It's been awhile since I posted. One thing I remember is that when it came to a pistol for a wife, it was considered the smart thing to have her go try them out and stand back. What she perceives as positive attributes may be quite different that what any random guy on the internet might choose.
Like - grip size. That has changed a lot in the last ten years, large watches and larger grip firearms are now more preferred than in the past. If anything, I find the P365 to be right sized for me - strangely enough about the same as the Canik TP9SF. I think a lot of that is the recess above the mag release on both sides which narrows the grip. I find it a lot more grippy and comfortable than the P938, which I sold.
The P365 is bigger, heavier and has more power than say, a Kahr CW380, and having carried that for five years, a 365 is a tad more all around. Not much more, tho, but just enough to require a different holster (as usual. it's a conspiracy, I tell ya.) Right now it's a five or six way race with small 9's that have at least a 10 shot magazine. Some may want a bigger grip, the issue is does she? That is something for her to decide. If its her gun, then she gets more engaged about training and shooting it. Don't make it a vacuum cleaner for her birthday. Ask me how I know. Veteran husband longer than veteran in the service. Just sayin.
Best thing, find a range that rents most of them, try a magazine in each, you are only out a box of ammo, which is cheaper than buying the wrong one to then lose money selling it as a used gun. While it's not a bad market for that, it's better to make an informed decision than stumble thru a gun or two not happy with the process. After all, we don't walk in and buy a SUV from the first dealer, we test drive and think. And yeah, she got a four door sedan when I was looking for a crossover. Boy was I wrong.
Goes to what does SHE want in a gun?