For more than 40 years I have carried a .357 revolver for general-purpose use as well as law enforcement. I own pistols in all the usual configurtions and calibers, and like cameras, there is no single, all purpose unit. The .357 caliber has an outstanding one-shot record against two-legged attackers and a variety of bullets are available for heavier animals. It recovers better under recoil than the larger calibers, is lighter to carry and a good shot can hit targets well beyond the effective range of the semi-auto calibers (10mm and the like excepted). Revolvers are usually less trouble and more reliable that most autos.
A 4" or 5" barrel rides well in a holster when driving and doesn't get in the way when sitting in the brush. Longer barrels are not as "handy". If you can hit something with a 6" barrel, you can hit it with a 4". If you can't hit it with a 4" barrel, a 6" isn't likely to help you any.
If six revolver rounds doesn't solve your problem, you need a rifle or shotgun. For the malls and shopping trips, I'd stay with the semi-auto recommendations. For the truck, or hunting without a long arm in the field, the .357, .41, or .44 are very effective if you practice and can handle the power levels. I also agree with the snake shot comment posted by OldTurtle, particularly if you hunt with someone else or run dogs where a solid bullet might be a liability. I used to carry JHP's, but have found that the cast lead, semi-wadcutter bullets do a much better job on larger animals and over longer ranges.
