Decide where you want to put your weapon then buy a safe. It is a must have
if you have children at home.
If you are seriously considering buying a gun for self defense, go with 9mm.
Go to a range and try out some handguns first. I can recommend some but it
always comes down to which one fits your hands the best: Walther PPQ,
Sprindfield XD service(This is the one my wife uses), CZ 75 BD(This is a
heavy one buy with less recoil and also very nice grip), H&K USP(This is
what I carry). It is my recommendation that you buy only one but a very good
and reliable handgun and load it with personal defense ammos at home.
After all, it is my honest opinion that you should buy a handgun as your
personal defense weapon then train regularly with it. I go to the range
every week and fire about 200 rounds. My wife goes every other week and
shoots about 100 rounds every time. Know your weapon and learn how to handle
it safely is your primary job.
Good luck.