Kahr P9 would be a good choice, small 9mm single stack, very easy to conceal and fits a small hand well. BTW, just because the zombies haven’t showed up yet they shouldn’t be counted out.
Pick up a Makarov (9x18)semiauto for about 200.00 and learn how to shoot it, then maybe upgrade. They are easy to shoot, accurate and ammo is cheap. Can’t go wrong.
Believe it or not, a .45 ACP is not a bad choice. My wife who has small hands, small wrists and is not “strong” carries and shoots a Kimber SIS Pro in .45 ACP.
Best thing to do is to go to a range, try revolvers and semis in a variety of calibers and let her choose something that she shoots well and is comfortable with.
Hoss.
One thing to keep in mind is that a semi-auto uses the recoil in combination with the resistence provided by the hand/arms to cycle the round. It is possible to have a misfeed if the arms are not kept stiff enough during the recoil. This problem doesn't exist with a revolver.
Not sure it is much of an issue, but a potential consideration. Ultimately - it should be the firewarm that she is the most comfortable with. I'd recommend going to a range and having her try as many different types as possible.
A Ruger LCP in .380 ACP
or
S&W 642 with crimson trace DPX 110gr +p .38 Special
“If she tests with a revolver, her carry permit is only good for a revolver”.
Whats with this?
I had a smith 9mm semi. Wonderful to handle but for me, not a pro shooter, I found it very hard to be accurate with. My brother didn’t have that problem so I think it was the operator. :(
Then again, for certain methods of concealed carry (big purse) the Ruger SP101 is very popular, and it can be loaded, as a helpful old-time told me once, "with anything a sane person would shoot in it".
First thing I’d do is see which weapon fits her hand well. If she can’t hold it comfortably and securely and reach the controls, It doesn’t matter what caliber it is.
Revolvers are safer for beginners (easier to check if loaded).
In autos, Kahr, as mentioned previously, makes some nice carry pieces, small, light, and concealable. They have 9mm, .380, or 40 S&W.
Their 9’s are as small as other brands .380’s I would recommend a 9 over the .380 unless she’s really recoil sensitive. The ammo is much more powerful, more available, and sometimes even cheaper.
For close range self-defense - How about ‘The Judge’ Taurus .45/410 Revolver...?
(http://www.taurus-handguns.com/item/167268_Taurus_Hand_Guns_Pistols_TAU_2441031TC_____M410_45.aspx)
Unless someone wants to take up shooting as a hobby , by that I mean beyond that what is required for decent proficiency , I like to see new shooters to try revolvers . A four inch barreled double action .38 special is great handling in most shooters hands and very concealable . If you stick with a lightly used , quality brand , you can get your money back if you change your mind .
Ruger SP101.
Got one for my daughter when she turned 21 back in the mid-90’s and she went to combat hand gunning school with it and swears by it ever since.
Probably the ultimate purse gun.
I have one for myself, and, with it in a pocket holster, it is a great walk-about defensive weapon.
Individual handgun recommendations for semiautos are pretty much useless unless the lady can easily rack the slide and finds the grip comfortable for her hand. Everyone is going to recommend their own personal favorite.
I think the thing to do is take her to a gun shop and have her handle a variety of different guns. For girls, the size of the grip, weight, and slide stiffness are usually bigger issues than for guys.
She’ll be able to rule out alot of options and make a short list of contenders real quick just by handling a bunch of different guns.
There are some nice .380’s out there.
And .25 cals can still punch holes rather well.
Might need Glaser safety slugs for it though.
I own two of them and they're great litle pistols for less than $250.00. Ammo is plentiful and relatively inexpensive meaning she can PRACTICE.
The second is a Charter Arms Bulldog chambered in .44 spl. I've got one of these and they're also rugged, surprisingly accurate, and pack about the same punch as the .45 ACP round in a much more compact package.
They're also relatively inexpensive.
Either one of them would be a good choice for a first carry pistol IMO.
Just my two cents, your mileage may vary.
Best,
L
I don’t think size matters. One of our best shooters on the NG pistol team was a 110 lb female. Either that or a .380 as others have suggested.