Thanks everyone for your help.

I should have said my daughter is 23 and not small, 5'10" and 160 or so. We've been using her mother's .22 LR Ruger semi-auto target pistol for a few weeks and she thinks she's ready for something bigger. Sounds like the 9mm is the best choice. I don't look for this to be a self-defense weapon, but just something she and I can do together when time permits.

Up until just a few months ago she had shown no interest in her father's shooting/hunting activities. While she is still not interested in hunting and doesn't understand why I do it, she is developing a liking for the shooting at the range AND she has agreed to sit on stand with me the opening day of bow season this September in Missouri.

Hopefully things will grow from there.

my wife always carries a ruger bearcat in her fanny pack when she is walking the dogs. it is a small framed six shot revolver. fits her hand perfect and she is not scared of it. one hit with a .22 is better than no hits with a larger gun. it's not the size of the gun it is what you can hit with it. check the bearcat out it is a nice little gun.

I bought a Berreta 92 Compact in 9MM. My wife is 110 pounds and operates the gun fine. If you want more power for personal defense buy Corbon +P+ ammo and you have near 357 Mag ballistics.