There are a lot of replies to this thread and I haven't read them all, so I may not be plowing new ground here....but here goes. Start with a Ruger 10/22 carbine with a target barrel and iron sights. Also buy a .22 revolver of good quality (S&W, Ruger, Colt, etc.) with a 5-6" barrel. Buy and shoot about 5000 rounds of 22LR. Depending on where you are, the $30K may be gone after the ammo buy. ;-)
If not, you should be ready to step up, but I would suggest you try a variety of handguns before committing to one for self defense of concealed carry. Be comfortable with the recoil, feel, cleaning and care, etc. My recommendation is a revolver at first, and probably nothing bigger than a .38 Special in caliber. Learn to shoot it comfortably and accurately before deciding to follow a trend and shoot what everybody at the range is drooling over. Those guys have probably been shooting a long time. Once you master your carry weapon, just experiment and figure out what you like. A shotgun for home defense would be ideal.
Finally, I always say the best way to spend money is gold, silver, brass, and lead.
If not, you should be ready to step up, but I would suggest you try a variety of handguns before committing to one for self defense of concealed carry. Be comfortable with the recoil, feel, cleaning and care, etc. My recommendation is a revolver at first, and probably nothing bigger than a .38 Special in caliber. Learn to shoot it comfortably and accurately before deciding to follow a trend and shoot what everybody at the range is drooling over. Those guys have probably been shooting a long time. Once you master your carry weapon, just experiment and figure out what you like. A shotgun for home defense would be ideal.
Finally, I always say the best way to spend money is gold, silver, brass, and lead.
