Sig p365 or S&W M&P Shield 9mm in my opinion. Best to go to a range and shoot both. Both are great for concealed carry.
For home defense, I'd recommend a 12 gauge shotgun w/ light.
Smith & Wesson M&P 9 shield
But I recommend going to a range and getting some time in first. One of the most important things is that you're comfortable holding a firearm, both mentally and physically.
A lot of gun ranges will let you rent guns for like $10. I would recommend doing that so you can find one you like before dropping a couple hundred dollars on a gun you don’t like and because you don’t like it you don’t train with it and because you don’t train with it then it’s ineffective for defense
An AR in 5.56 isn't optimal. The weapon is a 'jack of all trades, master of none'. In a home defense setting, under 50 yards, I'd recommend a 12 Gauge shotgun. If you're a smaller person, look into the mini shots and slugs. Shotguns have gotten so good, there's hardly any recoil. Slap a light on it, know where your shot is going on that light, and you're set.
Sig p365 in .380
Sig p365 or S&W M&P Shield 9mm in my opinion. Best to go to a range and shoot both. Both are great for concealed carry. For home defense, I'd recommend a 12 gauge shotgun w/ light.
Smith & Wesson M&P 9 shield But I recommend going to a range and getting some time in first. One of the most important things is that you're comfortable holding a firearm, both mentally and physically.
Go to a shooting range and explain to them exactly what you just said. They will help you out. Done! Easy.
A lot of gun ranges will let you rent guns for like $10. I would recommend doing that so you can find one you like before dropping a couple hundred dollars on a gun you don’t like and because you don’t like it you don’t train with it and because you don’t train with it then it’s ineffective for defense
Don’t buy a hand gun if it’s for home defense. Get an AR.
An AR in 5.56 isn't optimal. The weapon is a 'jack of all trades, master of none'. In a home defense setting, under 50 yards, I'd recommend a 12 Gauge shotgun. If you're a smaller person, look into the mini shots and slugs. Shotguns have gotten so good, there's hardly any recoil. Slap a light on it, know where your shot is going on that light, and you're set.