Lock'n Loaded - Guns, Ammo, Military and Survival Stuff

[Condor]

For a female shooter that is fairly new, I would highly recommend. A smith and wesson m&p semi-auto in 9mm. With the smallest grip size on it, it fits a smaller hand very well, making any size version very easy to control. Its what you will see in the holster of many female police officers if you look closely. At least that's been my experience

I haven't seen one yet, but the new M&P "Shield" model seems pretty nice and more compact. http://www.smith-wesson.com/wcsstore...eld/index.html
I'm personally not a fan of the M&P's trigger, but the "Shield" model is supposed to have improved on this.

I LOVE my Ruger LC9 as a carry gun, perfect size and while it's not a .45, a 9mm hollow point is a decent round. If a 9mm is a little much, a Bersa Thunder in .380 is nice too.
Also if it matters, 9mm ammo is cheaper than .380 if you plan on doing a lot of practice.