Pistols aren't so hot for home protection. Get yourself a 12GA pump with a cruiser kit. Load it with buckshot-slug-buckshot-slug etc.. As far as pistols for fun shootin, shoot several and see what ya like. I went w/.45 for a variety of reasons but a .40 was my second choice. If you do go with a pistol for the home make sure ya get something the little lady dares to fire
Most are ok with a 9mm. JMHO