Diss,
I've been going through this with my bride.
She shoots her P95 very well, but it's too big for purse carry.
If she didn't mind heavy, I think a Sig P232 would be the right choice, or Bersa Thunder, but she's very picky. I have a Kel Tec P-32 and as soon as she gets used to it, that will be her carry gun (she has to have her fingerprints redone for CHL...they are very picky)
Anyway, She loves shooting my Springfield V-10 .45, but it is heavy for her purse as it's all steel.
She hates shooting her S&W Airweight 642 .38, but it might end up being her carry gun as it is reliable and light.
It kicks like a mule but for protection, who cares?
Her P95 is great. Easy to rack the receiver, accurate and completely reliable. She shot 223 out of 250 on the TX CHL test with it and she had only been shooting for 2 months.
Anyway, the KelTec P-32 is about the lightest, but it is strictly for close up work and might not drop a BG very quickly.
An Airweight J-frame revolver is great for protection, but no fun at the range for woman.
I've heard the Para LDA 6.45 is a possible alternative. It has dual springs to lessen perceived recoil and is a Double action 1911!
I want one for myself.....OF COURSE.
Runt_of_the_litter over at the Firing Line loves hers!.