I have a youth model 870 next to the bed.

What? No gap???

My nightstand gun is a simple 1911 in .38 super It's the loudest gun around though.

Personally I'd want a rifle but that's not the question.

.357 has had great ballistic results. But I'd take a 40. 45 is big but the velocity isn't as good and that's what creates the most damage. 9mm is stupid fast but could use some more meat on the bones. .40 is the perfect-ish blend.

Bottom line though, all handgun calibers suck. It's a compromise though for size and portability.

A handgun is much easier to keep locked up from my boys. They are two and four.

I know watcha mean I've got little ones too. I like the thought of a handgun to have a hand to fight with too. But it's all a compromise, rifle bullets are deadly because of the sheer velocity they go at. But you lose portability big time in a CQB. Get the biggest fastest bullet you can for your handgun

How do you figure? That's a personal preference thing. I don't have any kids at home, so that is not an issue and I prefer a handgun as it is easier to move around corners, and work while holding a flashlight. It is also easier to reload if needed, and I have places I can actually shoot a handgun to stay proficient with it.

^^^Do you actually have a home that you can practice shooting in? I mean around corners and behind closets and the den atmosphere where there are couches and recliners. If so great, but most people don't have that type facility.

at housesold ranges shotguns are point wepons not area wepons,
a good shotgun with most any load will save your life at household ranges , pls do not just point and shoot aim as best you can. do some 2-5 yd practice on paper you will see what im getting at

This^^^^^^ rack the slide of an 870 or a 500 and chances are you won't need it. But you might need a mop.

I like .40. shotguns can be difficult to manage one handed and in the dark, have limited capacity, and all of it goes through drywall like it's not even there...

x2. You'll be amazed @ how tight the patterns are @ CQB distances w/ANY shotgun load. Winchester 1300 Defender w/8 Federal LE #1 Buckshot is a very good combo. Or a Glock 23 w/180gr HST.

wingmaster 16 gauge under the bed, 357 in the nightstand.

Shotgun with triball as first round in the pipe.

Browning High Power 9mm Luger

40 beretta and 45 Sig

.45 is my nightstand gun, i carry a .40 all day everyday but at the house its .45 w/ "high capacity assult clips"

H&K USP .40 on my side, Rem. 870 20ga. Youth Model on her's.

I've had everything from a 22 revolver to a FNP-45. Right now I have a Kahr CW40, but I rotate them out after a couple of months. Probably go with the H&K 9mm next. If you practice enough you become proficient with all of them.

Well, I think that the best most people can do in the event of a home invasion is (i) have a plan in place for how you will safeguard yourself and your loved ones, (ii) make sure everyone knows it and (iii) know how to operate your weapon cold, hot, upside down, backwards, one-handed and underwater. Quail hunting is probably as good as clearing an obstacle course as far as practice is concerned.

Gruff is right....With modern ammunition, you are splitting hairs on which cartridge is "the best" 9mm,.357, .40,.45. They will all work equally as well if put in the right spot. There is no "man stopper" in a pistol cartridge, they are only poking holes, they do not have enough velocity to create a wound cavity like a rifle. It comes down to shot placement. There is no magic gun or magic caliber. I have trained guys that can't hit a barn door on a multiple shot string with a 1911, .45. Hand them a 9mm Glock and they burn the house down and are accurate. They had the 1911 because someone told them they weren't a man if they didn't shoot a 1911 .45......I have seen the other side as well, guys that can run a 1911 like nobody's business and can keep it fed. Bottom line is pick a gun/caliber that you like and will shoot. Make sure it is absolutely reliable. Train with it and then train with it some more. Make it an extension of you if the %$#@ hits the fan. Don't ever discount a good scattergun with 00buck or #4 buck for home defense. Doctor Red Duke can't fix when 8 of your little buddies hold hands and dance through their ole chest cavity. I'm getting off my soap box now.

My choice is S&W 357 revolver.

This, but I keep a .40 handy til I can get to the scattergun.

If you are dead set on handgun then the FNX 45 Tactical is a great choice, 15+1 of 45ACP.

Or a Glock 21, 13+1 of 45ACP.

according to test done the Judge is not the one, best as other have said..shotgun