Ask Iowanian. Pt II, the Keyboard of Doom

[RealSNR]

Dear Dr. Iowanian:

My mom was recently robbed while she was sleeping. She now wants "revenge" and will do anything she can to prevent furthur break-ins, including buying a firearm to protect herself. She'll be living alone with her husband in the country in a couple years, and she finds this new security very important.

She's kind of weak, and has some shoulder pain. Because of this, I advised against a shotgun, but a smaller handgun might deliver too powerful of a kickback. What would you recommend?