I agree with everything CeeZar says.
I would add that the Beretta Px4 Storm is a very reasonably priced and excellent choice if you're okay with a polymer frame. I have the .45 and it's very manageable, I would expect the 9mm to be very easy to shoot. They have interchangeable back straps to adjust the fit to your hand. There are also compact and sub-compact versions if you want that.
Sig Sauer also has the SP2022 which is on the lower end of price range but very reliable and easy to shoot. Great gun for the money, Sig also has all steel pistols but they are generally about twice as much as the SP2022.
I would not say you absolutely HAVE to shoot it before you buy, but that's certainly a great idea if you can, and in any decent sized city you should be able to find a place where you can do that. Definitely make sure it's comfortable in your hand. And I would absolutely recommend shooting SOME 9mm before you buy, so you have an idea of recoil and handling.
Night sights are also a great idea in a defensive gun, they can be added later but may be a little less cost overall to get them up front if you can.
And all the recommendations for shotguns are great for home defense too, unless you just specifically need/want a handgun.
Aries
~Sign of the Rams
Aries
~Sign of the Rams
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 07/27/2017 05:28AM by Aries.