I need some advice

I am sorry for your loss.
I think an AR-15 would suit your needs just find. The bufferspring in it absorbs just about all of the recoil; so you wouldn't need to worry about your shoulders..

Hmmmm.... Yes very little recoil in that caliber, If for self protection ie. ultra close range, get a real short carbine style, I've used a Styer Aug for that purpose, all the balance is close into the chest so it's also well suited to the job. Make sure to learn properly though or you can wind up in more trouble than you need.

An Ar-15 carbine would be prefect for you i think, nearly no recoil and the clapsable stock would make it easy to you to move with it, i have one i keep in my closet to give me another opption as well as my pistol next to my bed. if you put a tac light on it they are great home defense weapons.

That's right!! Damn good little rifles those things... very popular down under as close range pig hunting weapons, very easy to use & maintain.

I got my wife a kel-tech 9 mm, for her protection.I would certainly go with a hand gun,because it is easier to get to when in a suprise situation.

Sorry for your loss. If I were you, I'd look into a hand gun or shot gun for home defense. A rifle can be cumbersome in the heat of the moment or in tight quarters. If you're set on a rifle, a bull pup like the FN PS90 might be your gun. I'd check your local gun store and try a few out to see how they feel. Also, is price an issue?

For personal protection. First get the CCW or CCP (Carry Concealed Pistol)license then small like PT111 or PX4 Subcompact for carry. At home is any 12 gauge Shotgun.

It's a little late to mention this but Taurus makes a great handgun called the Judge that fires both 2-1/2-inch .410 shotshells and .45 Colt loads. Seems to me that the 410 shotshell with the appropriate shot would do the trick for a lady.
http://www.gunsandammomag.com/blog/blog071807/

I agree with all of the above but if you are comfortable with a rifle. ar 15 with the m-4 config is great. If price is an issue get a highpoint carbine. They shoot pistole rounds and are lite, small and cost about 200 bucks

Vicm1, on behalf of all of the RnG forum, please accept our deepest sympathies. I feel all of the above mentioned arms may serve your intended purpose. I might suggest that you head to your local range. I am most confident that you'll find the individuals present to be more than happy to help you select and try out different types of firearms. You need to find one that your able to control and that will fit your hand. Once this is accomplished, it's practice, practice, practice. In my humble opinion, a high capacity handgun with laser grip, or short barreled shotgun with flashlight forearm should be considered. As most home invasions happen during periods of low light and very little time is afforded for aiming. The shotgun has always been the standard for home protection and over penetration is not an issue. It's a point and shoot type of thing. It is my most sincere wish that you'll never find yourself in this situation. Remember that the best defence is a good offence. Good luck and may God Bless.

"Those who willingly give up freedom for temporary safety deserve neither freedom or safety"

A lever action rifle in .357 or .44 magnum. Operation is simple. The softer and effective side of these high performance pistol rounds, are the .38 special and .44 special options.

An additional choice is the ak47 in .223 or 7.62x39mm. Plenty of proven knockdown power, and plenty of bullet types as the .357 and .44 magnums.

The 20 guage shotgun is also an excellent recommendation. A double barrel or pump action.

I really don't think that a rifle is the ideal home defense weapon. Rifles are simply too unwieldy to use as a home defense weapon. My wife keeps a loaded Taurus Ultra-Lite revolver (5 rounds of .38 Special w/2 inch barrel) in her nightstand. In a tense situation a revolver has the simplest and fastest operation. No safety to worry about - all you have to do is pull the trigger. I have a loaded Glock 19 semi-automatic (16 rounds of 9mm) in my nightstand that I also use for concealed carry. As others have suggested, it would be best for you to consult with a local gun dealer for proper advice. I too lost my dear wife of 39 years 10 years ago. Fortunately, God sent another special lady into my life and we have been married for 9 years now. Good luck to you!

Hey vicm 1, a lot has been written about your original quesiton that you posed way back in June, was it answered? As a women and a shooter, tell us some of your experiences and what kind of guns you like the best and why.

the judge is a great self defense weapon especially with the 410 shot shells
it keeps an amazing tight pattern which would be great for a lady for home defense. and im also sorry for your loss.