How many shots to break in a new X, Y, or Z

[Guns and more]

I'd add the Sig P-238 to your list. I think it is the perfect gun for a woman.
Light recoil, easy slide to rack, reliable, light, small, good looking.

as long as they understand the S/A only.

[DefensiveCarry.com]

[Rugergirl]

I think a good quality wheel gun would be a good choice for a younger shooter. When my wife told me she wanted a "gun of her own" I thought something like a Glock, but after shooting some of my autos, I realized a snubby was the gun for her. She said " I don't want to have to do a lot of stuff to make it work"

These guns work right out of the box. No break in period needed. And a nice .38 special can be had for under $450.00.

My first thought, too.
Break-in period or not, personally I won't carry any firearm that I am not 100% confident with my ability to shoot, and shoot well. If I can't regularly shoot 3" or smaller groups at 21 ft or less, I don't carry that particular firearm until I can.
But that's just me.

[dukalmighty]

I have a friend bought a brand new STI 9mm 1911 and the ejector busted on the first round,it had to of been broken when it was installed,so shoot a new gun until you know it will function 100% with carry ammo,I shoot reloads at the range,my range guns get shot so much that they usually don't get cleaned til they start jamming,My carry guns get cleaned after every outing