general use; location(s)....
For most US home or property owners, a standard 6 shot .357magnum med frame DA or DA only revolver(with 3"-4" barrel) will do fine.
Lenny Magill,
www.gunvideo.com & his wife say the same thing in their home defense guide DVD.
I go by the 3x3x3 Rule, that most armed citizen(not sworn LE officer, armed guard, soldier, etc) will have a lethal force incident that's; 3ft or less, in 3 seconds with approx 3 rounds fired(by both sides).
Now, if you have a large house or a big estate or you live in a rural area, a 12ga shotgun, a patrol rifle(M4) or a semi-auto pistol may be a good security plan.
As for major brands, I'd look at a Ruger GP100, a S&W L frame 686+ 7rd, a Ruger SP101 5 shot(DA only), or the big S&W N frame 627 M&P tactical. With the M&P you can add a green laser or white light.
For a home protection semi-auto pistol, I'd buy a new SIG Sauer DAK model; P226R, P229R, P220R with night sights or a Glock 21, 32, 22, 23.
Good calibers include the .357sig, the .40, the 10mm, and the .45acp.
Only use new, factory made ammunition; NO reloads or hand-loaded rounds.
Stay safe & stay legal,
CF