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barres wrote:Then the XD's are fare more comfortable in the hand, but I've never pulled the trigger on a live round in an XD.

A word of advice: Don't do it until you have the money in hand to buy one, because you will!

The compact model is the best buy - essentially a compact gun and a full size one all in one with just a magazine change. (One has a grip extension).

Lumberjack98 wrote:The XD SC is a fine choice.

It may cost a little more and take a little more time, but take her to a gun show and let her handle lots of pistols and see what feels good in her hands. Then find a range that rents those guns and try them out. Just handling it won't be enought, but it will help her to narrow her choices.

It's bett er to spend more money and buyt the right pistol the first time. Trust me, I know!

Excellent advice. All kinds of little quirks that aren't obvious at the gun counter reveal themselves when live rounds are sent downrange.

You can rent a lot of guns at $10 apiece before you come up to the price of one purchasing mistake that then either sits in the safe forever or has to be sold at a loss.

CompVest wrote:My personal choices are M&P 9c (9mm) and Kimber Ultra carry (45).

I agree these are both very fine choices.

The Kimber Ultra Carry .45 is my favorite carry weapon, and I was very impressed with the M&P 9mm when I had the opportunity to try one. I'm waiting for them to come out with a subcompact .45.

For reliability and safety reasons, I would recommend going with a trigger system like that found on the M&P, Springfield XD, Kahr, or Glock initially because these take less training to use safely and well. Cocked and locked carry takes a lot of thought, range time, and dry fire work to become competent with, and adds significant complexity to the training of a new shooter.

She might like the Kahr PM9 which is smaller than the Springfield , has a good trigger, is reliable and easy to handle.

I also highly recommend using the Brooks Tactical A-Grip material on the grip area. It makes it easier to grip and more comfortable during recoil.