TexasCHLforum.com

If you are not fully set on steel frame weapons, give the Springfield Armory XDs series a look. My wife has on in 9mm, and is very comfortable shooting it (she's only 5 ft tall). It's a decent size, not too big or small, and not too light that it's uncomfortable to shoot. It's not too heavy that it's uncomfortable to carry either. They have a grip safety. My wife was worried about being able to push in the grip safety, but after holding one in the gun store, she commented that it was no problem at all. It is also slim enough for on body carry. My wife does not like the idea of purse carry (purse snatching concerns and having to keep an eye on it at all times), and has only done it once.

I have fired it too and it's nice. Rugged, well designed, and decently priced. We paid $475 for it (the XDs with the Essentials kit). It comes with a 7 rd and an 8 rd mag (single stack). There's a 9 rd mag available for them too.