Following is an interview with a specialist about handguns: "Ruger Standard .22 auto. Easy to learn on, next to no recoil, great accuracy, used from plinking to small game hunting, can be used in a pinch for defense...which beats a phone call not made to 911. If she is gun savvy at all, then a 1911A1. Recoil is not excessive (my daughter regularly shoots mine, as do the many thousands of female IPSC competitors). Obviously, quite good for defense targets, small game hunting, plinking, and competition."

"Be aware that some of the wannabe swat-types and other video game playing types will tell you to buy some artillery piece. Disregard them and do a little homework. I've said it before and I stand by it. The .22LR cal. is the way to go for a first gun. When and if she (or anyone) gets comfortable with it and can hit the target, then she could move up to a bigger caliber. Try the Smith & Wesson website (or get a catalog at a local gun shop). S&W has a line of handguns called Ladysmith. They are sized for a woman's hand (yes that's right; Suzy you aren't the same as Johnny.)"

"Have her go to a local shooting range with you and rent/borrow a couple of different ones to get used to. The one near me let's you borrow their pistol if you buy a bag of their ammo. Start with .22 cal, and then if she can handle it OK, try the .38 Spcl. If you are not a teacher/coach kind of guy--then ask one of the range guys to instruct her. (Yelling and demeaning is OK for Recruits at Boot Camp, but not fiances)"

"Try the revolver anyway,It is still the most Goof-proof weapon. No decoking lever, safeties, no lost-the-magazine (when you need it the most), no "rack the slide" at 0300 when her palms are sweaty, and it doesn't need to be kept as clean as a "self loader". Avoid off-brand/cheapo priced guns! Remember the saying: "You get what you pay for." I'd suggest you stick with S&W, Colt, or Ruger. If she (or you) really needs a handgun, you want one the goes Bang when you pull the trigger. Hope this helps. Keep safe around those airplanes Airman."

"I think the Lady Smiths are the same as the other "J" frames, with a bit of extra engraving. Unless her hands are on the large side, a 1911A1 style handgun may be a bit big. Find a gun show. You and she will be able to put your eyes and hands on a lot of different makes, models, calibers, and sizes. You'll be able to (for free) eliminate some of them from consideration pretty quick. You could try looking at the Taurus Model 85s. They are very good pistols at about half the price of an S&W."

"Smith and Wesson .22 auto mag for the same reasons S & B noted but with more "knock down" power for self def. Load it with hollow points and it is the best home defense weapon for your more petite people. The ammo is very cheap so it allows for a lot of range time. Although Andrew started this back in October '06, I'd like to add that girls like .45. I recently took one to the range and she preferred the 1911 .45 over the S&W 9mm. The girls at Tactical Tuesday shoot .40 and .45."

"I got the Taurus PT-145 last month, it shoots great! The PT-145 is a great value at about 320$ and not too big. I enjoy the Browning .22 for all the reasons already stated in above posts, but it's not quite the first choice I'd grab for when threatened. Shoot safe everyone."