet their reconsider.