Pro's hit it on the head as usual. Both girls I know who carry go with a stubby wheel gun because they trust it to fire 100%. One has a Charter arms .32 Mag (she wants to upgrade the load/capacity but on a budget) the other a S&W .38 Special. For weight, grip, concealment and cost your girl might like the Khar CW9. Just make sure it has a good 200 round though it first so you trust it. If you don't want to go through one of the bidding sights (gunbroker, auctionarms) here is a site that if you pay 5 bucks a month you get "dealer cost" - not sure about that but it's a good deal.
http://www.onpointsupply.com/cart.ph...tegory_id=2888
Just don't beat me to my idem.
GL