posted on Dec, 7 2008 @ 03:06 AM
Um, if you're uncomfortable about guns, I would recommend you take a course at your local range. They are usually low cost and cover much of the
basics.
If you aren't going to practice with it, then there's no sense in having it. Which makes a shotgun not a very good choice -- unless you are getting
one for hunting along with a handgun. But if you're going to get only one gun, get a handgun and make sure you have a holster for it. Also, invest
in a small gun safe.
I would recommend you get a revolver in a larger caliber. A .357 is a good choice as you can use both .357 hollowpoint rounds or the smaller .38
rounds (which you can use at the range). It has adequate stopping power without scaring you to death at the range.
My reason for a revolver is that they last forever, are very forgiving if you don't clean them, they rarely jam (as compared to a semi-auto) and they
are just easier to use. In a survival situation, you'll save your brass (because it doesn't automatically eject on to the ground) for reloading
later on. If you drop it in a puddle, it's going to keep working unless you let it rust.
If you're not going to go shooting once a month, a revolver makes sense. Besides, it's a good starting point. If you decide you like guns, you can
always add a pistol.
And if nothing happens, you'll have a nice heirloom to pass down to your great grandkids because revolvers are pretty tough. They just aren't as
"sexy" as 9 mm Glock or .40 Sig.