What's an excellent handgun with great stopping power to protect your home and family in case of an intruder who means harm? I want something that'll put a bad guy right down with two shots max. Something that won't jam when I need it most; Something that I can rely on when some wierdo is breaking my door then. Now I know the chances of this happening is slim but that's not the point, it's the pistol info i'm after.

Price isn't too much of a problem but I don't want it to be insanely expensive neither. Maybe also a cheaper less powerful weapon that I can use incase my primary pistol fails too. Any suggestions?

Also, what type of ammunition should I use for maximum stopping power? I don't mind if the combination of the powerful pistol and ammunition will tear trough a wall as I will know my target and whats behind. I'm very experienced with rifles and shotguns, I grew up shooting. I'm safe and law abiding also.

PS. The weapon and ammunition must be legal in the state of PA. Also, if you think something other than a pistol would serve better for home defense, let me know what you think. I'm not hyper paranoid or anything, we'll just be living in a rural-type area and I want to defend my wife and children from any dangers than may fall upon us.

One more thing, is it economically viable or even possible to get my Irish weapons shipped to the states or should I just sell them here and buy the same weapons or similiar in the states? I don't have any special licenses or anything to transport weapons nor do I know anyone who could do it on my behalf!

Thanks for any info folks.