As JRandom says, try before you buy. Lots of people will regale you with their favorite gun, but that means nothing when it comes to what actually fits your hand. Find a range which rents a variety of guns and try them out to see what suits you.
I would put in that you should consider a .357 revolver. While most everyone who wants to buy a gun goes out and buys the sexy semi-auto (did the same thing myself), there are significant advantages to a revolver. First, they can be appreciably cheaper for the given quality of gun. Second, a .357 is quite versatile in that you can shoot either full power .357 rounds (and that round is surely a man stopper) or lighter, cheaper .38 special rounds (good for range practice to get the basic skills and muscle memory down). Revolvers are harder to jam, and simpler in basic operation.
Thanks.
I do have a Taurus .357 revolver. I think I need something that is easier to carry (more mobile), doesn’t jam, and can still provide the necessary stopping power if needed.