You just need to become educated on firarms and get tested as to which calibre is right for you.
Not everybody is meant to hold a 44 Magnum.
How true. For me a .357 is a struggle...although I can shoot accurately with it.
My sweet spot is 9mm; and I love my Beretta 92FS.
“You just need to become educated on firarms and get tested as to which calibre is right for you.”
In a hand gun, a 45 acp makes sense to me. Get a good one...a 1911, Springfield XD, or XDm, Walther, Kimber (if you have an unlimited budget). These are just a few that come to mind...there are many good hand gun manufacturers out there, both domestic and foreign. Do your home work and get good advice...
Glocks are popular, but I do not like them for their lack of safety. More accidental firings occur with Glock.
A good 45 semi-auto pistol will normally have more controlable recoil that smaller calibers. My XD 45 is much more controlable than a friend’s Walther P40 that has been modified with tighter springs to better manage recoil. My 45 comes back toward me, the Walther has a lot of barrel lift. I can be back on target quicker with my XD 45.
I am no expert, but I have had some good advice from experts. I have a friend who was a law enforcement trainer/coach in Montana...he helped me with my selections and has done a good job of teaching me how to use them...SAFELY!
Of course, once you have a gun or two, then ammo choices are next...