As has already been said, this is really opening up a can of worms!
IMO a medium-frame revolver in .357 magnum with a 4" barrel is a great tool for target shooting and self-defense. You can shoot .38 Spl. wadcutters at targets and to get used to shooting a handgun. Then load full house magnums for defense. (Just be sure to practice some with them as well.)
Another possibility to think about is buying a .22 in the same type of gun as your defense gun, and doing most (but not all!) of your practice with the .22. This way you have a great excuse to buy twonew guns!
I'm not saying that autoloaders are a bad idea, they just take longerto get used to. A .45 1911A1 makes a great defense gun, andcan be very accurate as well. (But thegood ones will cost more than a comparable revolver.)
Try everything you possibly can, then take your time deciding. Good Luck!