First decide if you want semi or revolver. If you want a semi-auto a 45 is going to be the only one that *could* be used as anything other a paper-puncher. There are so many makes and model the sky is the limit. Semi's arent my area so I can't help much. Revolvers you can go 357mag. Recoil aint bad, and you could take deer at close range with it. Ammo is plentiful and cheap. 44 mag can be stout on recoil if you just want a "fun" gun. But 44 specials (which you can shoot in a 44 mag...they're just a shorter case) are bad at all. Not as available ammo as a 357 BUUTT a full-house 44 mag is potent deer medicine. S&W makes superb revolvers but they cost alot more than a Ruger. Ruger's are excellent revolvers and overbuilt tanks. I don't consider this a bad thing at all! They cost much less. I ordered a Stainless Super Black Hawk Hunter with Bisley grip. ("hunter" and "bisley" should read: optional=extra$$) For about the same I could've bought a used S&W standard 44mag. S&W will hold there value, maybe that's important to you.

If you just want a "fun" gun and don't want it to double as a hunting revolver I'd go 357 and never look back.