I hope that made you feel better. I don't post much, at all. I don't share my opinion on this topic, because I am biased, even though I try not to be. A few people on here know who I am and what I do for a living, and they would automatically assume my opinion is biased. I don't get my information 3rd hand, but if you want to think that I am beating my chest or proclaiming to be an expert to drive some sort of internet credibility, fine. You could have just said you though the Sig was a better product. That is an opinion, and one I happen to disagree with, but it wouldn't have bothered me. It may not seem like much to you, but when you make false statements like that, which come across as fact based on some knowledge you have, it can negatively impact my business over the course of time. Our brand is important to me, so if I can correct a false statement in front of however many people read this thread, then I am happy to do that. I only view two message boards, and both are MSU related, so maybe I will start taking the time in these gun threads to clear up a lot of the false claims I see.
Here is some advice for the OP. Try and think of how she will use the handgun. Car, home, carry, purse, etc.? Determine the what guns fit those parameters by size, weight, etc. Take your wife to a range that has rental guns, or find a friend that has several different types of handguns and see if they'll go to the range with you and allow her to shoot them. Let her shoot a few and see what she likes. From there, you can narrow down the categories of guns she is interested in (Revolver, pocket sized semi-auto, concealed carry sized semi-auto, full sized semi-auto).
J-Frame sized revolvers have pretty significant recoil, particularly when they are aluminum alloy frames, which is what most people purchase due to the weight. Hammerless versions also have long, and often heavy, double action trigger pulls. This can create accuracy issues and some are unable to use them properly, as they cannot pull the trigger rearward with the use of just one finger. The positives are the are extremely easy to understand, fairly featureless, and they typically face fewer malfunctions.
Pocket-sized semi-autos (Ruger LCP, S&W Bodyguard, etc.) suffer from many of the negative characteristics of the small revolvers mentioned above, while not offering the positives. They have a place and will serve their purpose, but I would not lean that direction unless your wife shot one and loved it. Concealed carry sized guns like the Sig 365, M&P Shield, etc. are great choices for even novice shooters. I would stick with 9mm here due to recoil and ammo cost. There are several different safety features, and you can get them in a myriad of different configurations (manual safety, no manual safety, different sight configurations, color combos, etc.). They can be fun to shoot, which is different than the two above. This typically creates a more competent shooter, as they're willing to spend more time at the range, so I always view that as a positive. They are a little harder to conceal, especially on small framed individuals. That gets even worse in the summer months in the south, as it is hot and hard to wear enough clothes to properly conceal. Polymer frames will be the lightest, so that should be a consideration as well, particularly if she is going to wear it in a holster.
Full size pistols are difficult to conceal, but aside from that offer the most features and benefits of this list. They are very pleasant to shoot, in the right caliber. Typically a longer sight radius, which makes the shooter more accurate.
The last category, is not really a category per se, but is a couple of guns that are seeing a lot of success at retail, particularly with female shooters. The M&P Shield 380EZ, M&P Shield 9EZ, and the Walther PK380. These guns are concealed carry size semi-autos, designed to be easy to operate. The slides are easy to manipulate, making it easier for someone who lacks dexterity in their hands. There are multiple safety features, so you can choose between manual thumb safety and non thumb safety models. Recoil is light, trigger is nice, and they are a pleasure to shoot. I will say that these products are the hottest selling products for female shooters on the market today.
As for opinions stating Sig 238s are a good option, I would certainly let my wife shoot one first and let her understand how the gun operates and how it will be carried/stored. It is completely safe, but many novice gun owners are put off by the idea of carrying something cocked and locked. The sight radius is very short, resulting in inaccuracy by most shooter. The trigger is nice, because it is a single action. There are many different color configurations and grip options. This would not be my first choice, but if she loved it and was comfortable with it, I would be confident it could serve her well. Again, range time is important, and this is not one that you'll be sending thousands of rounds down range with.
Hope all or some of that helps.
.
