This isn't my wife's first pistol and I have no intention of choosing her pistol for her. We'll go down to Cabelas and a few other stores and she'll find one that she likes best.
Have her try a Commander size with a CNC laser grip. She might like it and she might not, but night sights are a big deal for me with a carry/defensive pistol. Nothin' good happens after midnite.
My wife has a Sig 220 with night sights. I put a Viridian laser/light on the rail. Not bulky and very handy. She likes my Kimber, too.
My daughter likes her M&P Compact in 45acp. No side safety. It's lighter than any of the above, though the 220's no heavyweight. Her M&P is snappy but darn accurate.
