[Travis McGee]

Kel Tec P-11 fits all of your parameters. You need to put a few 100 rounds through it to break it in though, to make it 100% reliable.

[JackOfVA]

Glock 26 in terms of reliability. Whether it meets your other requirements is another question.

When I first bought a Glock 17, I kept track of how many rounds I fired before I had a failure or stoppage. I gave up at 2500 and still waiting for the first failure. It’s absolutely the most reliable semi I’ve seen.

Jack

[Spktyr]

It’s a little more than $400, but the Springfield XD9 Subcompact fits your requirements and is worth the extra money.

[JoeProBono]

Caliber - 9x19mm Capacity - 10+1 Action - Glock's proprietary "Safe Action" system Barrel - 3.5 inches Weight - 20 oz. with empty magazine

[End Times Sentinel]

Pshaw.

A gun post?

You’ll never get a response to a request for gun advice around here.

No way, no how.

Folks around here don’t care much for guns. That’s what I’ve noticed.

[Spktyr]

Oh, forgot to mention - the XD is a single action pistol, but like the Glock it has no external safeties. The trigger is much better on it than on the Glocks and it’s lightyears better than any DA pistol.

[behzinlea]

Good luck. After months of searching I finally quit looking for an easily concealable 9mm that did not compromise too much in other ways and settled for a Glock 19. It is not easily concealable, but at 1.18” wide it isn’t too bad. Of course, a woman’s hands are smaller so some of the handguns that were out of the question for me are likely to be in play for your wife.

[Secret Agent Man]

There’s a small CZ 9mm version that I believe is pretty good. CZ makes a handgun that as far as I am aware is the only one that surpassed the NATO requirements for not jamming. Not sure if they have a safety or not, I believe you can get them DAO.

[ovrtaxt]

Sig p239? A little pricey maybe....

[MrPiper]

Take a look at the Kel Tec PF9. For concealed carry, its perfect, I love mine. Make sure she practices and does not have a "limp wrist" issue. The recoil is pretty stiff on small 9's and some people can not hold them well enough and this can cause a FTE or FTF properly. (Failure To Eject, Failure to Feed)

If she has little experience, you may want to look at a titanium frame 5 shot .38 revolver, she will have a purse so CC is easier for her.

[Spktyr]

Sorry, forgot the grip safety - but you don’t have to remember that because you get that off when you grip the gun.

[BOBWADE]

I carry both the taurus pt 111 and the keltec 32 and I like the comfort of the .32 the best but the pt111 has more “umph” and capacity. Its really a toss up but fire-power has me leaning towards my taurus.

[ovrtaxt]

oops duh, the Sig has a thumb latch safety.

[Lurker]

If you can find a used Sig P230 in .380 I'd take a serious look at it.

I picked mine up for about $250.00. It's not 9mm, but it's very concealable, utterly reliable, and is more than suitable for the purpose.

[mountainlion]

Who wants a pea shooter like that? What, do you live in a city or something. Get a 45 Auto to buy you some time to get to something with some power. 45-70 will handle up to a small bear but for ultimate protection use a .458 magnum or bigger. Just don’t shoot a bear in the house. It is such a mess and so loud. Shoot the buglers in the house because of liability. If they survive they can sue and take your house.

[voteNRA]

This is my smallest carry gun:

SIG SAUER P250

I think I paid about $650 for mine new but they have a certified pre-owned program for used gov. models that have a warranty and I would think that you could probably get one closer to $400

[Secret Agent Man]

I have also seen some S&W M&P compacts (M&P 9c) for around what you are asking for in 9mm, and double action.

[oldenuff2no]

The first comment I would like to make is that you really need to take a look at any rule that puts a price limit on a weapon that will be used to save your wife's life. I take it that her life is worth $400 but not worth $600.
I'm a long time CCW holder, comp shooter, gunsmith, and firearms safety instructor.
My best advice is to find a handgun that fits her hands, not yours, that is reliable and easy to use in a stressful situation. Take classes from certified instructors on how and when to use the handgun, and then set up a practice schedule and stick with it. There are many great handguns on the market. The selection of an individual protection firearm is personal, serious and important. Take her to a range that teaches and rents handguns. Have her shoot as many different models as she can get her hands on. One of them will jump up as the "Best" one for her situation. You won't break the bank by making this decision in this manner. It is likely that it will cost you more than $400 but I think you can get the job done for under $700. Just please do not put a firm price tag on her life.

[NoControllingLegalAuthority]

Do you have a source for 9 mm ammunition? It is in short supply in many places.

A simple, short-barrel revolver in .38 Special is usually a cheaper, smaller and lighter alternative. You don't have to cycle a slide to put the weapon into battery which can be a physically demanding challenge for many women.

[VeniVidiVici]

Best gun for your price point. Can shoot a gnat off a fly's ass at 15yds.

9x18 Makarov