Basically I'd agree with these recommendations . If you're not gun people, many of the suggestions in this thread will be very intimidating. I'd recommend a moss erg 20 ga shotgun. Not too bad a kick and usefully more powerful than a 410, and generally I think easier to find ammo. For guns, get a ruger .22 pistol with the 4.5 " barrel. Very accurate and still reasonably small to stuff in a coat pocket. A good .22 rifle like a ruger 10/22 with a scope is about as easy to shoot as a bb gun. You can buy. Tons of ammo cheap, it. Doesn't take up. Much room and you can practice afternoon for a few bucks. Get comfortable with your guns. Tough guys will say what they may, but well placed .22 shots have killed many a deer and you won't find many 2 legged predators volunteering to be shot in the eye with one. You'll gain comfort and confidence quickly and that'swaymore important than having a cannon you're scared of.