I admit I’ve never held a handgun, but I’m thinking efficiency is likely less about the weapon and more about range time...?
.357 is effective, but it does have a kick. I think it was designed by Elmer Keith. This sounds like a Mistake. The difference is penetration. It is certainly arguable that it is the best pistol cartridge ever made. In a crisis, do you want to stop an attacker with 1 round, through a car door, or shoot 10 times and maybe hope for the best? Stupid.
What’s especially nice about the .357 weapons (revolvers) is they will chamber .38 special, useful for training as the kick is less, and the expense. Depending on powder load and grain size one weapon can scale from very light to full bore “don’t even think about it.”
I found that a strange adjective to describe a handgun.
Oh, you don't know the real pleasure that just shooting at targets can give you.
Go to a range that rents pistols and after a few lessons, try shooting a 22 pistol.
Absolutely no "kick" from the gun and nothing but pure fun.
If you don't have fun, send me the bill.
I won't pay it but I'll commiserate with you.