Yeah, I'm a little behind, already, in thanking Iowahawk for naming me to a post on his future Administration: "Director of the National Handgun Violence taskforce, Serr8d."
Such an appointment is a serious responsibility; it takes a few serious weapons to prevent Violence that might come from any source: from the average 'Street Thug' who simply wants something he hasn't earned; to the runaway ter'rist threat that might pop up unannounced at your BBQ if Democrats allow al Qaeda to get a foothold in our front door (whilst they prepare to hide in their basements).
This basic set of no-nonsense American Iron (mostly American) should be a part of every American's personal self-defense repertoire...
Couple good .45 ACP standards: the Colt Series '70 and the Springfield Compact, should be fine for personal carry and Homeland defense. Remember to keep these away from kids who haven't yet learned to mind, and if you don't have a gun in your immediate possession, keep it locked away. A gun can't defend itself from theives, after all; it needs you there to pull the trigger.
There's also a .380 Beretta, a bit clunky by today's standards but perfect for those tackleboxes or brief cases (or purses) if you have your (highly recommended) concealed carry permit. If your state doesn't have provisions for carry, then move. I'll definitely bother President Burge (via VP Goldstein) to quickly implement a nationwide concealed carry law; and a mandantory 30-year jail sentence for crooks who use guns in the course of a felony. Rappers get 50 years...and a jail cell with pumped-in 24HR Country Music. I'll pick the rotation...Hank Sr., Hank Snow, Jim Reeves, Eddie Arnold, and maybe a couple others from the late '60's...oh, not to forget 'Tennessee' Ernie Ford! Man, that's some good rehabilitation...
Well, the two stainless toys...of course, a Ruger Mark II for practice, and plinking. Lots of it. There's not a tack I can't ping with that well-worn driver...
The big guy is the Smith & Wesson 629, with Mag-na-Porting and a scope to get out there over a couple hundred yards. Now, I reload, and there's some range to be had from the venerable .44 Magnum, with the proper handloads. She's not a .460, but then again I haven't wanted to upgrade. But feel free to get one of these...a 
Smith & Wesson .460 XVR
So, as far as Violence Prevention goes, the best bet is to follow the rules of Law, don't be an idiot, and remember, Darwin is looking over your left shoulder when you mess with an armed American with a Handgun. Don't Do It.
Be Safe. Remember, a vote for Burge is a vote for AMERICA!
