The other pistol I'd consider is a 9mm 1911. I'd suggest the STI Trojan paired with Dawson magazines. The 1911 is highly adaptable to smaller hands and the 9mm versions are very easy to rack
I like the 1911 pattern solution. (See also krupparms' post regarding the Sig 238). Also, exposed hammer single action semi-autos are easier to rack if you cock the hammer in a separate act.An older gun may work...if you can find them on the used market...the Beretta 86 had a tip forward barrel for loading the chamber and didn't need the slide to be racked to chamber the first round.
[resize=400] [/resize].
Generally I'd stay away from polymer choices as steel guns are more resistant to less than idea grips and usually soak up more recoil.
The other pistol I'd consider is a 9mm 1911. I'd suggest the STI Trojan paired with Dawson magazines. The 1911 is highly adaptable to smaller hands and the 9mm versions are very easy to rack
Well, first you have to get one to jam. Most of my Beretta experience has been with the Beretta 92 (completely different than the 86), the Beretta 84 (a much closer sibling), and the Beretta Jetfire (much smaller, but related)Which brings me to my question: How are the tip-up barrel guns when you need to clear a jam? Does the tip-up barrel help there or is the shooter left with the usual clearance drill? I have never operated one.
Lost Sheep
Based on your analysis she would be better off with a revolver.Sometimes we have to rethink our approach in view of new circumstances and objectives. Given her conditions, we can focus on the minimums for her to be able to defend herself.
We can exclude factors and tasks that we, by habit, deem necessary but are not absolutely necessary. FOR HER SELF DEFENSE, she needs to be able to draw and fire, maybe multiple shots. She's not going to have the luxury of racking, clearing jams, changing magazines, or anything else. This negates all the slide-racking issues - she needs to carry something that she can draw and fire, period.
She doesn't need 13 rounds, or ten - if she hasn't caused her attacker to flee with one or two, they will be on her.
This really points to a small 1911-style gun, or similar. Something she can safely carry cocked and locked - draw, sweep the safety, fire fire fire.
Maybe an EMP?
Quite possibly - if she can handle the trigger pull. It's hard to beat the 1911 trigger when strength is an issue.Based on your analysis she would be better off with a revolver.