x3 on the rental. But beware, that's how I got hooked on 1911's...

I just got my wife a Taurus PT138 - it's a small frame semi-auto in .380ACP. She never even held a gun before this one. She likes it. A .380 is about the same size as a 9mm round but less recoil; though arguably not a good defensive round. I am helping my neighbor's aunt select a gun as well and we are leaning towards the Taurus 709 Slim. Also a light, small semi-auto in 9mm. It is hard to go wrong with a decent revolver though.

How about a Thompson .445 Supermag? Single shot, but that's all you need!