Colt Wiley Clapp for concealed

[elk hunter]

I'm

[Lucky Scott]

You have heard it before, but here it is again. Please let you wife pick out her own gun by renting several at a range and shooting them. It will save you lots of money by not having to buy her several guns.
Also, in my opinion, a .22 is just too small for protection. I prefer at least a 9mm or .38 special but your opinion may vary.
A .45 is great, but when you carry comfort is a huge issue. Make sure whatever you get can be carried comfortably or it will drive you crazy.
Not really sure you need the light or laser or whatever you are going to add. Comfort and concealment is more important to me, but your opinion may vary here as well.
As far as ammo, I believe a nice heavy 230 gr. .45 projectile makes a great self defense round.

[golfish]

I'm guessing you live in Missoula? I thought Montana was a free state?
You need a permit for the city or state?

[FeuerFrei]

IMHO
Suggest that she pick out something big enough to handle a 9mm that she can shoot well. Glock 26 or SW Shield?
Then have her try on some holsters that keep the pistol/revolver on her body. That's going to be the real challenge. Most/some women sorry to say, want to treat their defense pistol du jour like a makeup compact or lipstick and throw it in there like everything else.
If she still wants to purse carry then at least there are options. Even purses designed for it.
This requires a different approach to defense training.

Linkage...

http://thewellarmedwoman.com/women-and-guns/concealed-carry

https://www.gungoddess.com/flashbang-bra-holster/

Good luck!

[Lucky Scott]

"There is "no as in 0 places to rent guns in SW MT. Did you read my post?"

Yes Sir, I did, but you also said money was not an issue. If money is not an issue, take a trip to Las Vegas or somewhere that does rent. However, does not matter, you made a choice already.

Funny how people will research and spend so much time over what kind of car or cellphone to buy, but just buy guns with no experience with the gun. I personally feel that when you carry a gun, it is a very personal deal and it should be a gun that fits you, or your wife, perfectly.

[Rainbow Bullets]

You should get it bobtailed i like bobtails on a carry 1911