In celebration of the Winter Solstice I rewarded myself for a years worth of productivity with some fire of my own. All completely legal and registered.

A no-ban AK-47. Though the full auto can be easily (but illegally) enabled, the kick-back and spray would do more damage to your walls then a home intruder.

AR-15, civilian model. A slightly more precise and convenient weapon, I've been using this for quite some time at the range for competition shooting.

New York makes it a pain to own a handgun, but I'll be going through the training and process to obtain one shortly.

Though I can handle my own in a bar fight or street encounter, I'm more concerned with the security of my domain. Any recommendations?

I've never understood the American culture and this want (compulsion) to own firearms just because you can.

While it's not a super sexy choice, it's hard to beat a short shotgun for close range home protection. Keep it as short as is legal, and no choke. You're basic low buck 12 gauge pump full of buck shot is easy to aim quickly, and packs a hell of a whallop at the kind of range you'll be dealing with indoors. But, it won't go through the walls of your house, into the neighbors house, and into the next five houses behind them.

Not because we can. Because we should.

I like guns... I see nothing wrong with guns... People keep guns because they like them. I think we had this argument a while back, motorway accidents account for a very high percentage of deaths in western countries, yet no one gives disclaimers about cars. Personally I think a drunk should never be given a drivers license, but I fail to see why a mature and responsible adult should not be allowed to carry a weapon.

I think that the problem with guns is that the laws allow any misfit to get a license, I am not sure of how the problem can be solved but the problem is not with the guns but with the misfits!!

I never understood compulsive knee-jerk reactions.

Let's be constructive, how would you handle an armed home intrusion?

Let's not wax poetically how better the world would be without guns.

Very good point, I was thinking of a Remington 870.

Full auto is fun but 3-round burst is more controlable. Get yourself a FFL and then get a Class III dealer's license.

If you want to get a pistol and haven't done this already, find a range where you can rent different ones.

After reading information (maybe even on this site ) written by knowledgeable people and getting to try one, I'm currently looking into the HK USP compact S&W .40. It is light, easy to conceal, has good incapacitation power and is well made. If you do a web search, you might even find a website dedicated to CCW issues.

Good luck with your decision and don't risk a felony over a select-fire AK.

If you are prepared to train with a firearm (which I expect you would given your obvious enthusiasm), I would go with a M1911 every time.
If you want something you can just pull out and shoot, especially if the gun may be used by family members, then go for something like a full- size Glock. Go for a .45.

Was your AK a pre ban or built on a flat with US parts?

I am very much a 'gun nut' and living in the UK with our stupid laws is deeply unpleasant. If I didn't have family, friends and businesses here I would move to the US in the blink of an eye.
I was just (about an hour ago) talking to a friend about a trip to the US specifically so that I can shoot a handgun again. The only handguns I have been able to shoot since 1996 (when they were banned) was a Ruger Mark II when I went to Amsterdam two years ago, and we were only allowed 50 rounds.
I try to keep my hand in by shooting air pistols, and I own several 'deactivated' firearms so that I can practice dry firing and field stripping, but it's obviously not the same as the real thing.
Any nice American girls want to marry me?

I currently own a shotgun, a Mossberg model 88 Maverick 12 gauge. I use it to hunt and I keep it where it could very well save my ass in the event of a home invasion. I've also been considering getting a carry permit to purchase a handgun. I was thinking of going with a .45 myself because 1.)They are good for hunting and home security and 2.)They don't have much more kick to them than a 9mm.

Before you ask why I would want to hunt with a handgun, I'll tell you. I am one handed and while firing a shotgun isn't a difficult feat for me, sometimes it's nice to be able to take care of business with a handgun.