Have you considered home defense? I would go 9mm or 38 special at least. If you just want to plink at the range then a 22 lr is the ticket but also can be used for HD though not recommended.
S&W has a new pistol out. It's a SD9VE 9mm and priced well. The 9mms suggested above is also good but a double action only pistol will be easier and less complicated for you. You shoot it just like a revolver. Also it's safer to keep a round in the chamber.
Just remember this, taking the magazine out of the pistol does NOT mean it's unloaded. That's for all the pistols.
EDIT: by the way, I have the P250 and while it's a great gun the trigger has a long pull. You may not like it so try before you buy. In fact, try any gun before you buy.
S&W has a new pistol out. It's a SD9VE 9mm and priced well. The 9mms suggested above is also good but a double action only pistol will be easier and less complicated for you. You shoot it just like a revolver. Also it's safer to keep a round in the chamber.
Just remember this, taking the magazine out of the pistol does NOT mean it's unloaded. That's for all the pistols.
EDIT: by the way, I have the P250 and while it's a great gun the trigger has a long pull. You may not like it so try before you buy. In fact, try any gun before you buy.