What are the best self defense weapons?

Ones mind is the primary self-defense tool. Use your ability to think, be aware, look, listen, and be familiar with common methods of attack. I would NOT recommend any weapon, lethal or nonlethal, used for self-defense, which you are not familiar with, have practiced with, are prepared to use fully, or understand the legal ramifications for their use. Remember, which ever weapon you choose for self defense it can be used against you, not dogs usually. A bat can be taken away from you and a gun or knife can be turned against you.

Small calibre ammunition is fine, but it may not stop an attacker immediately. Ballistic science enforces small calibre, .22 or .32, ammunition may bounce around in a person if it penetrates them at all. I would suggest ammunition commonly used by law enforcement, 9mm, 40 cal, 45 cal, or 38 cal, of a hollow point variety. But since we are talking about firearms for defense there is nothing better than a shotgun. Just racking a round into the chamber could stop an aggressor.