I own 3 handguns and my parentsare police officers (Step mom a Commander of Mesa Police, AZ)

For what you want to use it for I would say DONT get a snub anything. Those guns are also known as gut guns meaning they are ment for 10feet or closer. Unless it can take a 4-10 slug round or its a very larger cal.

I would suggest a 9mm or a 380. These calibers will offer a longer range and still be very easy to conceal.

40 cal is also not that bad but then the gun is larger and harder to conceal unless you get a gun that holds less rounds and then you have the issue with only having 5 rounds.

But much like bows go to a gun shop and as long as you are super serious about buying a gun they will most likely let you shoot used/preowned ones and find one you like.