Unless you reeeeeallllly practice a LOT, use revolvers, please. Besides, they do not litter the ground with evidence (just say’in).
S&W 3” .357, Winchester 145 grain Silvertips (old FBI issue style) for me. LOUD, but will do the job.
This is not the issue (revolver vs. semi-auto).
Unless one has received training, DO NOT go John Wayne. Sure, protect your own life. But do not shoot across the room (25ft+) and think you are going to hit the target with your "get-off-me" gun with its extremely short sight-radius and poor sights.
By this time in the encounter all other innocents have fled and/or are down. It's not that you may hit a bystander. Rather, you should be trying to find cover from which to shoot behind. Otherwise, the fellow with the long-gun and longer sight radius will be able to put rounds on you while you are missing.
A handgun series is highly recommended. In the advanced courses the focus is on "movement". Most shooters want to stand still. A stationary target is an easy target to hit. You must learn to move and shoot, shoot and move or shoot while moving. They wont let you do this at public range. So, your practice there will be reinforcing what not to do.
It is better to buy a blue plastic training "gun" or put a yellow practice barrel in you carry weapon and practice "gun handling while moving" at home. Develop and reinforce the right skills.