Luke,
I didnt read all this thread, but wanted to put my .02 in. I have a Berretta 9mm FS. It is a sweet handgun. It's not too much for my wife to handle. Cleaning is a breeze as it dissassembles in like 3 movements. And is reliable. Honestly, I have fired over 1000 rounds through this gun and NEVER had a jam. EVER.
But a good pump shotgun is a good choice too. I think I read somewhere something along the lines. There is no sound more terrifying to an intruder than the unmistakable pump of a Remington 870. I would seriously look at that option. With non lethal rounds and lots of practice shooting it. You really dont want her have the moral debate with herself if she is put in a spot to use it. Also, you dont want here to be afraid to fire the thing. A nice little 20 gaude would be more along her lines if she cant handle the recoil of the 12 gauge. But she'll probably only have to pump it for anybody to get the point and crap themselves. It IS a very intimidating sound.
The beauty of the shotgun is it can be shot from the hip. allowing a person to not have to look right down the barrel and look at their target in the eyes so to speak. The moral delima for many becomes much more complicated then, as it becomes more personal. Pump, announce that you have a weapon and to identify themselves, then if they proceed, or do not leave.... Personally I would activley seek them out at that point, but thats just me.
Good luck and get some real training with whatever you choose.
