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Experience
Instinct
Practice
Speed

I carry a .44-40

Sometimes with a backup .44-40

By the time anyone has a handgun in a 2-hand grip I will have 2-3 in their upper body using my old point & shoot

You need a handgun you are comfortable with and lots of regular practice

If you hesitate you are likely to encounter someone who is much faster than you can ever be or who already has handgun in his hand - say a professional thief or even a door kicker

For home defense I doubt you will be carrying in a pocket - but if you go that route plan on shooting thru your pocket

One of the fastest revolvers I had was an old breaktop S&W .38

While you look for a large caliber do not plan on a accurate lightweight handgun with a short overall length

If anyone enters my residence they will quickly see a row of various handguns hanging in holsters

By that time they will quickly backing out the door they came in thru

Or on the floor

There is always someone bigger or faster or with more experience that shoots instinctively

Blue Glasers are good cartridge for inside work

It sounds like you needed to already have many years of experience

Get a dog

Get two dogs

Anyone stupid enough to break in your house will be scared stiff of dog(s)

Life is not a movie

He will not shoot your dog - in any case not two dogs

2-3 in the upper body

Strengthen your hand and fingers

Have the action checked and you might lighten the pull

I tune my own Colts but I can handle any handgun ever made

Adapt

Get proficient

As far as cost goes - you know how much your life is worth

Saving $200-$300 or more is not worth dying for

I suggest you find someone that can teach you how to shoot properly

Then you will/should have the skill and the confidence that is needed

Time is a’wastin’