The vernable Walther PPK - Famed gun of James Bond ( from the Ian Flemming novels anyways ) and always the gun listed as "a great gun for the little woman".
The Walther is a blow back operated semi auto, that despite the steel construction, is built on a weapon that doesn't weigh a lot. Generally when you hear people complain about FTE/FTF is because the shooter is usually limp wristing the recoil.
The inner workings are complex. Definitely not one you want to field strip down to the bare bones... LOL
All in all, it's a good little gun. The calibers are a little light for self defense, IMO, but as a back up gun, it wouldn't be all bad.
I think there are probably a few other models you might want to consider before dropping the $500 or so if this is to be your primary carry weapon though.
JD