If I were doing it today it would be something like this 380:
Not great stopping power as things go these days, but it is small, easy to shoot, has laser sight, and should do plenty of of damage at close range, especially with hollow point ammo.
The wife wanted a gun, so not knowing much about guns, I found a range that offers the safety course and an orientation course. After that, I have no idea what type of handguns to purchase. Ultimately, they will be for personal protection at home. Does anybody have any suggestions for what type to get as a first-timer?
Oh boy, now you did it. This promises to be a LONG thread, LOL!
My choice is a S&W 640 loaded with .38+P cal. ammo. It's simple, holds 5 rounds, and it's hammer is out-of-the-way and cannot catch on anything.
4” .357 IMHO
I imagine you will get plenty of suggestions. I would get the Judge if your budget allows or any shotgun for home protection. A .380 is a good and small carry weapon, but a 1911 is better.
You already have several suggestions of a short barrel revolver, and I'll second those. Easy to shoot in a stressed situation and very reliable. If you have a friend with a good selection you can let her try several sizes and power levels of revolvers and autos and see what she likes the best, then start comparing brands and features.
If you're keeping it at home, a great way to go is a 357 magnum with a 4" barrel, loaded with .38 special ammo. It will be very easy to learn, very easy to use, and very easy to hit what you are aiming at—again and again. When you gain experience, you can switch to 357 magnum ammo for that extra punch, but bear in mind that in a home defense situation, you will be indoors in a confined space without ear protection and if you fire a 357 magnum round or a .45 round that you will probably damage your hearing.
got my wife a Bersa .380 Thunderbolt. Not as much stopping power as I'd like (I carry an HK P2000 .40 cal) but it's a big step up from pepper spray and a whistle - and, after 2 years she definitely knows how to use it.
Hoo, boy! Ask tht question here on Freep and get a thousand responses.
My own self, I think beginners should stick with revolvers and put a few thousand rounds of .38 through it before buying a semi, but you’ll always get a debate.
.20 Gauge scattergun with the short 'home defense' barrel.......aiming nor skill not required - just a few trips to the outburbs to ingrain the racking and trigger pulling skills.
Wifey weighs less than 90 pounds (hence the .20 gauge for less recoil), and she's become quite the afficianado.