[tattoo13x13]

Originally Posted by mixicus

Spend a few hours at a local range that rent guns. Try not only different makes but different calibers. Let her pick the one that feels the best to her. The one that she is the most comfortable with will be the one she does the best with.

Don't push short barrel/compact pistols unless it's for a specific purpose such as concealment or a back-up. They are more difficult to shoot accurately and will kick more than a full sized model in the same caliber. Kick (and loud noises) scare most people away from shooting or cause them to develop a flinch.

So long as you stay with a major manufacturer, quality won't be an issue.

If it's for self-defense, go with something at least 9mm or 38spl. If it's for target shooting, something in 22 lr is great (cheap ammo and fun).

Great advise!