A basic revolver (that fits your hand)is hard to beat. A .357 caliber will also shoot .38, so it’s versatile. Smith & Wesson, Ruger and Taurus make some nice stuff. Check out the Ruger SP-101 (small) and GP-100 (medium) models in 3-4 inch barrel lengths.
I agree, my first was a Security Six by Ruger. It has a five pound trigger pull and a sliding firing pin. The five pound trigger pull makes it real hard for young hands to accidentally pull the trigger. The sliding firing pin is great for preventing the round under the trigger from firing prematurely. There is no safey as most gun accidents occur when the safety is “on” or when the gun is “unloaded”.
Never point the gun at anyone, never, never, never. Even when you are cleaning it and have checked to make sure it is unloaded. Never joke with anyone about shooting them or anything like that.
It is stainless which makes it more rust and corrosion resistant. The stainless makes it easier for the bad guy to see, and he may just give up saving you a massive clean up effort and cost. It is always better not to have to shoot. Mine is a 357, but I can always load it with 38s. 38s are cheaper to shoot. A 357 is a more powerful load.
Have fun. The first day I got my 357, I picked it up at lunch. Then decided to take it home rather than bring it into my government office. When I arrived at my rental house, the front door was wide open. For the first time in my life there was no reason to call the Copperooskis. I sat down on the front steps and took the gun and ammo out of the bag and calmly loaded it. I shouted into the house that if anyone was in there they could leave if they wanted with no harm, otherwise... Luckily there was no one home. Luckily for them.