I realize you weren't asking me. But I'm Truebrit's "favorite gun nut", so I figured I'd pipe up. Unless you're something of an enthusiast, and you are still somewhat concerned with its self defense potential, I'd choose a revolver over a semi-auto pistol. If you don't like the 9mm round, you probably won't care for the .38. So go with a .357 maybe (similar size, but more power). There are a LOT of exotic calibers floating around now... I can't keep up. The soundest, simplest, most reliable handgun I can think of is the Glock. Functions as well as a revolver, but has the action of a semi-auto (though it fires with a heavier double-action trigger pull). Try the Model 22 in .40 caliber. I have the .40 and my mom has the Model 19 9mm.

By the last retarded legal definition, an "assault weapon" is something like an AK47 semi-auto (the only one that's EVER been freely available in the U.S.), with a bayonet lug and/or the threaded barrel or a folding stock, etc. Sanitize the weapon with a solid (one piece) stock set, remove the bayonet lug, cover up the threads and whaddya know.. it's not an "assault weapon" anymore. It accepts the same magazines. It's no more and no less accurate than before. The only thing that's changed is the appearance.

You could buy 30 round mags, and 75 or 100 round drums before. You can buy them now. All that stuff is a dime a dozen.

As an FYI for everyone. We all know that Clinton and Johnny Chung (sic?) were pals. Find out who Johnny worked for by Googling him. Yes, that's the same company that was caught smuggling fully automatic AK47's into the U.S., destined for street gangs during Clinton's tenure as Prez.

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"Tweeter was a Boyscout before she went to Vietnam and found out the hard way... nobody gives a d@mn."