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[BigBamBoo]

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[cineski]

My Glock 20 w/ stout rounds shoots softer than my Kahr PM9 w/ standard pressure 124 grainers. Recoil is still pronounced, but it's not a sharp recoil. Not exactly light. You may have her try 45. Good for most woods although my wife hates shooting it. The Ruger LCR is a nice light weight revolver with a lighter than Ruger trigger. Or, just get a trigger job on the SP101. It's not exactly heavy.

[C_1]

If she limp wrist, then a Glock or a semi auto pistol, probably wont be a good choice. Perhaps a 38spl revolver with a 3 inch barrel. If you can, a S&W, if not, a Taurus 85 or something similiar will do.

[oghl888]

Looking at the way she holds the gun, I would suggest a private lesson with a shooting instructor before selecting a gun. The proper hold can change the way she perceives recoil significantly.

[chvz80]

What is your price range?

[RedFord150]

Lighter guns have heavier recoil. The weight of the gun tames the recoil. If you were to go with a small S&W airweight (or something similar), you would find she hated the amount of recoil.
Semi-Auto absorbs some of the recoil through the cycling of the slide. Takes energy to make the action work. However, 'limp wristing' will cause failures. I see this as a big risk for your wife.
My GP100 in .357 and Speed Six in .38 are both heavier than your SP101. Both are Ruger Revolvers. My wife likes to shoot both of these in .38 special. Maybe drop the +P round for something a little lighter. My wife is only 5'2". She is also on the smaller side.
In Semi-Auto, have your wife try different 9mm and .45. Personally, I would avoid .40 because it tends to be 'snappy' on recoil.
I really like my Bersa Thunder in .380. It is very pleasant to shoot. Most people will tell you .380 is a lousy caliber and ammo is both expensive and hard to find. The barrel on the Bersa is only 3.5". For outdoors, this is a little small.
Take her to a range that rents guns and maybe get her in a class for ladies only. Glock, Springfield, Sig, Ruger, and Smith and Wesson all have something that might work for her.
If you choose a revolver, I would try to stay with the .38/.357 platform. The .22 mag and .32 mag would not be my choice. If she does not like .38 +P, I doubt .41 mag or .44 mag or .45 Long colt will be appealling.
Your biggest challenge will be convincing her that heavier guns are nicer to shoot. An instructor that works with Women and/or beginners might be better at teaching this lesson.
Good luck.

[chvz80]

Looking at the way she holds the gun, I would suggest a private lesson with a shooting instructor before selecting a gun. The proper hold can change the way she perceives recoil significantly.

+1 check out this video it will help your lady out http://http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ysa50-plo48

[mat19er8]

FN 5.7 lite wieght and low recoil?

[Jonathan Doe]

My wife has 2 1/2" S&W model 66 which is loaded with 38 Special +P cartridges. Very simple to use. She doesn't have to worry about anything but pulling the trigger.

[rumblebee]

This is all good info! May even try a ported 38+? It will help with recoil\muzzle jump..However, you'll get a bigger boom and some fireworks to go along with it.

Lighter guns have heavier recoil. The weight of the gun tames the recoil. If you were to go with a small S&W airweight (or something similar), you would find she hated the amount of recoil.
Semi-Auto absorbs some of the recoil through the cycling of the slide. Takes energy to make the action work. However, 'limp wristing' will cause failures. I see this as a big risk for your wife.
My GP100 in .357 and Speed Six in .38 are both heavier than your SP101. Both are Ruger Revolvers. My wife likes to shoot both of these in .38 special. Maybe drop the +P round for something a little lighter. My wife is only 5'2". She is also on the smaller side.
In Semi-Auto, have your wife try different 9mm and .45. Personally, I would avoid .40 because it tends to be 'snappy' on recoil.
I really like my Bersa Thunder in .380. It is very pleasant to shoot. Most people will tell you .380 is a lousy caliber and ammo is both expensive and hard to find. The barrel on the Bersa is only 3.5". For outdoors, this is a little small.
Take her to a range that rents guns and maybe get her in a class for ladies only. Glock, Springfield, Sig, Ruger, and Smith and Wesson all have something that might work for her.
If you choose a revolver, I would try to stay with the .38/.357 platform. The .22 mag and .32 mag would not be my choice. If she does not like .38 +P, I doubt .41 mag or .44 mag or .45 Long colt will be appealling.
Your biggest challenge will be convincing her that heavier guns are nicer to shoot. An instructor that works with Women and/or beginners might be better at teaching this lesson.
Good luck.

[aermotor]

You might want something bigger than a 9 though it will be harder to shoot in a smaller frame. I'd personally go with an auto, but that's me...

9mm
Glock 26
Kahr PM9 (absolutely tiny and awesome!)
Ruger SR9 (Thinner grip than Glock, easier for small hands)

.40 cal
Glock 27
Kahr PM40 (absolutely tiny and awesome though snappy, can't be limped)

.45 cal
Glock 30
Glock 36 (same as above but slim frame)
Kahr PM45 (smaller than Glock, really nice in the hand)

[SCMA-1]

Definitely take her to a range to try the rentals first but based on your description, I would suggest either a Glock19 or Springfield XD9; whichever she shoots the best and is able to operate it effectively.

I've trained many women and they seem to take to the Glocks very well. My sister is 5'4" and she has a Glock 17 that she operates and shoots very competently. My mother is barely 5' tall and owns a Glock 19. Of course everyone is different so that's why I suggest letting her actually shoot them at the range.

Also, like someone mentioned, it looks like she needs some basic instruction from a qualified instructor.

[PatriotnMore]

Good advice but she could limp wrist the XD. I like Topguns selection, or the Glock.

Definitely take her to a range to try the rentals first but based on your description, I would suggest either a Glock19 or Springfield XD9; whichever she shoots the best and is able to operate it effectively.

I've trained many women and they seem to take to the Glocks very well. My sister is 5'4" and she has a Glock 17 that she operates and shoots very competently. My mother is barely 5' tall and owns a Glock 19. Of course everyone is different so that's why I suggest letting her actually shoot them at the range.

Also, like someone mentioned, it looks like she needs some basic instruction from a qualified instructor.

[SCMA-1]

Good advice but she could limp wrist the XD. I like Topguns selection, or the Glock.

I have a feeling the "limp wristing" may be due to her improper grip/support of the handgun; see the picture of her shooting the Taurus 99.

[lawaia]

Revolver in .357. Particularly one of Smith & Wesson's Air-Lite models. I have one in .44 mag, and it is a really nice & light gun. The trigger pull isn't too bad, also.

ETA: 9mm might be a little "light" for out in the woods.