I have to reccomend a revolver as well. The reasons are many including but not limited to: does she have the hand strength to "rack" the slide?, worrying about is there a round in chamber?,is the safety on or off(where present)? is the mag in gun and loaded? You cannot get simpler or more reliable than a revolver-just draw and fire. The important thing to do is let her pick 1 that fits her best. Usually a small frame snubby in 5 shot "j" frame size in .38 or .357 is ideal. Another idea is the new .327 mag.