Seems like his first experience (on top of his bias) was indoors. I have to admit that I have no love for firing un-suppressed rifles at an indoor range. The muzzle blast is certainly amplified and makes everything seem harsh (it IS still a .22 though). If he had shot an AR-10 inside, he may not...
If you are interested in "target shooting" which I take to mean plinking and also want the option of CCW, I would look at 9mm instead of .40 or .45. You get respectable firepower, much cheaper ammo, and less recoil. Then buy whatever suits you personally. FWIW I have had great luck with Glock...
There are no Grizzlies in CO, only black bears and in 35yrs of hiking in CO I have never seen one there (did see one in WY). They are not prone to confronting humans and if they do, you can scare them away by yelling and waving your arms. No need to shoot them.
What you should be more...
If the gun just goes to the range now and then, it probably doesn't matter. Choose whichever feels nice in the store. But, if it is getting real use in competition, training, or carry, the M&P gets the nod. M&P runs great, good trigger, lots of options for parts and accessories. Something else...
The Truglo and Millet are both ok. It just depends on what you need it for. I put one on my .22 and it wasn't very helpful at rimfire range because of the size of the dot. It covered up small targets completely and made precise accuracy difficult.
I have been running and working out in a pair of KSOs since last October. It is hard to argue against the benefits of minimal shoes. BUT, be very careful introducing them to your routine. Go very slowly, carefully, and listen to what your body is telling you. Start slow and you will strengthen...
Deuter makes some great packs and their prices are awesome...
http://www.deuter.com/en_US/backpack-details.php?category=122&id=1684&title=Giga%20Office
Who knows, he may have been scrambling inside to grab a hostage. Glad the gentleman was able to respond successfully.
BTW, I can't help but notice that all the movies about home invasion like the one with Jody Foster, or that one several years ago with Mark Walberg are always set in CA or...
my wife loves shooting the Ruger MKIII, and it is an awfully good looking pistol especially in stainless with the rosewood stocks. The bull barrel really makes recoil nonexistent.
The point MB makes about practice and your skills defaulting to your level of practice in a crisis can't be overstated.
I recently took my first tactical pistol course and it was eye-opening to say the least. I am not new to guns and pride myself on my competence and safety.
But...I found...
I just picked up a Surefire G2X Pro (200 lumens) and it is pretty impressive for the size and price. I am not sure what specific application you need it for, but it will throw a nice beam to 50+ yards and a surprising amount of light even out to 85 or 100yrds. I will have to measure the distance...