She really needs to attend a basic handgun class so she can try different handguns and make her own decision with the knowledge that she gets from the class.
Check with the trainers on this forum for a class schedule.
It is presumptious of me to recommend a handgun to a lady that I don't even know. My ladies have surprised me with their various choices.
The S&W .380 Bodyguard has been a nicer pistol for me than I initially gave it credit for. I don't know how useful the laser would truly be a self defense situation, but the sights are actually quite good on their own, and the laser is always there if she were to choose to use it. It has a very aggressive safety (I hope mine loosens up a little over time) and a long trigger, both of which would be an advantage if your wife is really going to carry IN her purse (which frankly sounds like a bad idea, but you didn't ask for commentary on her method of carry, so feel free to ignore the editorial comment). It is quite a soft shooting .380, at least in my mind, and particularly for a polymer gun; it is also astonishingly accurate for a BUG gun, which is what I use it for. If you decide to go this route, make sure the serial number begins with "EBBxxxx" or later. The "EA?xxxx" (earlier issue, EAA, EAB, EAC, etc) series pistols exhibited problems with the laser actuation buttons (not a big deal) and a miscut groove in the takedown pin (big deal). Both of these were fixed somewhere in the 'EA? runs, but it's still unclear where; but the EBB's and later are confirmed with the new button and takedown pin design. I've had no problems with mine. At it's price point, it is quite a value.
We have a 3 and 5 year old. Last thing I want is an accidental discharge and something terrible happening.
I'll recommend the Smith & Wesson Bodyguard 380. It's got a very sturdy feel, integrated laser and a manual safety. My wife carries one now and loves it.
Bersa Thunder 380 is a great little gun for the money. My wife really likes hers .
She's never attended a class, but she's been shooting my G17. She's been to the range with me a dozen times, can load the magazine/gun, etc. She a decent shot at 7-10 yards. She has probably 500 rounds under her belt.
She already has kind of made her choice, she hated my 1911, and finds to recoil on the G17 to much. Not that she can't handle it, but would prefer something with less recoil.
Bersa Thunder 380 is a great little gun for the money. My wife really likes hers .
+1 pk 380 is one of the nicest 380s on the market.I would look at the Walther PK380. That's what MrsGBuck has and she LOVES it. She is 5'1" and 95#. Fits great in small hands and is super soft to shoot. Not a "poket" .380, but not big either. Smaller than a Glock 19... considerably.