I recently acquired my first springfield. A "loaded" in 9mm as an ESP gun for IDPA, and I have to say I really like it. It's not that I have anything against the Colt or the Kimber, they've been good to me. It's just that for the price, the springfield is a fantastic gun. It's getting the same trigger job, as the other guns as well as the arched MSH. Other than that, it's damn nice out of the box. The barrel/bushing/locking lug fit is as good as the gold match, better than the colt. The slide frame fit is as good as the kimber, and better than the colt. The stock trigger is the worst. Exterior finish is flawless (it's also my first stainless gun), but the interior or the slide shows a few toolmarks that the other guns don't. The Bomar knock off sights are fine for a range gun. The novaks are better for social purposes.
If your lady is recoil sensitive, have a look at the Springfield 9mm. I broke it in with a case of winchester Nato production overrun ammo and it was a cupcake to shoot. It's the softest shooting centerfire handgun I've ever had the pleasure of shooting.
Of course, if she likes the .45. Get a .45.
Springfield's "loaded coupon" is nice too. It saved me about $120 bucks buying a bunch of magazines.