For home defense you can't beat a semi auto 12ga. Keep in mind you would be panicked and sidetracked by where the family is. You don't have to aim as carefully to stop an intruder and anything waist up is game over. Plus, it's harder for them to grab than a handgun due to leverage. Most semis give you 7 to 9 rounds. My Benelli fires as fast as a handgun. I have a few AR's but they aren't for home defense. I have both H&K's and Glocks in .40 and .45. Both are great systems. My wife is proficient with her H&K usp .40 compact, it is a little less bulky than the Glock compact. I feel better with her using a .40 over a 9mm due to the carnage per shot if she's home alone. I feel like guns are worth buying quality so my brand suggestions are always Benelli for shotguns and H&K/Glock for handguns, at least as far as entry level. I have others but they are situational and more expensive. Rock River, Armalite and S&W m&p all make awesome entry level AR platforms for around $1000 if you are looking that way. Can choose the caliber that suits your needs from .223 to 9mm.