Need suggestions on what to look for

[CWOOD]

The Glock 30 is an execellent handgun. It is extremely accurate. It is the softest shooting .45 I have ever had. I have had a full-size Colt 1911, I have owned a 3.5" 1911, I have owned a small BackUp .45 with a 2.25" barrel. The axis of the barrel is so low that there is relatively little muzzle flip. I have NOT shot the Model 30SF but have held one and expect that it would be better for smaller hands. Mine are not large, however.

The 30 has been absolutely reliable for six years now and MANY thousands of rounds. I highly recommend it if your wife has shot and likes it.

Remember, all you can successfully do is to provide opportunities and information to a shooter in the selection of their handgun. It has to be HER decision entirely, or it will never be a successful match. It is important that she gets something that SHE will enjoy shooting so that she will do so often enough to builds the skills to excell at it.

I also strongly recommend a shooting sport like IDPA to build those skills AND have a lot of fun at the same time.

Good Luck

P.S. As you can see when you ask "what it the best....." you will always get a LOT of responses. Thanks for letting me add mine.

[remington79]

I'd definitely look at the XD 45Compact or the Glock 30 SF. Both take 10 round mags and can use 13 round mags for reloads. You can use the XD Service mags or the Glock 21 mags. It's actually the Glock 36 that gives people the most problems. The G30 is one of the most reliable Glocks. Lots of people say the G30 is one of the most accurate Glocks that they make.
I tend to have smallish hands and I actually find the G30 SF to fit my hands better than the XD45 Compact.

[LaUser]

Smith & Wesson M&P 45 compact. It has different size grip back straps for different size hands, 4 inch barrel, 8 rounds in the magazine.