I strongly believe every home owner (that want's one) should have a gun. Not to protect objects, they can have what ever they want. But to protect one self and family. No TV or diamond ring is worth killing someone for. That is what insurance is for.

Having said that, the gun should be under lock and key especially if there are kids in the house. But a shotgun and a sidearm are a smart thing to have.

Here are my recommendations:
Even though I do not own a glock, (I own a H&K USP Compact .40) Glocks are the most reliable, affordable, easy to use. I do not recommend a .9mm. Get a .40mm instead. It is only a hair bigger than a .9mm and has a lot more stopping power. A .45 is a little too big in my opinion.
The nice thing about a clip vs. a revolver is, it's very easy to load quick in an emergency. You can keep a clip loaded and the gun empty.

For Shotgun's, you probably want to get a Mossberg police issue type gun. Something small with a pistol grip. You do not want a hunting shotgun or Trap/Skeet type of deal. A small barrel and small grip is the way to go.. Point and shoot type of deal.

The shotgun is really your home protection weapon. Chances are you will not hit the broad side of a barn with a handgun if you are in a pressure situation. Handgun's are generally VERY hard to shoot accurately. It's not like in the movies.
However, just the sound of someone chambering a shotgun is enough to make a would-be "home invader" into a coward.

B

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"When two people agree on everything, one of them is not necessary" - Arliss