Aria,
Everyone has given you some great things to consider already, but I just wanted to put my two cents in because my wife and I just recently purchased a firearm. The primary reason for the purchase was to have something that she could operate in an emergency without a lot of things to think about.
A gun dealer friend of mine recommended a 38 special revolver for women - particular for women without a lot of experience with guns.
He said this because, in an emergency, you probably won’t have time to think about all the steps you are supposed to use in operating a pistol with a clip (pulling back the bolt, making sure the safety is off, making sure the clip is in correctly, etc.) - all this takes precious time.
When you are nervous and in an emergency mistakes can be made. Of course which ever firearm you purchase you will need to practice, practice and practice again until you can do it without having to think about the steps.
What is so great about a revolver is, all you have to do is make sure it is loaded, point and fire. There is no safety, you don’t have to pull back the bolt and no clips are involved. Just learn how to load it and get used to the recoil through practice. Ammunition is plentiful for 38 specials as well.
Some will say that the problem with a revolver is that it only holds 5 or 6 bullets. True, but most confrontations in the home, which is what is the likely scenario, will probably be within 20 feet or so of the target. If you can’t hit them with at least two to four shots at that range then having a gun isn’t going to help you anyway.
Reloading a revolver isn’t that hard, especially if you’ve hit your target a couple of times already, which should give you time to quickly reload (with practice of course).
Just my thoughts. I’m sure you’ll get something that will work just fine.
Bolt? Clip? On a pistol?
Shoot much?
What do you think about Ruger LC9 vs the LCP or even the LCR? I have looked at the LCR and like it but was really thinking I should go with a semi-auto. Your post is making be think going with the LCR is okay. This would be for CC and home defense. I travel long distances alone and am on remote jobsite often and would like protection. Also want amo that is reasonably priced for practice. Any thoughts?