re: Need a recommendation for a handgun for a small woman.

Smaller isn't always better. Have her try out a bunch and see what she shoots best.

My wife is 5' with small hands. We went to an indoor range that rents guns and she went through pretty much all they had. She ended up with an M&P Compact, her top selling point was the trigger, that trigger just worked for her, and she shoots the hell out of that thing.

She wanted something a little lighter to carry, so we bought her an M&P Shield, same trigger so she is happy with that, but she still likes the Compact better.