Taurus 410 pistol

Question
I am thinking about getting my wife one for personal defense in the home.  The idea is first two rounds are shot gun shells and the remaining 3 are 45 cal.  Would this be a respectable choice for her?

Answer
That's hard to say, depending on a number of things. Have you (or your wife) shot one? It is rather unpleasant for most people.

The effectiveness of the .410 is not great, but is greatly diminished by firing it out of a pistol sized barrel.

Everyone has an opinion - mine would be that more compact, traditional revolver in whatever caliber she could handle would be preferable.