This is an interesting thread.
Living in the UK, I've never had the opportunity to "play" around with these types of firearms and handguns in particular are a big no no.
I'm interested in the argument that these weapons are for personal protection. Is it a common occurrence for American citizens to have to defend themselves with such force? This is a genuine inquiry, so please don't jump down my throat.
I sort of understand the excitement of firing high performance weapons, but I struggle to believe that these types of weapons are practical self defence tools. Surely they're just too big and cumbersome and therefore, inconvenient...aren't they? You can't exactly lock in in your bedside dresser.
My personal preference would be for one of these:
Not for protection, but for general sporting use.
Happy Christmas.
Paul