re: Recommendation for handgun-first time gun owner

Simplicity, reliability, horsepower.

A revolver excels in the first two 100% of the time and typically the last one as well.

Self shucker for combat, revolver for self defense.

Semi auto shotgun better than both of the above, and a semi auto rifle is the ultimate.

Definitely double action. Single action revolvers are better than nothing for 6 (or 5 if it’s an old one) and equal to nothing after that.

Too many people try to be overly clever about this.

Don't do something stupid like try to get your SO to use a shotgun or semi as a self-defense gun.

Get a .38 revolver. Simple and reliable.

Something with extra clips.

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My issue was about a revolver vs a higher capacity semi auto. Being a home defense handgun and not having to worry about toting excess ammo around, there is no good reason to opt for a lower capacity gun

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I certainly see that point. I do however think that a revolver is a near-foolproof weapon and the times one need over 5 shots in a home defense situation is basically non-existent. I would rather have a handgun novice with 5 essentially guaranteed shots than them having to deal with a slide and the rare but possible jam. Again, I think a novice woken up in the middle of the night needs the most simple but effective firearm possible. You just don't get easier than a revolver which you pick up and pull the trigger. In a perfect world we would have (and know how to use) MP5s for home defense...

I am about to get one of these bad boys.

Smith & Wesson

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My issue was about a revolver vs a higher capacity semi auto. Being a home defense handgun and not having to worry about toting excess ammo around, there is no good reason to opt for a lower capacity gun

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He said his wife would be using it, my wife cannot deal with the slide and added complexity of semi-autos, maybe his wife cant either, that is a good enough reason to have a revolver, having 5-6 rounds is vastly superior to having 0.

I have a beretta M9 which is supposed to be as reliable as any other handgun out there. I’ve had it jam a few times with cheap ammo and once with good +p self defense ammo through several thousand rounds. Who’s to say the next jam isn’t #2 after somebody kicks the door in? 3 jams out of probably 1500 or 2000 rounds is a pretty good batting average, but my revolvers are a solid 100%.

I generally shoot revolvers better anyway. If I have to have a handgun for personal defense in my home I want it to be a full size .357 magnum. I’ll use it to get to my 12 gauge.

H&K P2000sk

This is an easy choice for me based on the OP's needs: Smith and Wesson .38 special, 6 round all-steel, medium sized revolver in a 3" barrel. The only decision to make is blued vs stainless finish. It will cost around $500-$600 and will be a family heirloom for generations.