Using a firearm and actually hitting a stationary target is not easy.  People practice for years to do that.  Doing it with a handgun at the end of your arm is harder.  Doing it with a full adrenalin rush, in the dark, is harder still.  Now try hitting a living human being who is moving around and maybe threatening you.  It’s *really* not that easy.  The TV shows and movies that show it as easy are flat wrong.  To actually use firearm for self-defense is not easy and requires lots and lots of practice.  If you are willing to put in the practice, if you have the time and temperment (see previous post), then OK.  Otherwise, don’t do it–you will only create more problems for yourself.