S&W 375, my brother's, heavy (44 ounces) but fun to shoot hot loads
Walther P99 QA 40 S&W, my baby, has some snap to it but is great for carry
Walther P22 .22, for when we don't want to spend $$$ on ammo
Glock 17 9mm, good all around gun, my dad uses this one mostly
Star 9mm, was my grandad's
Kimber Eclipse .45, my dad's pride and joy, fun to shoot and looks great

Plan on getting an STI Eagle 5.0 in 40 S&W early next year. The Walther can wear out my hand after a couple hundred rounds so I want something I can play with at the range.

 

Sig Sauer P 226

 

Sig's site says $1299. There is a guy at the firearms dealer that wants one as well. From his hints more than likely a little below MSRP. I buy quite a bit of firearms from these guys so I'm pretty sure they aren't making a killing on me on this one

 

I've only shot a few handguns, and the only ones 9mm or greater in caliber are the two that I own: the Beretta 92FS and the Walther P99 QA. I love them both, but I think I like the Walther ergonomics a bit better.

 

This didn't die that long ago, so I'm not going to feel bad for bumping it...

Personally, when it comes to hand guns, Glock gets my money. No grip safety like the XD series Springfields or 1911 style guns (are you sure you'll be shooting straight with a perfect grip?), very easy to maintain (or not. If you've never seen the Glock torture tests, I suggest googling the subject. Any pistol that can take all that and still go bang is worth every penny), and there is a vast amount of upgrades availible if that's what you are into. Not to mention the weight aspect.

Long guns, well, for home defense you are better off with a 12 gauge (Mossberg 500 pistol grip pump would be a great choice, I've seen the remingtons do some weird things before...) or an AR chambered in either .223 or a hand gun caliber. An AK in traditional configuration MAY have overpenetration issues... I did want to qualify the MAY because depending on the construction of your home, distance of neighbors, etc. this may not be a problem for you. If you want an AR, spend the money and get a Rock River. If you want an AK, spend the money and find a Vepr if you can.

All the anti-gun sentiment on here astounds me. I'm not a right wing republican, nor a left wing democrat, but I know for damn sure I don't want to be the one being carried in a wooden box. Stopping private ownership of firearms does nothing but give the criminals a larger advantage. If you want proof, look at England's violent crime rates before and after the ban. Those are actual numbers. Any other statistic can be made to say whatever you want it to. It's not difficult to substitute median for mean, etc. and still have people buying it.

 

Australia's ban is doing them lots of good too, If you want to be a victim of a nice home invasion move there or England.

 

Seriously. Of all the people I know over there, not one feels comfortable with the current situation. If someone broke into your house, and was standing over you, you can't do anything but try and punch them. If you picket up a cricket paddle and hit them with it, you would be the one in jail... I can't understand how a government could sympathize more with the criminal than the victim. It makes no sense whatsoever.

 

Look at Canada too.

Everyone paid their dues to the NRA this year?? 2008 unfortunately is looking kind of grim

 

At least in Canada you are allowed to have certain firearms that can double for home protection. I don't like their inhibition of personal carry, but protecting your home is a huge deal that the British are currently getting screwed out of. (Not to mention I feel somewhat bad for Canada considering their last Prime Minister was a complete idiot.) I can't imagine it personally. I may not be one of those 'Urban Survivalists' who are uber prepared for every possible "SHTF" apocalyptic scenario, but legislators turning a blind eye to the common wealth's personal security is absolutely rediculous.

As far as 2008, I think it's a crap shoot. I know plenty of people who are preparing for the worst (re-issue of the AWB, more restrictions, etc.), and I can't say I blame them, but the likelyhood of Hillary making it to the white house is so minute, I wouldn't bat an eye at her. I think if they intend to take the presidency, they will need to find a more "middle of the road" canidate. Despite many American's luke warm feelings about W., he was elected twice for a reason, and that is the general
voting population. I don't think it will be as grim as some are making it out to be, but it's definately going to be interesting. I'm looking at a few new aquisitions just in case...

 

I own an illegal rifle, but don't tell anyone.