two choices.
12ga shotgun with an 18in barrel loaded with birdshot (less likelihood of over-penetration)
or
full size 1911 (single-stack) or HK USP in .45cal. (less penetration than 9mm, lower velocity, ect).. I'm not a fan of Glock/striker-pistols.
... either way I'd say equip the weapon with a strobe/flashlight.
or, you could go with a .357 and load it with .38 ammo and make it much easier to handle. I'd never waste money on a .38 pistol. If I want to shoot .38, it's always though a .357 frame.
after a while, after you become accustomed to shooting and feel comfortable (and assuming you'll be the only one firing it) you could go to an ar15 in the smallest, most easily maneuverable configuration you can find/build (for yourself) and shoot "low power" .223. but with that over penetration is a problem if you're not comfortable controlling your shot. even though it's a small projectile, it travels fast and will easily pass through one side of a cars rear quarter-panel (or even a door), through the trunk and out the other side... so of course it'll pass though a couple drywall sheets of interior walls.