Originally Posted by dwightdmagee
Coming from a old jackass that does know handguns, not from a zealous view but from one of pure function (former 1,000 rd/mo competitor), one and only one way to go for mom and pop: Colt 1911 .45 or clone thereof for you and a Colt Mustang Pocket-lite .380 for her.
The 1911 goes from cheap to wastefully expensive, depending upon your tastes. Google 'Brownells' and have them send you their 1911 catalog #3. You'll get the ideas for one you like and then buy it at a gun show. As for the Mustang, Colt quit producing them during the Clinton years (that's odd), so just search the web and you'll find a nice one for her.
You will find these to be a most enjoyable pair of handguns with identical controls. Handling, recoil, effect and the like will be appropriate for each of you. Don't let anybody try to sell you any other way just because such-and-such brand name makes them hard.
Gosh, you can even dress 'em out to match your his-and-hers beach towels if you want.
I would assume the Colt .380 would use shells compatable in my 357, in a pinch of course. Is it a gun she can shoot safely through her coat pocket?
The fact is this will not be a target range weapon but likley suffer missuse of storage in her purse or pocket. Mechanisms that require clearance, clean slides and high maintanance may prove to be a ineffective hammer when needed.
so the cost of ammo is a small consideration.
franc