If someone asked me that question, and I knew they weren't going to take up shooting as a hobby I would recommend either a Taurus PT 92 or a Taurus (or S&W - depending on their budget) K frame size revolver.

I've always owned what I consider to be "sporting" type guns. Blue steel and wood. Shotguns, 22 rifles, revolvers, and a couple 1911's. A year or so ago I bought me a PT 92. Man oh man, am I impressed by the amount of firepower you can hold right there in your hands. And it's user friendly. With that gun and a couple extra mags you could really "hold 'em off at the pass." That's the gun I would want if I knew I was going into a serious social situation. It's almost like a little machine gun. Yes sir, that's the gun I'd want!