[Grizzly]

I'll give you my opinion for what it's worth:

First, let it settle a bit. The incident is still very fresh. You'll calm down and so will your significant other. Then you can make a rational decision as to whether you really want a gun or not.

Assuming you decide you do, and assuming you want it solely for home protection, I'd recommend a .357 revolver with a 4" barrel. A revolver is basically foolproof. It won't jam like an automatic; there is no safety to remember; it's just point and shoot. The .357 is more powerful than a .38, but not ridiculous. I recommended a 4" because it will be a little more accurate than a 2" and will emit less muzzle flash. Muzzle flash will ruin your night vision putting you at an extreme disadvantage.

It's been a long time since I've carried a revolver, but I used to carry 158 grain jacketed hollow point ammunition. The hollow point part is the important part. When you hit an attacker with a hollow point round, it flattens out and expands to transfer the maximum amount of energy. The expansion causes it to stay in the attacker's body, meaning it won't come out the back, across the street and wing the paperboy.

As far as where to keep it, I guess it depends on your circumstances. I've made a few enemies in my life, (I know you guys find that hard to believe) so I have a few safely stashed in strategic locations. The most important thing is that you keep it out of the hands of children. I think you said you don't have any, but give careful consideration to the ones who may visit you. Kids have gun radar. No matter where you hide it, they will find it. I had an acquaintance who's little girl got her hands on his service weapon. Unfortunately, a child's thumb is it's strongest finger. She needed to use her thumb to be able to pull the trigger. To do that she had to point the weapon at her face. Her death was absolutely unbearable, so please, keep that foremost in your mind. I'm not familiar with your laws, but in Maryland all handguns sold must be sold with a trigger-lock. Get yourself one and use it, but also become intimately familiar with its operation so you can get the damn thing off should you need to. A safe is a good option, but you have to be able to get the gun out expediently should you need it.

I, unfortunately, have a weapon with me at all times (messes up the sleek lines of my Speedo). At night, I have a holster mounted to the back of my headboard. Should I need the weapon, I know right where it is and I can deploy it quickly. Should anyone else try to get it, they'd have to reach over me to do it. I'm not saying that's the best option, it just works for me.

The last thing is practice. If you buy a gun, practice with it often. Identify a range and become a regular. Find a good instructor and work with him/her. Shooting is very basic, but you need regular practice to become, and remain, proficient. Remember to practice retrieving your gun and also rendering it safe. That's just as important as learning to shoot it.