It you just want a pleasure plinker I've found the old Standard Ruger 22 to be about as good as you could ask for. Very reliable, accurate, priced reasonably, durable, Lifetime warranty.... What's not to like?
But, if you have any interest in potentially getting your wife not only into just "shooting" but self defense I recommend the Firestorm FS22.. The Firestorm FS22 is designed (from what I read) around the fine Walther PP/PPK series of pistols. My FS22 was $227 otd, and it is amazingly accurate at any reasonable self defense distance, and has been 100% reliable. The pistol has a "de-cocker", windage adjustable sights, and a sweet trigger. Low recoil, and fits the hand perfectly.. This is the same pistol as the "ladies favorite" Bersa Thunder 380, and makes a perfect "pistol to learn on"... Later on when she is happy, and confident with the FS22 if she so desires you can ease up the caliber ladder to the BT380 and she will feel right at home.
Even tho most folks put down rimfire pistols, I think 10+1 rds. of CCI Stingers or CCI MiniMags actually make for a pretty good personal protection pistol in a pinch.
Just have you wife hold a BT380 (FS22's are hard to find), and if it fits her hands and seems to be something she would enjoy having then have your ffl order you an FS22.
I loaned my buddy's daughter (22yrs old) my FS22 one day when we were shooting out behind his house (we live in a rural area), and she fell in love with it.. It really is a lot of pistol for a reasonable amount of money.
It seems that the folks in Argentina who should be marketing the fine pistols in the U.S. are asleep at the wheel. Bersa/Firestorms are highly thought of by those folks who have acutally owned or fired them.
I believe there is a very complimentary test on the FS22 (and the BT380) on
www.GunBlast.com (archives section).
Just another option.
Best Wishes,
J. Pomeroy