I recommend the 45 for the power.
I keep a 22 due to the size with me at all times. I also keep a 38 just incase if I were to ever need the 22 and can't find it. haha
For me the 22 and the 38 spec. is good enough for me and the 45 is too much but if your wife wants something more powerful then a 22 and 38.
really you wouldn't go wrong with the 45 or 9mm

 

Yes...concealed weapons permit.

 

I got my wife a Sig P239 in 9mm. I have a P239 in 357 sig and 40s&w.

She can practice all day long with the 9mm and if she wants to carry it, she has my 40 s&w. Great little guns with no problems so far.

I've had my P229 for 10+ years and never a burp. The guns are very reliable.

 

I'm seriously considering this one for my wife. It's a nice smaller frame and fits smaller hands. Plus it's fairly inexpensive so if she gets bored with it there's no great loss. She can always move up in quality later once she gets some shotting time under her belt.

http://www.kahr.com/PA-1_9mm_cw.html

 

there pm9 is a real nice piece...

 

This is the Glock Sub compact I'm talkin about. Fit's the smaller hands and is easy to carry. http://www.glock.com/english/index_pistols_45.htm

They sell magazine finger extensions that give you more hand hold room at the bottom of the handle if your hands are to big for the standard size.

 

What about "The Judge" from Taurus? Shoots both .410 shells and .45 Colt. Specs say it weighs 29 oz. and it's 7 1/2 in long. That's not REAL big and you could stagger the rounds. a .410 don't kick much and would really mess ya up if you're close.

http://taurususa.com/products/produc...egory=Revolver

Here's a vid:


Well, maybe it's a little big.....

 

My mom has a Colt Mustang .380. Its about the perfect size most women.

 

Heh...Heh....hehehehehehe...

Maybe not in a full size shotgun but I can testify from personal experience a .410 slug in a Judge is a handful.....do-able, but a lot more than one would think.




An ultra cool and ultra non-carry weapon, unless you're hiking in bear country, but still.....everybody should have one.

 

I went through the same thing with my wife got her a XD9 and its more then she wants to carry so we're going to find a .380 she likes... I think... I wouldn't go any smaller might as well give her a pocket full of rocks.