As many are saying, there is no perfect firearm. I've gone through this exercise myself. Take her to a range that also sells firearms. They will let try out as many firearms as they have. What she picks may surprise you.
There is no really good answer to this question as you have provided no information about the woman intended to use this gun. So, with that being said, Get her a .380 that fits her hand well. Make sure the slide isn't too hard to rack.
Is it for concealed carry? If she's going to shoot it at ranges and not carry it, don't get a pocket pistol. They kick like hell. A full sized pistol has way less recoil than a pocket pistol.
Underrated comment here.
Rifle: Pretty much any AR with an adjustable stock
Semi-automatic: M&P Shield EZ in .380 ACP (light slide for gals with low grip strength), low recoil
Revolver: Ruger LCR (lightest double-action trigger I'm familiar with)
The .380 EZ is my pick for a woman. Just spend extra and get the really good .380 hollow points for it. Three eighty is a little anemic, but tou can make up for a bit of that with the best ammo you can find.
The Smith & Wesson Equalizer is essentially a 9mm M&P Shield EZ but with a double stack magazine instead of the single stack that the Shield EZs have in case you want a little more power.
I didn't know that existed. Looks cool. Shit I might buy one to replace my Shield Plus. The safety is a way better design.
(If she's not familiar/it's her first.)
There are so many, I'll just say: Take her to a couple of local gun stores. Have her handle a few at each. She'll probably pick due to what her eye likes. Go from there.
Pistols? Smaller caliber, less kick, just do a grip check. Single stacked mags.
Shotgun? Smaller loads, .410, 20 gauge, shorter barrel. Actions a plenty, what's she pick up first. Familiarize her with that and see if it shoulders comfortably.
Rifle? T-Rex. (JK!) Again, weight of the gun, smaller caliber, (I ain't typing all that out 5.56- 30 cal range, smaller powder loads.) Barrel length, is she comfortable handling it?
Everyone is different, find her comfort zone, especially if you're considering a gift. Use the "hey, let's go look at guns" and the old "yeah, but, if you had to pick one and you could..." Good luck!
If she's into sexy polymers (yeah, I said it. Sexy polymers) the Walther CCP M2 in 9mm is a strong contender. The fixed barrel, gas piston, ergo design make it a breeze to conceal, rack and shoot. I picked one up for my daughter and she loves it.
Wait, none of you guys wash?
Taurus 856, six shot .38 special. Easy to load, shoot, easy to conceal inside or outside the waistband and in a purse. You can also get them for $250 or less in some places, brand new.
I think the obvious answer is one that she is unafraid to kill an attacking nigger with.
Sig p238 or 938 seem to work well for an everyday carry.
S&W Bodyguard .380
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