Something from Chuck Baldwin: Now, when it comes to a discussion of which firearms are preferable forself-defense, the suggestions are as varied as the people who proffer them.These are my suggestions: I believe every man (along with his wife and children of adequate age)should be proficient with the following weapons: a handgun in .38 caliber orabove, a .22 rifle, a center-fire hunting rifle, a semi-automatic battlerifle, and a shotgun. My personal preference for a self-defense handgun is either a .45 ACP 1911(either Colt or Kimber) or a .40 S&W. In the .40 caliber, my favorite is aGlock 23. In the 1911, I like the Commander size configuration. I also likethe Glock 21, 30, and 36 in .45 caliber. My wife prefers to carry a Smith &Wesson .38 caliber revolver in the snub-nose, J-frame configuration. Butthis is primarily due to the reduced weight of these weapons for carrypurposes. If needed, she could make a good accounting of herself with aGlock 19 in 9mm. If you are someone who has never owned and seldom fired ahandgun, I recommend you buy a Glock. They are as simple as revolvers tooperate, reliable, and almost indestructible. Plus, they provide increasedmagazine capacity, and are safe. They are also very easy to disassemble andclean. Of course, in dangerous game territory, you will need the power of a.45 Long Colt, .44 Magnum, or even a .454 Casull. These calibers are not forthe limp-wristed, but when one is facing a brown bear or mountain lion, itis what one will need to survive. Plus, when your life is on the line,you'll never feel the recoil. For a .22 rifle, I really like the Ruger 10/22. For a hunting rifle, mysuggestion is either a .270 or .30-06 caliber bolt-action rifle. I preferthe Remington Model 700 BDL or Browning X-Bolt, but there are several fineweapons in this configuration and caliber by numerous manufacturers. Indangerous game territory, a Marlin .45-70 could be a lifesaver. For a battlerifle, I suggest an AR-15-style weapon (I prefer Bushmaster) in .223 caliberor a .308 Springfield M1A. For a shotgun, I suggest a 12-gauge pump. Here Iprefer a Winchester Model 1300, which is not made anymore. So, you'llprobably have to choose between Mossberg and Remington. For ladies, however,a 20-gauge shotgun is probably a better choice, and at "bad breath" range(where a shotgun shines, anyway), it is just as lethal. Whatever you choose, practice with it to the point that you are able to useit proficiently. And be sure you stock up on ammunition. A gun without ammois reduced to being either an expensive club or a cumbersome paperweight. Go to your local independent sporting goods store (I don't recommend thelarge national chain stores to do your firearms shopping) and get to knowyour hometown firearms dealer. Most of these people are kind and helpfulfolks who will be more than happy to assist you in finding exactly what typeof firearm is suitable for you and your family. If you live in thePensacola, Florida, area, a visit with Rick Bankston at Buck and Bass onPine Forest Road is highly recommended. He is a fine Christian gentleman andvery knowledgeable in all things gun. His phone number is 850-944-5692. Givehim a call.