Now what is your real purpose for getting this handgun? Target shooting/recreation, or are you looking for a defensive (combat) pistol for your wife?

The reason I ask is because most of the semi-auto's made by the big names are NOT going to be suberbly accurate, nor are they designed to be. They are designed for use as defensive combat weapons. The first and most important attribute of a defensive pistol is RELIABILITY...NOT accuracy, and that is what they are most focused on. Doesn't matter how accurate a handgun is if it doesn't go bang when you really need it to. Since most defensive pistol encounters happen at 25 yards or less, with the average being 7 yards (21ft), these pistols don't NEED to be one hole shooters anyway. The vital frontal area of a typical human is about 8" across and 10" tall, not even counting the head and neck, and all of the production semi-auto's are more than accurate enough to shoot into that area every time at 25+ yards.

Now, if all she is going to do with it is punch paper at the range, why not get her a nice .22 pistol to plink with. The Ruger Mk II and the Browning Buckmark both are very nice semi-auto .22LR's that are also well known for their accuracy. There are also a number of .22LR revolvers out there that don't cost much and would be a ton of fun at the range. I'd look at the Ruger Single Six's.

I, personally, am a Glock man myself. I wouldn't give up my Glock 21 (45ACP) for the world, and I'd take it to hell and back if I had to. I've carried and shot Beretta 92's (M9) in the service and never liked them. I've owned a H&K USP 45, which was an awesome gun, but I never cared for the fit or feel of the gun in my hands. The Glock just fits most naturally in my hand and I shoot the best with it.

And don't let anyone tell you that there is anything wrong with 9mm as a defensive caliber. There are tons of people who swear that the .45ACP is the best thing since sliced bread for a defensive semi-auto, and the 9mm/45ACP debate will go on until the laser pistols become the standard. But the truth is that a 9mm with a good modern JHP is right on the heels of the best .45ACP loads for performance. It's also much more pleasant to shoot, perticularly in a compact pistol.

Decide what you (and she) need in terms of purpose and performance, then get the pistol that she likes the best and is most comfortable with.

Mike