a gun would be my first choice, but whatever you do, don't get a damn desert eagle. thats hollywood man, a desert eagle is way too big for most people to handle unless you have bear claws for hands. good advice with not a 9mm. 9s are better used defensively if you throw it at your target. seriously. you can't beat a good old fashioned .45 acp for stop in their tracks knock down power. and in the case of home defense with a weapon, bigger isn't always better. if you're not comfortable with a 45 go smaller. but be sure you're comfortable with the weapon.