re: Recommendation for handgun-first time gun owner

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Whatever you get, throw a laser sight on it that way in the dark, you know what you're aiming at.

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Jesus, I hope you’re not serious...

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Guns and gear store in Rogers. I've been there a few times. They're pretty good people. Right by the Cabelas. Make an afternoon out of it. Go handle a few different models and see what you like.

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I went few times to Osseo gun range. They have great range and weapon selection

I'm going to check it out. Hoping the weather is not below zero this weekend.

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Simple rossi 38 special or 357 mag revolver (will never fail)

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A revolver will always be better for a woman than a full size ACP style due to difficulty in shucking one to the chamber...but if she can handle it, you can't beat the sound of fear.

Get a cheap shotgun for home defense. I suggest a Maverick 88....it’s a Mossberg made in Mexico. Add a nice concealed carry for you and your wife. A Taurus PT111 is great bang for your buck. Good luck.

I'd recommend a GP100 4 inch barrel.357 magnum. If you wanted you could use .357 rounds, but it also shoots .38 special which I would recommend. This combination has less recoil than my glock 19.

If you do end up getting a shotgun later, I'd suggest a pump. The noise from racking a shell is enough to make the average robber shite his pants.

A Glock is the standard. It is a striker fired pistol. There is no external safety. And it never stops working.

Other striker fired pistols include:
Walther PPQ and HK VP9 have the best triggers

FN FNS-9 - I have one of these. It's nice and felt better in my hand.

Smith and Wesson M&P is another good one.

Also check because some of the above guns will have a model with a safety. If you get a safety , practice with it.

Most people with any sense will tell you to get a full size pistol chambered in 9mm. You get more rounds and comparable power to a .40 caliber bullet. 9mm bullets will also be cheaper for you to practice.

If you're keeping at home and not carrying it, then steer clear of the compacts and subcompacts. As many have said, go to a shooting range that will rent out different models for both of you to try out before. My favorite shooter is my 1911 in .45 ACP. My wife also loves this pistol, even over her Smith & Wesson Shield 9mm.

Are you right-handed? If yes, Glock is a very good pistol.

Lefty? Get an HK P30. It is the closest to ambidextrous I have found.

Also, I recommend learning to shoot well on a 9mm. Then you can get a .45 if you think you really need one.