I think the glock is the front runner, she wants to spend more money on the spring field .40 , this model is double the money.
Ron, guns are primarily a preference. Springfield makes a great gun. Many of the tactical guys carry them. Just like me, I personally dont care anything for the S&W, but it has nothing to do with the gun quality, its just too small for my grip. Great gun, but I personally just dont like them for me. Best thing for you is listen to what she wants and needs. Im sure there is a gun store in Phoenix that will let you shoot some of their used house guns if they have a range there for a nominal fee. We have a gun store here in Huntsville that has an indoor range and allows you to rent a few guns to try them out.
She sounds like she already knows what she wants, and to me, a gun is not something to dicker with on quality. Glocks do have some draw backs, but I luckily have a friend who is a Glock armorer and keeps mine checked out on a regular basis.
You cannot go wrong with a Springfield, great gun and yes, a little pricey, but is it worth the extra money knowing that your daughter has better piece of mind feeling more comfortable with a weapon that she WANTS when and IF the time ever comes that she is in a life and death situation where she has to use it. To me, the piece of mind knowing that she is comfortable with the gun she feels comfortable with than settling with something that is a good quality gun that you saved some money on.
Let me equate it to something you understand and sum it up in one statement....there is a reason you buy Landa and not a pressure pro :smilewinkgrin: