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I am looking for a gun that would be usable by a small adult female in a self defense situation. The person has has absolutely no experience with firearms and will not be getting any experience. I know that normally I would say don't even think about using a firearm in this situation but if someone is breaking into her house in the middle of the night, having a gun with no training might be better than not having any gun (this is obviously debatable). So given the premise which type of gun would be easiest and simplest for this person to have? I was thinking of the following: A semi-auto pistol but they might have issues knowing how to hold it to allow it to function properly. And if it malfunctioned they would have no idea how to clear it. Yet most of the time it would function properly so this might be OK. A revolver might be more fool proof but the long heavier trigger pull might be an issue for a first time user (keeping it steady and aimed during the trigger pull). Incorrectly holding the revolver could be dangerous (for example putting their hand around the cylinder gap). Something in 9 mm might be optimal but I also wonder if the lower recoil from a similarly sized handgun in .380 or 38 special might be easier to handle (along with the reduced noise). A shotgun might be simpler to shoulder and aim. Maybe a .410 which would have the least recoil and noise. I doubt that a novice would know how to rack a pump so I was thinking about a semi-automatic. Reliability might be an issue. Along the lines of the .410 shotgun would something like the S&W Governor be doable (a revolver that takes .410 shot shells)? A shotgun would seem to be a better choice. Would a 9 mm carbine be easier to handle than a shotgun or handgun? I have eliminated anything chambered in .223 as a 9 mm carbine would seem to be lighter and easier to handle and effective enough. On the other end I have eliminated any .22 as too under powered for self defense although it would definitely be the easiest to handle. I am interested in getting opinions on this.