I had the same problem. I place a trap near the coop in the only area I thought something could get into the coop. I caught a very large rat. That was three weeks ago and I haven't had a problem since.
Good Luck
From the time period in 1977 it would not be unusual for a police officer to mark the weapon in that fashion indicating it is part of a crime of some sort. He could then testify in court as to the association of this weapon to the crime by his markings if need be...
A few years ago I had the same concern so I waited for the large safes to go on sale and bought one. If they can get it out of my basement then more power to them as I know waht it took to get it down there.
It is bad when a small section of their customer base dictates what the rest of the customers will view. As an example I was at Cabelas yesterday and hey have an Alaskan Moose on display. I was amazed at the size and can now understand how they can get so much meat from one when they harvest...
Welcome and good luck with your search. Either caliber would be a good starter. With all of the information available here that may make your choise easier. If you are not familair with a certain gunshop becareful of the first handgun the salesman suggest. I learned that the hard way..