You will like the following:
http://www.taurususa.com/product-details.cfm?id=133&category=Pistol&toggle=&breadcrumbseries=
It can be carried safely with one in the tube, with the safety on. Flick the safety off and squeeze off the first round double action. The following rounds will then be semiautomatic. You get 17 chances with this pistol and it is also big enough to beat the bad guy to death.
“Taurus 92...”
I’ve had my Beretta 92FS for years and like it a lot. I even opted for the Beretta 96A1 when looking for a 40 caliber.
That being said, the single action/double action (plus the safety) could be disconcerting to the unfamiliar.
Just practice, practice, practice. Don’t pull the hammer back to avoid the double action on the first round. Learn to shoot thru the “first round” double action and be ready for the subsequent single action firing at the lighter trigger pull.
+1 on the “club” comment.