I think a handgun of any type is grossly inferior to about any type of major caliber centerfire rifle. I think it was Jeff Cooper who said something to the effect that a handgun is what you use to fight your way to your rifle. A model 94 Winchester in 30-30 is a superior defensive tool than the most exotic, most powerful handgun you care to mention.
Just in standard production handgun calibers, 454 Casull, 460 S&W Mag, and 500 S&W Mag will all beat it, and, with some loads, by quite a bit.
