I'd say she prefers gloves of size L :-) It's still not XL. She seems to be quite comfortable holding Glock 19 without backstraps.

I'm looking to spend definitely NOT more than 500 out of the door (so subtract nics, transfer fee/taxes) and we get around 400-450 tops for the price of the handgun.

I don't feel like I'm ready for a wheelie, so let it be semi auto.

New would be preferred.

Not for nuthin', but if the gun is for HER to enjoy, who cares if you like it?

 

Picking-up a gently-used .22 wheelie will teach superior trigger control, eliminate the "low and left" holes in paper striker-fired guns problem that almost every Newbie encounters, and teaches how to adjust true adjustable sights to HER eyes.  She'll be "in the black" sooner using a DA revolver in SA mode.  A modest 4" or 6" barrel provides enough accuracy to hit VERY well VERY soon and with a simple grip change can be customized to fit HER hands (it is for HER, right?).  She might even kick yer ass, lol!

 

Keep in mind that most of the FUN from "plinkin" is hittin' what yer aimin' at!  So why on God's green earth do you even want to contemplate an INFERIOR 3-dot combat sighting system on a "trainer"?

 

Just sayin...... 

train for reality, instead of hoping for reality to be like your training?

As I approach retirement, I figure that I can get a lot more range time in if I shoot .22LR instead of 9MM and .45ACP all the time.  First, I picked-up a hardly-used Beretta 97 Cheetah with 5 mags last year for a ridiculously low price at a LGS in South Jersey.  IMHO it's one of the smoothest shooting--and best looking--dedicated .22LR pistols ever made.  It's fun to shoot, nicely balanced and about as high quality as any pistol I own.  These are really pricy now on the used market, but if you can find one cheap enough, don't hesitate--go for it!   Next on the shopping list was a S&W M&P15-22.  I got the Performance Center version for a good price--again, just slightly used.  No issues at all, standard AR15 controls, accurate and eats anything I've fed it...in spite of the S&W ammo cautions.  Then I decided to make some other pistols "dual use" so I can shoot .22LR from guns I already have and am accustomed to shooting.  (Plus, I didn't have to go through the annoying P2P application procedure to accomplish what I wanted.) I bought Ciener conversions for my Beretta 92FS and a Ruger SR1911.  The Beretta slide and barrel swapped out and was ready to go, and accurate as hell.  The SR1911, I discovered, isn't precisely GI Spec, so I had to have the slide smithed to fit at G&S in Paterson--did a helluva job!  Smooth and accurate.  The Ciener conversions are well made and affordable.  I know there's a lot of negative comments about dealing with the company, but I had no problems.  Just placed the order and the slide was delivered about a month later.  Last, I picked up a Sig Sauer conversion for my 80's vintage German P226--always my go-to gun.  Sweet--and a tighter fit then the original 9MM slide...better sights too!  If you keep your eye on the online ammo market, you can find enough decent .22LR to keep you shooting at less than half the lowest current prices for 9MM...and it's just as much fun.  This isn't everyone's solution, but it works for me...I'll be glad to post pics of the collection if anyone is interested.  Good Luck and safe shooting!

I had the same situation. I got a Ruger SR 22, fits my wife's hand perfectly and her bang and recoil tolerance. It is striker fire so there is nothing to mess with (safety, hammer) and most importantly it functions the same as our home defense weapons, Glock 22 and FNS 9 so should she ever need to use one it will be the same as she is used to. She liked it so much that she asked for (and got of course) a Bearcat for Christmas. Now she asks me when we're going to the range.

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Huh? You have a striker fired Ruger SR 22?

lol..  he may be mistaken

The SR22 is a nice gun. The Sig 1911-22 has a bit larger grip. I have a mosquito sport and contrary to the reviews you've read had no problems with it. Also check the Browning Buckmarks ver nice accurate gun for the money.

I also have a sig mosquito sport and have no problems with it using CCI minimags as recommended. 

I just bought a sig 1911 .22lr . My only 22 but it feels quality and shoots great.

I may get another .22lr pistol to supplement the SR22. Something bigger in size for people with hands approaching Bear Paw Size.