No, I haven't tried one.... but Oooooo, I just looked up M1911 on wiki - I think I am in love!

Seriously, thanks for the suggestion!

I currently do not own a gun, but if I choose I can. I prefer the kind of system we have here. We are required to take firing lessons and/or pass an exam and passing a background check before being allowed to buy ammunition and/or a gun (depending on where in the country you are).

Also the license is pink and I could use it to get into a bar.

My weapon of choice would be more of a tool. I want a hunting rifle, something small enough that I can handle, but big enough to take down a moose.

Since I don't have a license nor the money to get one or a gun, I have to opt for knives.

I currently carry two knives on me. Both are considered tools, they are sharp enough to cut through metal. One is the titanium Leek the other is the barium carbide Chive; both are by Ken Onion (Kershaw). I bought my mom a lovely Benchmade that she keeps in her purse.

The only knives that we cannot carry are:
"a knife that has a blade that opens automatically by gravity or centrifugal force or by hand pressure applied to a button, spring or other device in or attached to the handle of the knife"

we also cannot carry push blades or sword canes. There are no length laws in Canada; however, in a school it can be no longer than two inches. As far as I can find, there is no length law in Ontario either.

There's a big difference between having a gun in hand, with finger on trigger, which most will do if their houses are broken into, and having a gun in a holster. The "21 Foot Rule" dictates that it takes 3 seconds or less for an attacker at 21 feet to close in on you. This is less time than the average person can draw a gun.

Those cop's mistakes were in reaching for their gun in the first place. They should have widened the gap first, then drew weapons.

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

I've never understood non-Americans' obsession of judging and criticizing a culture they only know through exaggerated and stereotyped caricatures seen in Hollywood movies.

Depending on one's personal taste, different weapon choices will apply. Personally, I aim for reliability in battle as in the event I have to use any of my weapons, I want them to work properly to heighten the chances of my success at retaining my life and good health. One thing to think about when purchasing a gun is looking at the future. If you can see yourself ten years from now either still owning or recall owning such specific weapon, that could potentially be the better deal. If you cannot, then don't bother as for guns, you usually get what you pay for.

When semi-automatic handguns come to mind, a Ruger P-95 in 9mm is an excellent choice. the price is fair and the ambidextrous ability to be used along with the decocking system, it's magnificent for all purpose usage. As long as it's mantained well, this piece could last one a lifetime. I've had mine since last November and fired over 2,500 rounds of ammunition with zero problems.

For rifles, a .223 carbine would do the trick as that specific round size with the weapon provide little to no recoil, perfect for the less experienced. I am old school in that department so I use my Marlin 30-30 of which I am deadly accurate for up to 220 yards without a scope.

and that's my $0.02 before I drag it too long.

If someone comes after you like THIS, be very afraid.

Since the rabid anti gun legislation was brought in in the UK because of the Dunblane massacre, gun crime in the UK has gone up.....a lot !
The Police now carry more guns and have more armed response units active (who because of their inexperience with guns tend to shoot drunk blokes with chair legs in the face) as a result.
The concept of scumbags who want guns to commit criminal activities getting them regardless of government legislation fell on deaf ears unfornuately.
I used to be an airgun/target shooting enthusiast and even that has come under fire here (sic), I was quite good at it as well (is there any other country on the planet that absolutely will not win medals in certain categories of target shooting in the olympics because of government legislation ?)
I say be cautious our american cousins, your governments long term aim no matter who's in power is to completely disarm you and don't say that could never happen, the bearing of arms is on the constitution but then so was freedom of speech once upon a time.

Nice choices. Looks like the idea of a shottie for home defense has been done to death here, so I'll not belabor that point.

Personally I have a Springfield Armory 1911. Olive drab slide and frame and custom handle slabs. Niiiiiiiiice...

Since I don't have a CCW, knives are my carry. I generally prefer pieces from Strider and Emerson, but Spyderco is GREAT for production models, and if butterfly knives (balisongs) are your thing, Benchmade pretty much sets the standard. And if you've got the coin, there are always custom makers who are more than willing to work with you...

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I keep a baseball bat for burglars, but I would still have to explain why I had it to the police if I ever used it as a weapon.

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Couldn't you just say you keep it for baseball .. but used it in self defence when a burglar came at you???