I love the Ruger Mark I/II/III/whichever, but they'd definately be a purse gun - and heavy at that.
The new SR22 (if you can find one) is very light, nice and small, has a small grip for small hands, and has a larger replacement for larger hands if necessary. Would fit easily in a purse, and would conceal nicely in a holster. I've only got to put one mag through mine, but it seems very accurate for no bigger than it is. Recoil was typical .22 - negligible. My 10 and 7 year old love it.
The new SR22 (if you can find one) is very light, nice and small, has a small grip for small hands, and has a larger replacement for larger hands if necessary. Would fit easily in a purse, and would conceal nicely in a holster. I've only got to put one mag through mine, but it seems very accurate for no bigger than it is. Recoil was typical .22 - negligible. My 10 and 7 year old love it.