A couple of points... a 30-30 is not a shotgun. A 30-30 is a rifle, usually a lever action.
There are very few 357 semi automatic pistols, unless you are talking about a 357 Sig pistol..
Now, to answer your question, for you, as a home defense weapon, my opinion is that a pump 20 gauge shotgun would be your best choice. My second choice would be a proven reliable .22 autoloading (semi-automatic) rifle. There are many that would fit in that role. For your use, as a professed "non-gun" kind of person, I would recommend the Ruger 10/22, with several extra magazines. They hold 10 rounds, and are easy to load/reload in the rifle. Recoil would be almost non-existent, and the muzzle blast (noise) is low.
The 22 rimfire is effective against all but the largest animals you are likely to encounter, unless you live in bear country.
Against human predators, a flurry of 22 caliber bullets at fairly close range would very likely stop nearly any attack.
Also, 22 ammunition is cheap enough that you can get a lot of practice in with it, so you will feel confident in your ability to use it.
Contrary to what many people think, it is very easy to miss with a shotgun, especially at "combat" distances. However, if you don't miss, it's a very good tool for protection. Here is a picture of a target shot at 3 yards (common combat distance) and at 7 yards, which would be across the typical large room. It's easy to see how you could miss with a shotgun.
View attachment 165676
The downside is that it is more expensive to shoot, with more recoil, or "kick", and would be a lot louder, especially in an enclosed space.
So, bottom line... use the largest gun you can become proficient with... if you can handle a shotgun, great... that's much better than a 22 rifle. But if you cannot master a shotgun, get a 22 rifle, and shoot it, a LOT, to become familiar with it.
If you are not willing to put in the time to become familiar and competent with it, I would not recommend your using a firearm. I'd get a large, protective dog...
