Attn: gun experts

[f5fstop]

Originally Posted by Racer-X

So two votes for the 40 cal. and I'm a fan of S&W.


Alec, ROFLMAO!

I'll go with another vote for the .40, but have to say, unless a person hits the target, even a .50 won't be effective. People knock 9s, but they are used worldwide, and sure do the job of killing someone; with the right ammo.
Military complains about the 9, but they are confined to full metal jacket rounds. Not mentioned so far (I have not read the entire thread) is ammo.
Make sure to use a reliable hollow point ammo (except in NJ, where it was illegal, probably still is).
And as others have said, practice, and I don't mean going to the range and shooting a paper target. Get some defensive shooting lessons from a reliable training facility; moving targets, sitting, close in, night, etc.
Oh, and never trust what a COP says, and even if in writing. Get the scoop from the local prosecutor, he/she is the one who decides will be prosecuted. Not sure about CA laws, but some states do have an affirmative defense clause in the law.
If you get a license, also consider liability insurance. NRA offers some on their website from a third party insurance company and it is good to have, and reasonable in price. Remember, most states do not have laws that protect your from a civil suit if little Johnnie's mom wants to sue, even after little Johnnie shot at your a half-dozen times, and you only shot back in self-defense. I would hazard to guess that CA does not have this law.