[USAFA]

My kid brother back in California is moving out, getting his own place, and has recently asked me for advice on what kind of handgun I'd get for home defense. I'm going to recomend any revolver in a respectable caliber, but I'm curious as to what y'alls thoughts are. I'm not a big revoler shooter since I carry an auto, but I like the fact that any revolver I pick up works pretty much the same as any other which is why I'm recomending it.
I know absolutely squat about manufacturers/models, and any advice you have would be greatly appreciated.

[V-fib]

Get a Short bbl (18") 12ga. pump shotgun for HD. :cool:

[Poohgyrr]

One that he is competent with for the amount of training & practice he will put into it.

Other than that, a Smith revolver or a Browning/FN Hi Power.
:p

[P95Carry]

He'd be far from badly off with something like a Smith 4" 686 ... but if the ''L'' frame is a tad too much for concealment then ...... a Ruger SP101 would work well too. Both .357 but ''comfortable'' with .38spl loads.

Oh and ... Browning HP ......... also worth a look - or two!

[10-Ring]

For home defense, a 12 gauge pump shotgun is hard to beat. If he really has to have a handgun, a 4" 357 magnum revolver would be my recommendation.

[USAFA]

I'm planning on suggesting that he look first at a shotgun, despite the fact that he specificly asked about handguns.
I'm also going to highly recomend that he take a NRA course with whatever he gets and make it to the range at least monthly to knock the rust off. But I doubt a 18 year old college kid will have the time or inclination to go to the range as often as he should so I'm looking for something as "idiot proof" as possible.
Like I said, I just don't know anyghing as far as far as makes and models having a preference for autos (and the time and inclination to shoot them).
Thanks again for all your advice.

[duckfoot]

Remington 870, or a used Colt (trooper, lawman), Ruger (Gp100, Sp101), Taurus (65B4, 82B), and Smith and Wesson (Model 10, Model 13)