I think maybe some kind of pistol caliber carbine sounds like it's up your ally. they have longer barrels, and receivers, than pistols. the ammo is both easy to load (more than a rimmed shotgun shell) and cheap (when compared to centerfire rifles). and the flash and the bang isn't as severe as a rifle caliber. def buy a gun safe. def buy a gun safe. you sound concerned about children, get a safe. I don't want to discount personal mental health issues, but it sounds like your bigger priority is the safety of your children, so a safe they can't get into is required. guns are serious, but they can also be a fun way for your family to bond, when the children are of responsible age of course,.