Heftysmokes, K7, you are correct. I remembered later that Bush Sr signed that '89 ban (no more foreign-made semi-auto rifles), and the Class III ban made it past Reagan in '86.

CoventryCat86, I hope you are right. Maybe I still have time to finish saving up for that mean ol' rifle I've been wanting for so long. I'm still going to stock ammo and mags in case Scenario 2 ever comes to pass. Of course, if we all vote Libertarian...(hey, I can dream, right?)

Cabaiguan, at work we are issued a Beretta 92 9x19mm. Some people frown on the gun and/or the caliber, but I have no problem with either. Most people who don't like it are Glock-junkies. As far as the 9mm itself goes, that's a debate that will never be settled. Ultimately, it's better to hit with a 9mm than miss with a .45 so practice is essential, regardless of what you buy.

That being said, here are my picks (in no particular order):
Beretta 92-can be carried concealed (I do it), but still kinda big and heavy
CZ-75-well made and reliable piece from Czechoslovakia-available in 9mm or .40S&W
CZ-P01-more compact version of the above with upgraded features
Glock-available in a wide range of sizes and calibers. Notoriously reliable, but I still prefer the feel of steel in my palm (no offense to the PT140, Kevin7).
While I have little experience with revolvers, S&W and Taurus are supposed to be excellent.
A shotgun in a house (not so sure about apartments) is also a good choice. Just racking the sucker will make most perps run or give up. HTH.

TampaSupremo