From what little I know, it's a balance between control for follow up shots and lightness/concealability.

So carry the biggest gun she can operate and conceal / carry comfortably every day.

Congratulations on 10 years!

I was born and raised in Leesburg!

Would it be for just home or does she plan to carry it too?

Ruger make an automatic with an easy to rack slide.

Thanks to all for their suggestions.

This is a go slow project and a quest to make the best decision. Not sure I mentioned it but there is a gun show here this weekend so we will have a look at what they have to offer but definitely NOT make a purchase without doing our home/range work.

Merry Christmas everyone.
Billy

Congratulations to your daughter for choosing to be a responsible firearms owner. May this be a lifelong pleasure and comfort to her (and you).

Before making a purchase decision it wouldn't be the worst thing for her to get some refresher training. In particular the NRA Basics of Pistol Shooting is a fairly comprehensive course that, among other things, has specific lessons on how to choose a pistol for one's intended purposes.

Another fine NRA program that covers far more than just the mechanics are their Women on Target events. These allow women to gain familiarity and confidence with the world of firearms in a relatively stress-free context.

There are also women-oriented support groups, for example the Armed Women of America (my wife is a member), that exist primarily to ease women into firearms ownership and practical use.

Of course, she should also handle and try out as many pistols of various designs as she can, perhaps at a gun show, or well-stocked dealer, before making her selection.