To be honest, it's personal preference and what you have access to. I've used hand cannons since the beta. I've used the auto rifles a tiny bit, and the pulse rifles a little more, but I always go back to the comfort of the hand cannons. I think it all comes down to what what's important to you when defending yourself. Do you like to have a large number of rounds? If so, you can't go wrong with TDYK or Lord High Fixer, both awesome guns. I'd give the slight edge to LHF because of the side by side comparison, but really who cares. They both do the trick. Any hand cannon you pick will be fine. Use them all. I have Thorn equipped right now and it has insane recoil and I'm reloading every 6 shots. It's not ideal what I use it for, but I don't really care. I put up with it because it looks like pure unadulterated aggression. I know TDYK is a better weapon for just about everything I need it for but realistically it all comess down to skill and Thorn covers enemies in green poison.. So I use Thorn. However, at some point I know I'll be getting The Last Word, and Hawkmoon, it's only a matter of time. So when I do I'll be excited and glad to try something new. I'm not tied to any weapon as long as I'm enjoying using it. When I'm tired of shooting green-poisonous rail road spikes at people I'll use something else. If anything, I'd say adopt that philosophy and enjoy your journey. You'll get more out of the game, too.