I do agree that the .22 is a poor man stopper, however at a simple distance of generally less than 25 feet the .223 ar-15 isn't going to do much more damage. This isn't me attempting to bash the ar-15 the good quality models are decent battle rifles for longer range shooting, but I wouldn't want to use one up close unless I had to.

If it must be a handgun I would never pick a .22 in anything but a revolver simply due to seeing more dud .22 rounds than anything else. I consider the .380 a little underpowered but it will do much better than a .22 If you decide on a revolver I would recommend a full size .357 mag, if its to powerful for her shoot some lighter .38 specials until she gets used to it. I also say the full sized model because it will be heavier and have a longer barrel leading to less felt recoil and more accuracy.

I don't see why there are so many claims that girls can't operate the slide on semi auto pistols. I see girls shooting there hubby's or boyfriends handguns at work every day with no problem.

Oh and OP I don't suppose I can talk ya into a 12 or maybe a 20 gauge pump shotgun can I? Nothing says GTFO like a face full of 00 buckshot.