For in the home use get her a SINGLE shot 12 gauge. It takes a lot of practice to use a pistol in an effective manner when you are under duress. In the 12 gauge use #4 BIRDSHOT. At the typical range you hit an intruder (4 to 6 feet) it leaves horrific wounds and is surley going to require you to repaint whatever section of the house was behind the intruder. I think you should also have her speak to someone what it is like to shoot someone. The internet is the place for a lot of bullcrap bravado but take it from me. When you pull that trigger your life truley just changed, no matter what the outcome. Shooting someone is a life altering occurance.