I would also suggest the 9mm if your wife will be shooting it. My wife can handle the 1911, but she enjoys shoting the 9mm, 40 S&W much more. If you are going to look into the Glock, I would strongly reccomend you take a look at the Springfield XD. I own 2 of them, and they are great guns. I also prefer them over the Glock's that I used to own. Good luck