I'll have to agree with rcwj75 on this whole-heartedly, I'd pick the same myself =)
Rifle:
Can't go wrong with an AR-15, DPMS is probably the best quality I have ever shot next to a Bushy (Bushmaster Arms). I'd recommend DPMS, Bushmaster,
or Stag Arms, all good quality and reliable. (Stay the #$%( away from Colt!!! They are tempting because they are supposedly "The standard" and
sometimes a little cheaper. But don't be fooled, they suuuuuck) Also, it is ALWAYS cheaper to buy the gun in 2 parts (upper and lower) and
build it yourself. Buy a full upper and lower receiver and you will save yourself anywhere from 100-300 bucks. The upper and lower receivers attach to
one another without need for any tools other than your fingers
If the AR-15 is outside your price range, you can probably pickup an AK47 for a
couple hundred bucks cheaper. Fair warning tho, I wouldn't buy ANY AK47 unless its a Sierra Arms or American made lower receiver.. just my preference
I suppose but I won't sacrifice quality and reliability for price.
Pistol:
I've been using an FNP40 for almost a year now and love it. (FN Herstal)
Glocks are great but can be pricey depending on model. You can usually pick one up for under 300 used at a local dealer. I would personally recommend
FN or a Smith & Wesson 40 cal. Don't go out and get a crappy 9mm. They will not go through any body armor and are basically useless in a gunfight
unless you have absolutely perfect aim
Shotgun:
You can't go wrong with Remington, they have been my favorite since I started shooting and have the most prominent name in firearms. I like
Winchester too, but Remmy's always seem to outperform. I think they have a JIC (Just in Case) package still going. Some dealers are selling for as
low as 195 bucks! Jump on it if you can find a good deal like that. The great thing about shotguns is that the ammo is dirt cheap! So pickup 1000
rounds and practice as much as your shoulder will bear
I also prefer pulling off the generic stock and replacing it with a pistol grip and forward
grip. You'll probably be using this for home defense only and not hunting, so a stock isn't really necessary in my opinion.
My favorite website is Gunbroker.net You will find good deals on new and used firearms. The people are very friendly and pretty knowledgeable about
their firearms. And lastly, make sure what you are buying is legal in your area!! hehe, I don't have to worry about that much in Arizona.. but
elsewhere the restriction laws are getting heavier. So.. my advice is to start off with a pistol. It will be your best all around protection, and
probably the cheapest purchase next to the shotgun. Oh yeah, and once you decide on which rifle you are going to buy, start buying ammo noooowww!
AR-15 ammo has been jumping in price since the war in Iraq started and the sheeit ain't getting any cheaper.. best of luck to you, happy shooting!