I agree with GATurk. My girlfriend always liked the Berrettas cause of cosmetics. So I took her out and let her shoot my 92FS. She hated the trigger, the reach was very difficult for her. I then put a Mod 28 S and W 357Mag in her hands with 38 loads. She's hooked. I tried to get her to shoot my 1911, glock, and kimber, and she didn't want anything to do with them.

I also suggest against the 9mm. 40S&W is ideal all around plinker, home defense. 9mm ain't known to be a one shot knockdown pistol. I notice that my girlfriend had trouble pulling back the slides on the autos.

but if all that is managable, slide pull, and all, then the ruger will give you a lifetime of service.