Take her to your LGS or a range that rents guns and let her see what she likes. When looking for my wife's CC I was way off. She went with the Bersa Thunder .380.
I have to admit that I really enjoy it as well on the range.
The biggest thing is she is very proficient and confident with it.
By letting her decide you are already a step ahead with her being comfortable with the choice.
Ohhh... My wife was reading over my shoulder mumbling something about her being "right"!!!! I guess I'll lether gloat.
Bersa's are great, but they make them in more than just the .380. Don't get me wrong, I like the .380. I have one myself. I also have one in .32acp. It's quite a bit less recoil, but a lot less punch as well.
If the wife can handle it, they even make a Bersa in 9mm.
As stated up thread, just let HER decide. That way, if it does turn out to be "not quite the one...", then it was her choice.
Either a 9 or .380 would be my choice, I have both. I prefer semi-auto over revolvers. I find the trigger pull on the revolvers are to hard for me to shoot effectively.
Before buying anything have her at least hold it and make sure it is comfortable in her hand. Shooting it is even better.
Good luck!
LS6
I should add the 9 is s full size XD, the .380 is a Bersa thunder.
Many women have small hands.
The important thing, in my opinion, is that when she grips the gun with the barrel in line with her forearm, her trigger finger contacts the trigger at the first joint.
It is hard to shoot accurately if the gun doesn't fit your hand.
Thanks for all the feedback everyone. really appreciate it. We will go to a range and try 32's, 9mm, 38's. She may even try 45 acp and 357. We'll see what she is comfortable with. Again the feedback is appreciated.
My wife loves her Sig 229 elite enhance 9mm because its easy for her slide. Also the grip is noticeable smaller. Bad part is the gun is close to 1k :-(
And I LOVE this gun...I had a Bersa (without the CT grips) before and it was awesome to shoot. Easy slide to work and just an easy gun to operate overall.