It's an internet forum. What do you expect?

I think you've gotten some good advice on this thread. I also believe you've seen some "not so good" advice. So, what do you believe? Somebody with a high post count on a hunting (versus a handgun) forum? I don't think so, but I only have one opinion, just like everyone else.

Step away from the keyboard and go to a range, or a good gun-store, when they are not crowded and can give you some advice. Soak it all in. See what feels good in your hand. See what gives you confidence (really, it is important in a self defense handgun).

Do you have any friends who are "gun guys"?. And I don't just mean hunters. True "gun guys". Ask them. Do you know any LEO's? If so, ask them if the first time they fired a handgun was at the academy. If it was, then they've possibly been brainwashed by their department and thus aren't true gun guys. You'd be surprised by how little many LEO's (who aren't gun-guys first) actually shoot. If they've been shooting long before they went to the academy, ask for their advice. Or again, go to a range or good gun-store. The key is to find somebody you trust.



Decide:

- Revolver vs. autoloader (or pistol or semi-auto). I have both, although I significantly prefer semi-autos. However what I like shouldn't matter to you.

- If you decide semiauto, you need to decide: single action, double action only (like a revolver), for DA/SA (first shot double, following shots are single action

- You also need to think about caliber. what size person are you? will your wife sometimes shoot it? How comfortable are you with guns? All this will (should) come in to play in caliber selection.

There is more, but I'll stop. Of course I think my advice is sound. I also think nksmfamjp is "bang on". I think some of the specific guns listed on this thread are good for what little you've stated your criteria are. I think some of the others are cr@p for your needs. But they are opinions on an internet forum that does not specialize in handguns. What more do you expect? Next up could be the Ginger vs. Mary Ann debate (the under 40 crowd need not apply!).

You need to get to gun store or range and talk to someone. Soak it all in. Take notes if necessary. And then come back here, if this is where you are comfortable, and bounce off ideas.

Good luck.