[Eric in the Ozarks]

Get a Smith and Wesson revolver in .22 cal for practice. I like the older kit guns...mod 17 or mod 34 w/ 4 inch bbl. Ammo is cheap and if a ladyfriend would like to give it a try, it won't scare her with noise and kick.
I like the mod 22 Glock .40 cal for serious stopping power. It shouldn't be too big for small to medium sized hands. The .40 has more punch than a 9 mm in about the same size weapon.

[1Old Pro]

What about Ruger or Browning, why S&W?