At some point I hope you stop this partisan nonsense. The OP asks for gun recommendations. Not sure why every ****ing thread has to devolve to hyper partisan bullshit.
This is what I posted earlier in response to the .357 recommendation
I would recommend a semiauto over a .357. If you don't have the strength to rack the slide, then you are better off with a shotgun. Anyone can use it and you just point in the general direction. It worked for Granny on the
Beverly Hillbillies! I have a .357 and it's a beast. But my VP9 is so much more comfortable in my hand and easier to control. It's got the tritium sights so no need to turn on the lights.
I have a .357, a .22 rifle, an AR and a 9mm semiauto handgun. So, no shotgun. I don't hunt. I want a shotgun, but just haven't got one yet. I've got champagne tastes on a beer budget. I have not taken tactical classes. Personally, I would recommend a semiauto 9mm handgun. It's got the capacity, the accuracy and the stopping power.
Now, I'm not poo-pahing the balistics reason for using an AR. But I really can't see me having my AR out and ready to go at a moment's notice. It's something I use once in a while at the gun range. It's for fun and when SHTF. I've got three 30 round magazines for it. No 10 rounds for me. I live in Texas. LOL. For me, it's easiest to move the handgun as I need to.
My .357 is a beast. It's S&W 686 Performance Center with a 2.5" barrel. It's got 7-round capacity, which is good for a revolver. It's got some heft to it as it's an L+ frame. The negative is the weight (which is good for control), but not so maneuverable. The HK feels much more comfortable. It's lighter and has less recoil.
A .45 will hit harder. It's also more difficult to control and has lower capacity. That being said, my next firearm purchase will probably be a Colt 1911. I may have some custom work done on that, depending on the condition of the pistol that I end up purchasing.
As you can see, you have lots to choose from. I would recommend go to the range and renting different caliber firearms and seeing how you like each one. Also, .357 is a lot more expensive to shoot. Followed by .223 (AR), 9mm and .22, from most expensive to least expensive per round. If you live in DFW, you can go to the range with me and try them out.