The problem isn't the caliber or that it's a woman shooting it - it's the gun!
Ultralight guns just kick much more. In particular, avoid titanium ones for that reason. Snubbie revolvers - due to light weight - are often real troublesome; however, the Ruger SP101 is excellent when used with .38 Special ammo.
Of the two she mentions, the Sig is far better. The HK is overpriced, too light, and has a frame design that will quickly eat up clothing linings if carried CCW.
I'd suggest a police-surplused Browning HP - either Israeli or Argentine. The Israeli ones are FN-made in Belgium and excellent; so are some Argentine ones. Take the Belgian-made one over the Argentine-made clone if it's an Argentine police gun.
Avoid recently-made S&W products; poor quality.
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That is part of the reason it stays at home. Thanks for your advice.