[targa911S]

Originally posted by legion
Once again, this is not for home defense in the typical sense. I have no intentions of trying to shoot an intruder. This is for ensuring the safety of my family (wife & I--no kids) in the highly unlikely event of a breakdown of law & order. We hope (and fully expect) that we will never take it out for anything other than cleaning and range practice. It will be kept locked and will not be quickly accessible. Our thought was that a trigger lock would suffice for the time being, but that we would buy a gun safe when we thought about having kids.

Based on some of the suggestions, I'm thinking we might have to go and shoot some shotguns to make an informed decision.

If that is the case, then a handgun may be you best route. A revolver over a semi auto. Wheel guns are a no brainer and easy for all to use. 38 special is a good guy/ girl gun. Easy for both to use and has good stopping power. You say range shooting so I hear handgun over shotgun. Outdoor range? plinking outdoors? Ok shotgun. But based on your needs I think a nice S & W (did a Colt guy type that?) 38 special revolver would fit the bill nicely. I still recommend a good gun course (take it together) and if you get a handgun, get your CWP. Why a lock when you have no kids? I wouldn't think you would need that.