Which handgun would you recommend to someone with little or no firearms training or experience, for home protection?

45/410 ether the judge or bond arms hand cannon. 45 will go through the door 410 bird shot will hurt like hell.

I would recommend moving out of California, but make sure to burn it all down before you close the door behind you.

Well a hand gun is like a pair of shoes. If it does not fit then its useless. First off is to discern the possible threats. Type of housing. Neighborhood. Response times for police and EMS. Individuals physical stature. Then the individual needs to go to a gun store that rents fire arms so they can try out the many options that there are and schedule a training class if they find something they like. Any recommendation a person gives is basically personal bias and most likely will not fit the needs of the individual.

A water pistol

Get a 12 gauge pump action shotgun, load rubber pellets or pepper spray filled pellets, second she'll a rubber slug, then the rest of the shells full up home defender slug and pellets. Shotguns are easy to use and when you cock the pump action back everyone on this planet knows that sound is and will be looking to leave ASAP.

CPT Jack Durish - Captain; I'd recommend the handgun that the person can actually hold and fire safely and accurately.

It may sound facetious, but consider "black powder weapons" - they are MUCH more impressive when discharged than "smokeless powder weapons" AND you have to actually take them out and shoot them on a regular basis (if you want to keep them loaded) or else the loads in the cylinder chambers will deteriorate. (This means that you are constantly re-familiarizing yourself with your weapon.)

Any handgun that the owner hasn't fired in six months is going to be less effective than one that the owner fires on a regular basis (say "bi-weekly")

PS - You can load a "black powder weapon" with bird shot if you feel like it and "TheGummint" can't do a damn thing about it.

PPS - If you know what you are doing you can exchange cylinders just as fast as you can change magazines so you aren't really limited to six shots from your six-shooter.

For someone with little or no training a long gun (rifle or shotgun) is safer than a hand gun because one is always more aware of where the muzzle is pointed. A double barrel shotgun would be the easiest for a novice to operate, followed by a pump shotgun. A novice with a semi-auto is a danger to themselves and others in the area. A .22 rifle (bolt or pump) would be very effective while not over penetrating and hitting innocents in other rooms.

If they choose to use a handgun, a revolver is safer and easier for a novice to operate. In this case, choose a caliber that they can afford to shoot a lot to become competent with it.

In any case, training should be the first item of business - even before selecting the firearm of choice. Many ranges have weapons for rent for use on that range. The novice could try several out to see what they like before buying their own weapon.

I've wanted to buy a hand gun, but lived in CA. Too much of a hassle. Now in TN and have done some research. This is what I've decided on: Springfield Armory XD Mod. 2 45 ACP. Be careful as there are a lot of very similar models.

Now the why. First, I always liked the M1911 (as a former MP, and officer back in the day of the 45), so I wanted a semi automatic. Next, I wanted something a little lighter and smaller (age and use by wife too), so I looked for a "compact" weapon (shorter handle and barrel). Also had to be highly rated for ease of use.

The model above came back as a very good match. Apparently it's one of the choices for use as a concealed weapon (not my intent). It comes in 9mm, 40 and 45 ( I prefer the 45). It comes in three colors; black, and 2 two tone models. The prices on line range for $469 to list. The only problem, the cheaper stores are out of stock on the one I want.

Note, that if you buy it on line, it will have to shipped to an authorized dealer; paperwork plus background check. There are a bunch of links where you put in your zip code and it comes back with authorized dealers in your area. This is moot if you buy from a gun shop.

Once you've made your selection, get training. Not just on the operational aspects, but how to use it in the situation(s) your described. There are special classes covering various operational situations for a reason. On second thought, you may want to take the class first to see if you're cutout for using a hand gun in close quarters.

Just one opinion.

Good luck

CPT Jack Durish . Sir I would recommend a Ruger SR9. It is a 9mm . Not only it is one of the most worldly round to use, it is also inexpensive. Wal mart sell's umc target rounds for around 69 to 71 dollars for a box of 250. The Sr 9 has a slimmer hand grip for smaller hands. Just to let you know my wife loves it ! cost is anywhere between 300 to 500 dollars... Just shop around. Good luck sir..

As a person who has dealt with weapons from age 16... now in my 50’s, the 1st lesson.... “the weapon is only as safe as the person operating it”. Learn safety 1st and then have someone “FIT” you for the handgun you are interested in purchasing. I would also stay away from a hand gun as 1st home defense weapon until you are relatively trained to hit center mass 95% shooting... bc you own whatever the bullet hits... and handguns travel at such a high velocity that it will travel across the street and into another home if you panic, miss and send one out the window and not a wall (and even that’s not a guaranteed stop). Shotgun... loaded (like the Chappell joke) Birdshot, birdshot , buckshot... bird... (and after that... the gun turns Jamaican buckshot,buckshot, buckshot,