If you can handle a pistol, Rossi makes a very good mid-range priced .357 six shot revolver. Load this weapon with .38 Special jacketed hollowpoiont +P rounds for best knockdown at minimal recoil ... to keep the weapon under control following initial round fired. The Rossi pistol has rubber grip so it is comfortable for practicing as often as possible.
If you live in a semi-rural setting, you might want to consider purchasing a .357 revolver and a lever action rifle in the same caliber (.357) with a 16 to 18 inch barrel so it is manageable inside a dwelling. And practice as often as possible. You can purchase beaucoups of .38 Special and .357 ammo and will have a pistol and rifle chambering the same ammo. If you can handle a .44 or .45 caliber handgun, you can get the rifles in those calibers as well. But the best homedefense weapon is a medium to short shotgun model in pump action with 1&3 duplex shells.
Even if you just get the lever action, that would be a good choice. The lever action sort of sneaks in under the gun control and hoplophobe radar, and the handgun cartridge cambering makes for easier shooting, yet with slightly better performance than the same cartridge in a handgun, as well as more rounds per reload, with easy "topping off" if required.
You even be able to find one at WalMart or Big 5 Sporting Goods.
WalMart shows a Henry Repeating arms lever action in .45 colt and .44 magnum. Either will "git 'er done".
Just checked, Big 5 has the Mossberg 500 with a spare 18.5" barrel for $229 after rebate. (Might be more, or maybe less, in your location, but that's what the one in Wichita Falls Texas has it for.) Or if you want to reach out and touch someone, they have a Savage 30-06 bolt action with scope for $400.