My wife recently shot a variety of pistols and prefers semis, out of a G19, xd9 subcompact, and the 9mm shield, she felt the xd felt best, with a good grip and milder recoil. But what she insists on carrying is what she shoots best with, her walther P22. We just had to find the right ammo that functions best in that gun. Lesson learned: women are more concerned with ergonomics and recoil than power and size. And if they insist on the gun being a funky color, then God bless them for it, if that's what it takes for them to take it out and practice. Remember pride in ownership. There are guns that are bad in every way, but we love to take them out there any way just to show them off. Most important, let them choose their gun. Us men will never get it right, like buying them shoes.