It is time to buy a gun for the first time in my life

Do you plan on carrying this firearm on your person?

If yes, Glock 26. The Glock 26 can get really really small if you need it to for concealed carry. It remains shootable despite its size. It's maybe a tad more recoil than a Glock 19. It also allows you to insert any full size 9mm Glock magazine.

If no, Glock 17. It's what SPD carries, it's easy to use, reliable, has 17 rounds on tap when you need them.

Self-defense in the State of Washington isn't super complicated, but it's not as liberal as others. You cannot use deadly force to prevent theft of your shit. If someone steals your shit and is retreating in good faith (aka getting away) you cannot shoot them. If they break into your home, all bets are off unless they're retreating in good faith. If they're trespassing on your property, bring the gun and see what's going on. The State requires the felony to be forceable, mere trespassing isn't enough. If they then attack you, obviously force is permitted.

Remember that force is a continuum and you can jump to anywhere on the continuum given the circumstances warrant it.

For armed civilians it goes roughly like this:

Presence --> Verbal Commands --> Defensive Display of Firearm --> Deadly Force

/r/SeattleWA Thread