If you're not going to carry, get a 12 or 20 guage shotgun, like a Mossberg Persuader, for home defense. If you actually think you'll carry, as a newbie I'd recommend something with an external safety - the Rugers are very good and a good value. Glocks are good too, but be VERY careful at all times when handling them (as you should with all firearms of course), because Glocks have no external safeties, and because you must pull the trigger to take them down. Don't make the mistake of taking a loaded Glock, thinking that you need to rack the slide to unload the chambered round, then remove the mag, then pull the trigger to takedown. This will result in a negligent discharge! You must remove the magazine FIRST, then rack the slide to remove the chambered round. Actually, this is also true with other pistols that don't require a trigger pull to take down. And learn the four cardinal rules of gun safety, if you haven't already. They seem elementary, but many people nevertheless violate them, including some people who consider themselves real gunners.