[10/10ths]

...learn how to safely operate the weapon.

Never point the barrel at anything you are not willing to destroy.

Never put your finger on the trigger until your sights are on your target.

If you can't see it, don't shoot it.

For home defense, get a Remington 870 pump shotgun and load it with #4 bird shot.

The sound of you "pumping" the shotgun is the universal signal to get out of the house because you know what comes next.

#4 bird shot is lethal at bed to door distance, but won't punch through the walls of your apartment and hurt the baby in the next room.

For personal carry or glove box, get a Smith & Wesson "Air Weight" .38 revolver. It's small, light, and will not jam. You pull the trigger, and it fires. Every time. Five shots is enough for most situations.

If you decide you want a semi-auto with a high capacity magazine, it's hard to beat a Glock or a Springfield Armory XD series gun. Both offer 9mm with 19 round magazines.

I would stick with a revolver, however, because they have no safety to fool with, have less chance for accidental discharge, are simple, won't jam, and you can hand it to a spouse or child or co-worker if everything is going to crap and THEY can shoot it without thinking or training.

Load a pistol with Hornady "Personal Defense" ammo or Speer "Gold Dot" ammo and you have a very effective load.

Finally....Practice, Practice, Practice.

Shooting a weapon in anger at someone who is trying to kill you is NOT easy.

Good luck.

Be safe.