Assuming concealed carry is not an issue...
For revolvers, I’m a S&W fan.
In .357 it’s hard to beat the L-frame series of guns.
In stainless, the 681 & 686 or in blued steel the 581 & 586 models. I’d recommend an older used one without the side plate lock. Accurate & reliable guns that can absorb a steady diet of full power magnum ammo or shoot .38 special from wild to mild.
I personally like the .41 magnum in S&W’s either model 57 or 58. But like others have said, you need to handload to fully appreciate the cartridge.
For semi-autos there is almost too many to talk about. Even though I don’t particular like how they feel, it’s hard to go wrong with a 9mm Glock. Decently accurate, reliable as a hammer, easy to maintain and generally pretty cheap.
The S&W MP in either 9mm or .45 is another good choice. I’m really pleased with mine in .45acp. Both accurate & reliable with factory ammo and handloads and feels much better in the hand to me than the Glock counterparts.
But, you might also check out the Sig P220. In some areas killer deals can be had on police department trade-ins. It’s how I got mine. Like new condition, accurate, reliable and was under $500 bucks with three mags, box and paperwork. Don’t think mine saw much time in a holster. Still like my S&W MP better but this was a lot of gun for the money. Only down side is like the model 1911, it only has 7 or 8 round magazines vs the S&W 10 rounders.
Thank you