I'm shopping for one myself.
As an everyday carry gun, I'd recommend the Kel-Tec P32. It's not huge firepower, but it's lightweight and tiny -- easy to keep in a handbag sidepocket, or even in the pocket of your running shorts if you go running. The only gun that's going to save you is the one you have with you when the need arises. And as the story at the top of this thread shows, criminals don't usually stick around to check the caliber of your gun once they discover you have one.
TAke a look at the Glock models 19 and 26 with night sights
And get a good light for the 19 (surefire S200B S11 Switch)
This would make a great nightstand pistol setup....imo
Get as quality a pistol as you can afford..but get one with a record for reliability...
Get good instruction regardless and buy plenty of ammo
because you will not "Rise to the occasion..as much as you
will default to your level of training"...
Good for you!! I have several guns placed throughout my house. I have two shotguns and a 38 in my bedroom. One in the kitchen, one in the living room and intrusion alarms to alert me if someone breaks into my house. I sleep like a baby. LOL I've had guns all my life, but the way things are in America these days, I'm VERY glad that I have them. If a man breaks into my house, he's going to die. There are so many illegals who are raping and robbing that ALL women should be armed.
Look into a .38 special wheel gun with a 4" bbl (minimum for +P rounds), or a 9mm semi. We like Sigs in our house.