[cocked&locked]

A few comments based on your situation and the thread...

1) Alot of people have recommended a Glock. Make sure you handle the gun before you buy it. Glocks feel like crap in my hand and I would never consider owning one for that reason. I also don't like some of the other features. I'm not saying they are bad, just that it needs to be comfortable in your hand. Personally, I own a Sig P229 40 caliber (with 135 grain Corbon hollowpoints or sometimes speer gold dots). It's a great gun and one that I'd trust my life (and my family's life) with. A hammerless wheel gun also makes a great conceal carry weapon because fo its simplicity and lack of hammer to get hung up in clothes.

2) I agree with those that say shoot it a lot. I mean a lot. You should become very familiar and proficient with it before you consider handling it in a live situation.

3) I hope you realize the responsibility that comes with owning a firearm. Your comment about pumping someone with six shots (or whatever) may be in jest, but it's a serious matter. If you draw your weapon, be prepared to use it. Take time now to think about the gravity of actually having to shoot someone. It's a big comittment.

4) Never, ever, rack the gun to give a warning. I don't care how intimidating it sounds. If you are going to carry/use it for defense, it needs to be loaded and ready to go. A gun without one in the pipe is useless. As someone said, give a verbal warning while ready. Your goal is to eliminate a threat that might or might not be willing to retreat/surrender. It would be great if every one would automatically run away when they heard you chambering a round, but that might not be the case. They have obvisouly done something already to threaten you and giving them time to advance their position is foolish.

5) I know a lot of people like having shot guns in the house for defense and I've read some good articles in support, but I personally would not want one as my primary weapon. If I am forced to move in the house, I do not want to be walking around with a long barrel that can be grabbed/deflected.

6) Become very familiar with the laws in your state.

7) Have fun. Guns are a blast.