I am considering buying a gun to keep at the house. Dad has a couple but they are old and he keeps them locked up. I am looking at something new and not very expensive.
It doesnt have to be big and powerful, I just need something to keep in case of something terrible.

My price range is $100-$600. I cant afford a huge new gun but I dont want to go cheap and get a piece of junk.

Would I be better off with a shotgun like a Remington 870 or a handgun like a Glock. 40?