I'll have to argee with Semi on shooting what YOU like best. From my experince most people tend to shoot semi's better than revolvers. It has to do with the angle of the grip. I like Semi's best because of the feel and the extra firepower. They are not as reliable as a revolver. I shoot a Sig so it's not an issue for me. I think semi's are safer than revolvers. I keep my magazine in my Sig loaded but, nothing in the chamber. I would not even consider keeping a loaded revolver around.

My dad was a cop and he used a revolver as a back-up. The reason was not realibality. It was because he had enough crap on his person already. He had a S&W snubnose in .38 spl.. It was small and light. Not to mention cops usally have to buy their own back-up weapon. Unfortantly they are not the best paid profession on the planet. Revolvers generally cost less than semi auto's.

I would think in a revolver the .38 spl. would be fine. For semi-auto's I would say the 9mm, .357 sig, .40 s&w, or 10mm. First choice.40s&w then 9mm. I like jacketed hollow points. FMJ's are good for plinking ONLY!