I’m with Grumpy, that’s difficult to narrow down for her needs. She needs to try a bunch. There are a few things you may be able to eliminate to start.

Is she proficient with the manual of arms of a semi automatic, if not, is she genuinely dedicated to learning? If so, we haven’t narrowed down anything, if not revolvers are easier to learn.

Does she intend to carry? If yes, she needs to be 100% comfortable with her chosen carry method otherwise she won’t carry.

Is she bold enough to present an arm if warranted? If not and she would prefer to be protected without the “Go the fuck away and leave me alone presentation” then a hammerless revolver is a good choice. It can be utilized from inside a pocket.

Any recoil sensitivity issues? Loud noise issues that could interfere with multiple aimed shots if needed?

Does her “Usual” attire make presentations difficult?

I’m going to be presumptuous and assume you are a man. If so do you know of any, or have a local club that may have women that could help with ideas? They have insights men may not think of.

Last point I can think of is does she shoot her choice well?

Best of luck.

P365xl.
Shoots softly, accurate, reliable, lots of holster and accessory options, not too small or large.

Check out the Walther PDP F-Series:

https://waltherarms.com/defens...ries-standard-3-5-in

They are full and mid-size handguns designed for people the smaller hands. Better ergos, deeper serrations, and most importantly, a shorter trigger reach. Having proper trigger reach goes a long way to someone's perception of recoil. If the reach is too long, the shooter rotates their hand to reach, supporting the gun with the thumb more than the web of the hand.

The suggestion of rentals is a great one!

WRT racking the slide, this is where an exposed hammer can really make a difference as slides are easier to rack after manually cocking them.

I'd also be inclined to go with a revolver for the simplicity of operation and reliability although I will admit that semi-autos have come a long way in that regard.

As well as "fit" and "comfort," confidence is a huge factor for most people's choice of a self-defense firearm.

Don't forget that the larger gun shows present an opportunity to handle and examine many more models than are usually available for rent at ranges.

Quite a while ago, Mrs. Horse (remember her?) was in the process of choosing a self defense handgun.

ArtieS hosted a get-together; a dozen or more SIGforum members attended and brought probably fifty to a hundred different firearms.

Mrs. Horse (and everyone else who was there) had the opportunity to test a large variety. I don't remember what she chose, but I do remember being in a weekend training class with her some time later, taught by Bruce Gray and Jerry Jones.

quote:

Originally posted by AllenInAR:
YOU might not be fond of Glocks, but she might. IMHO everyone is different and pistols feel different in the hand.

G43X with those new unobtainium OEM 15-rd mags would be my choice. But I'd have her try your whole list to see what feels "right".

^^^
This! Don’t let your biases influence what might be the best choice for her.

You are asking the wrong people...it really should be up to her. Frankly, she may surprise the crap out of you on her choice.

My wife actually favors the Beretta 92FS over many other model. It's softer shooting and easier to rack give her confidence. That's her bedside pistol.

Go to a range with a variety of rental and let her shoot some different models. Ask her what she likes or dislike about each one. She will eventually hit on her pick. Good luck!

Lots of good advice, I picked other because there are a plethora of small revolvers that might fit the bill, Ruger's LCR in 38 is a good option. The LCP Max 380 is also nice and light, plenty of rounds easy to conceal and carry, which would add the Glock 42 albeit with less capacity than the Ruger, the P365 series has everything from 380 to a full 21 round capacity larger frame model.

Depends on her hand size, comfort, method of carry, when she'll carry, IE on the Farm for protection from nefarious critters or to work downtown with 2 legged critters, or both....

Congrats on getting her interested....

I like the idea of a ladies shooting group if she's up for that, nothing like a group of peers to help or dissuade someone..

If you can find one, a Sig P239/9mm. It's what my wife chose, all by herself.

My wife carries a Sig 232. But her two favorites are the P220 Carry, and her Ruger GP 100 357 that she qualified with for CCW. Not sure she could rack a slide now at 81, but whatever she picks up around here is in point-and-pull condition. She also likes my HK P30 LEM. 19 rounds of WRA 127 gr +P+ would be way more than enough for her.

quote:

Originally posted by 229DAK:
If you can find one, a Sig P239/9mm. It's what my wife chose, all by herself.

Indeed , I wonder what became of the p225A-1?.

I almost feel bad for her. There are so many good pistols these days, current and discontinued, that social media likes to praise and criticize at the same time, you just have to find something that fits your purpose and lifestyle.

I recently found Boondock's channel and her review of the RXM. The modularity and industry support of it seems ideal for that one gun to tinker with until it's just right. Yeah, gun shows are good for hands-on initial assessment. Just leave the cash at home

I bought my ex (wasn't an ex at the time) a S&W M&P Shield EZ 380 (they also have a Shield EZ 9mm) without the thumb safety.

S&W's engineers specifically designed the Shield EZ (pronounced easy) for women and senior citizens. It lives up to its name as it is the easiest magazine I have ever loaded, and the easiest racking slide I have encountered. It's also a medium size gun so fit the hand well and good surface area to spread out the recoil. She could easily load the mag, rack it, and shoot accurately to 7 yds.

I was worried that being softly sprung that you could "out run" the slide in rapid fire. I gave it my all but couldn't "out run" the slide. 100% reliable from the 1st round too.

BTW, before buying we had rented at 2 different ranges every 380 and 9mm that fit her hand and by far the S&W EZ was easiest for her to load the mag, rack it, and shoot.

A P365 in 380 is perfect. You can put an optic if she wants too. The plus is that she can also easily carry concealed.

Another Other. The more she can try out, the better. She will find something she likes, even if that is mostly handling at the counter. Borrowing/renting is better.

I’m of the opinion 1 gun is the wrong choice. If she’s on a farm a .22 would be very useful for more than familiarization but for varmints as well. Add a centerfire that is as close as possible in manual of arms.

Ruger does a few in both revolver and semiautomatic. Could even add a PCC if you think far enough ahead.