Cstokes91
Marksman
I would keep it simple for her first handgun purchase. I think a lot of you are thinking a little too much and KISS is probably the best way to start anyone.
So if she wants a "full sized gun" get her a Glock 19 (unless she hates the feel, then possibly the new M&P compact).
If she wants a smaller gun go with the Shield or G43 depending on feel and budget in 9mm. Shields are normally 100 or so less than the glock 43s and are great guns.
If she is deadset on a revolver, then do something small like a .38 to help her with the recoil and learning to shoot.
Ultimately, I really, really, really recommend that you stick with a gun chambered in 9mm to start. You can pick up 100 federal 9mm for 18cpr at Wal-Mart (18$) and I've found new brass online as cheap as 13CPR on a good sale. This will help a lot when you're planning range time out and helping her get comfortable with shooting. For defensive rounds, Federal HST or Hydrashok work great. I would recommend to order them online since you can normally find them for 25$ for 50 whereas locally it'll be the same price for 20/25.
So if she wants a "full sized gun" get her a Glock 19 (unless she hates the feel, then possibly the new M&P compact).
If she wants a smaller gun go with the Shield or G43 depending on feel and budget in 9mm. Shields are normally 100 or so less than the glock 43s and are great guns.
If she is deadset on a revolver, then do something small like a .38 to help her with the recoil and learning to shoot.
Ultimately, I really, really, really recommend that you stick with a gun chambered in 9mm to start. You can pick up 100 federal 9mm for 18cpr at Wal-Mart (18$) and I've found new brass online as cheap as 13CPR on a good sale. This will help a lot when you're planning range time out and helping her get comfortable with shooting. For defensive rounds, Federal HST or Hydrashok work great. I would recommend to order them online since you can normally find them for 25$ for 50 whereas locally it'll be the same price for 20/25.