My father has a p22,it did have some trouble before we broke it in. But since then its ran great,awesome gun for getting someone addicted to shooting. The little sister and girlfriend both love it.
My wife has a P22 that she uses for her plinking gun and she loves it, the only ammo we shoot out of it is the CCI stuff that is well over 1100 FPS, other that when using ammo thats junk we've had no problems with it, I was thinking of getting me one also, found it on a website kinda different in color but I love that color.. here is a link to it.. Walther P22, Lime Green Carbon Fiber, 22LR, 3.4" - Impact Guns
Is she familiar with semi autos if she is get the biggest caliber she can handle and get a good brand try her with a smith m&p changable grips might be the way to go but check out other fire arms also many out there maybe go to a range that rents guns might want to try her on a wheel gun like j frame with a laser some times simple is better especially in stressful situations just a thought good luck