The Smith and Wesson M&P 40 is a nice concealed carry semi-automatic pistol. It is accurate, light weight, and the recoil is manageable. The M&P is available in 9mm, 40, and 45ACP. The 40 stopping power is greater than the 9 and less than the 45. I would not buy this or any other compact for home protection.The better choice would be a full size pistol with less recoil and a lot easier to shoot when practicing. I posted a You Tube video that shows the recoil of a compact 40.