My go to piece is a S&W model 19 or model 28. The .357 125 grain JHP is a proven man stopper. Just don’t shoot too many in S&W K frames or forcing cone issues could appear.
For a beginner I always suggest for pure home defense a four inch barrel .357 magnum loaded with P+ .38Spl JHP’s. It’s about idiot proof and the big magnum takes the recoil of the .38Spl well.
My wife alternates her carry between a S&W model 64 and a glock 17. She likes both. Revolvers are great weapons and shot placement is everything as with any firearm.
.38 +P in my GP 100 is a Joy!
I am partial to the S&W 586.
In fact it’s my favorite pistol, ever.
And I have just about all the European semis, Sig, H&K, Beretta, Glock.