RE: looking for a pistol
 

You know Bigcountry you are right the 44 would be a bit much for a beginer but with time they could learn. The Scope suggestion was ment for when you are just taking it out Deer Hunting. I don't know however this is an intresting topic because you don't think using your quick to reach home deffence Pistol to double as a Hunting side arm aswell. I'm not saying it's possible however the answer to this topic would be to see which cal 357MAG and above would better fit your shooting ability. Another option would be a 357MAG W/6inch barrel and then a 20 Gage shot gun for home deffence.

RE: looking for a pistol
 

If you're hunting whitetail, the .357 would do well and serve you nicely as a home protection gun too. It can shoot 38 special for practice, they're usually cheaper.

RE: looking for a pistol
 

I agree with most of the others here. The gap between a hunting gun, and a home defense gun, is too great to be filled by one gun, and/or caliber!
The "compromise," will leave you lacking on one end, or the other.
The .454/.45, or the .44mag/.44spl. are great for hunting, but over-penetration, and larger, unwieldy, guns for home defense.
On the other hand, the .357/.38spl. is marginal at best, as a hunting gun!
I'd suggest the Ruger Super Red Hawk, .44 mag. with the 7 1/2 inch barrel, and 2X scope as a good, affordable hunting rig.
For home defense, there are many affordable, 9MM semi-auto's, or .38spl. DA revolvers, that will stop an intruder, without taking out a family member, and neighbor along the way!
I know all this has been said before, but there is just not one gun choice that will fill both needs WELL!

RE: looking for a pistol
 

44-mag or 10mm.

RE: looking for a pistol
 

This would be a good set up for a hunting revolver, and though maybe not ideal it can also serve as a good home defense weapon too. Reserve the magnum ammo for hunting only, and remove the scope when not being used during hunting.
Use 44Specials for home defense - light to moderate recoil, low muzzle flash, and no more risk of over penetration than with most other personnel/self-defense
ammo.

RE: looking for a pistol
 

Thanks guys. much appreciated with the info. I think my next step is to head out and see what all is out there in my price range.

RE: looking for a pistol
 

Do you have a pump shotgun?

If so get an 18.5 inch barrel and use it as your home defense gun. Use 2 3/4 inch shells firing a load of #4 buck shot. It will give you a much bigger margine of error when shooting at a home invader and the #4 buck will not over penetrate into other houses.

Bird shot, like #4 shot, also works extremely well at close range like inside your house and is very safe for not penetrating walls.