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Dragon,

Much like buying a boat, try out any pistol/caliber you're interested in first before buying, plus those you may think aren't for you. You may be surprised to find the one you're certain you'd like isn't for you and vice versa.

I would'nt buy a boat without trying it out on the water first - Same with a pistol. Try it before you buy it.

Everything TAM said makes sense.

If however, over time and trial testing of different pistols and calibers (which I hope you do) you find anything stronger than a .22 is just too much, then consider a high quality .22 L.R. revolver. Some of them hold as many as 10 rounds. If you have a dud, simply keep squeezing, the next round will more than likely fire. A .22 semi-auto with a dud takes more time and effort to fire again...

Also, a .22 magnum revolver packed with hollow points has only slightly more recoil and considerably more pop over the .22 L.R. round.

I hope you settle on something at least as strong as a 9mm, but if you find anything higher in caliber than a .22 is something you're completely uncomfortable with, don't give up on the idea of being armed for self defense.

A .22 is better than being completely disarmed.

That said, if you do go the .22 route, practice until you become as expert as Annie Oakley. As TAM pointed out, the round is a stopper if it hits vital spots, but if not, it most likely won't incapacitate quickly enough to save your life. So, practice until you can knock the eyelashes off a gnat.

P.S. All of the above said, I hope you go the 9mm as a minimum caliber route.

Good Luck!

P.S. You can't take the CHL pistol shooting portion of the test with a .22.