warhawke
You haven't told us what you want it for. Is it for ccw or a house gun? Is it just for defense, or are you interested in target shooting or hunting? Would you rather have a few big ones (1911) or more medium size ones (Glock SIG etc. in 9mm or there abouts)? You say its for you wife, how good a shot is she, how recoil sensitive, how big are her hands? Are you in the sticks or in a condo? Without knowing this we"re all just blowing smoke and you should ignore us. Personally, I think for general defense the default answer is almost always Glock. Its idiot proof, low maintainence, high cap mags, accurate enough for defense, eats anything, comes in all 32 flavors and goes bang everytime. There's a reason almost every PD in America either issues or approves them. It's like the .870, it might not be the only gun you ever want, but its the only gun you'll ever need. Anyway send us some particulars and we can give you useful

info???
fighing quaker13