re: Subcompact suggestions.

I actually don't own a revolver, I don't have anything against them, I just grew up shooting 1911's so that's what I like.

I think manufacturers are getting away from revolvers, there's a lot of new semi autos being made as opposed to revolvers.

I just don't like DA, if I pull the hammer back everytime I love revolvers,

Chief,
Re: your original question, here are some additional thoughts.

I'd suggest the gun's operation be as simple as possible, specifically double action only or striker fired w/o external safety. I agree that 9mm is a nice choice. If carried in her purse, she'll still need a nice HOLSTER.

Reliability is of utmost importance. Unfortunately, NONE of us have access to the reliability records of any guns. We only have our personal experience and the "internet experience." Consequently, your options are to go from the experiences of individuals and the the "experiences" you read from the internet. Granted, the latter can be particularly tricky to interpret.

If you get your wife a subcompact semiauto instead of a a double action only snub nose revolver, I think you'd find a single stack semiauto most suited. A single stack will probably fit her hand better than a double stack. Here are the guns that I think meet your description, as well as my anecdotal reliability assessment from reading multiple forums on the 'net:

Kel-Tec PF9: The PF9 seems to be pretty good when you get a good one. There are a lot of reports w/ problems out there, although Customer Service seems to be generally good. My personal PF9 has about 300 rounds of mixed ammo through it w/o any signifiant problems. I did the "buff and fluff" treatment on the KT forum before shooting it. Yes, the gun "looks" like it cost me $260, but who else sees it other than me?
Kahr PM9/CM9/CW9: Kahr seems to generally have a good reputation for reliability, although there are always exceptions. Likewise, their CS seems to do well. The only Kahr I own is a CW45. It has nearly 200 rounds through it and has been flawless so far. True, the CW9 will not be as nicely refined as the other versions, but it should still be a fine cc gun. If the CW9 had been available when I bought my PF9, I might have ended up w/ the Kahr. I think either the CW9/CM9/PM9 would do you well.
Kimber Solo: Seems to have a lot of issues, including a recall.
Ruger LC9: Subject to an early recall, but seems to have done better thereafter. Many don't like the long trigger pull, external safety and magazine disconnect safety.
Beretta Nano: Personally I don't think this one's been on the market long enough to have a good feel for it's reliability.
Walther PPS: Walther generally has a good reputation for reliability.
Taurus 709 Slim: Taurus quality control and CS also seem to be rather hit or miss.
Diamond Back 9: Like Taurus, hit or miss, but from my reading, probably more "miss than hit."
Bersa BP9CC: Generally a good reputation for reliability, although still some misses.
Sig P938: Very new gun. The 238 seemed to have a lot of problems early early production. I'd wait a while on this one. As I mention, I like the option of pocket carry w/ the subcompact 9's. I think the this gun should be carried cocked and locked. When carried cocked and locked, the P938 has an exposed hammer. Pocket carrying a gun w/ an exposed hammer, like the P938, seems like a disadvantage.
9mm 1911's: Same issue w/ exposed hammer as w/ the Sig. I'm not sure how many gun manufacturers make a subcompact 1911 in 9mm, but I don't think there are many. All steel 1911's will probably weigh to much for purse carry. To get an alloy frame 1911 that's close to the weight of a polymer gun, you'll have to spend $$$.

One of the things I like about the subcompact 9's is the option of pocket carry w/ some pants. I think the PPS, Bersa, 1911's and possibly the CW9 are too big for this. I'm not sure how much weight your wife will be willing to add to her purse. She may want to try that out, as well.

Good luck.

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I think manufacturers are getting away from revolvers, there's a lot of new semi autos being made as opposed to revolvers.

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What really surprises me is the number of people looking for CC weapons who don't even consider a revolver. Especially for a woman. They just make so much more sense IMO.

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Well it's kinda hard for anybody to vote against a 1911. They are so damn sweet.

I have a list of handguns I want and there are 4 or 5 revolvers on it before I get to the first semi though

Yea I understand why people don't like em. I also realize there isn't much left to improve on the revolver, which is why I like them. It just eliminates having very much new cool stuff on the market. That doesn't bother me, but some people care about that kinda shite. I like that it's such an old time proven design.

Great post TOTH

I agree with the G26, KelTec PF9, and I throw the Diamondback 9mm out there. Similar to the Keltec, but even smaller and with a different trigger "feel" in my opinion:

Dimondback 9mm

My wife carries a glock 26 as well.

How snappy are these ultra-compact semi's? I've never shot one.