Can't go hunting with a pistol besides using a magnum, any thing else is impractical
It depends on the game and what you're using. Squirrels and rabbits are easily taken out with a .22LR, which also happens to be found in handguns. Ammunition choice can make a difference. I've seen instances of large game being taken down with a 9mm using frangable rounds.
but why not just use a regular shotgun
Shotguns can be unwieldy in close combat situations. They're also not readily concealable. It's impractical for me to carry a shotgun with me, just as it's even more impractical for me to carry nothing while the other dude is just waiting with a knife gut me.
but a handgun can't be used for anything other than a weapon against people in nearly every situation
I own many handguns and in every situation I've used it in (That is not work related), it's just been hobby shooting. There are many situations to use a handgun and not all of them have to be killing a person.
No good will come from having one, so why have it?
Deterent for one. Fun hobby for two. There's many reasons to own one, the best you can come up with, seemingly, is that "People die from handguns," which is an interesting point as violent crime has been steadily going down since the 90's, whereas gun sales have been going up.
People don't know you have a pistol unless you go around telling people you've got one
A. Open carry laws do exist. A handgun does not neccesarily need to be concealed to be carried.
B. If you carry a weapon regularly, you can tell a lot of times if someone else is carrying. Not always, granted, but a lot of times.