I know I carry on and post a lot of nonsense here, but this is a legit question: my 27 year old niece talked to me today about wanting a pistol for Christmas mostly to keep for protection at her house in Tupelo, MS. She wants something that she could possibly learn to conceal carry. That part isn't too hard, but here's the tougher part: she asked if there's a .380 or 9mm with an external thumb safety instead of the Glock-style trigger safety. I told her I would study on it. Any suggestions?

My 9mm with a thumb safety is a heavy Ruger SR-1911, but that's bigger and heavier than she's wanting I think.

Smith and Wesson makes their shield models with an optional thumb safety.

Sig p365. Beretta makes one also, I think.

I like my shield as coosa said

S&w shield 2.0

I've got a p365 with the thumb safety
Ruger LCR .38 or S&W 642 would be my choice unless she has experience with a auto.

She has never owned a pistol and would be learning as a beginner.

If she is concerned about accidental firing, look at the XDS with grip safety. Kimber Micro 9 has manual safety. Some are offered both with and without like hellcat and shield…

I would strongly suggest a revolver then, perhaps a Lady Smith, but if it is for home protection I always say a shotgun when asked.

Smith and Wesson .380 or 9mm shield ez.

Sig P365 micro 9mm with safety may fit the bill nicely for her. Females tend to have smaller hands than us. I recently got one one sale for $499 and it comes with 3 magazines. Go to a gun store with her to let her handle several so she can get one that's comfortable for her to grip and hold.

Sig p238

Like Jawbone, my opinionnis that would require two different firearms. I couldn't make myself buy a CC for a beginner, but small revolver if I was going to. For home defense, that might make her feel safe, but a scatter gun would be the better option.

There’s a version of the 9mm S&W Shield with a lighter spring that makes it easier to cock.

3 inch 38 or 4 inch 357 loaded with 38 wadcutters for a very new newbie. The 6 shot rock island m200 for a budget option. They still make holsters you can hide revolvers with and get at least 250 rounds to use in training. Yes the shield sig 365 ruger max 9 hold more shots but after she gets her feet wet with putting a 148 grain hole in a target and toting it for awhile let her try a gp100 or 686 or one of those newfangled square guns. The most important pick for her is HER pick. I ate on Southside this afternoon and those Palestine flag wearing tshirted liberals were clueless that the two 5'3 107 lb and 5'6 126 lb blondes working as waitresses each tote a Taurus 66 7 shot .357s loaded with Dave suggested 125 grain Winchester jhps(cause they were on sale!) Anyone think.those two shorts could and would bring the pain?

I realize my handgun experience is limited in comparison to others here, but I traded around and got a S&W M&P 380 (EZ) and have been very impressed with it. Its large enough to shoot well, great ergonomics, eight round single stack so has a slim profile, flip plus squeeze safety, very accurate, minimal recoil, no muzzle flip, excellent sights, and requires minimal effort to pull slide and chamber a round. Its also very light weight. It has fired everything I've put in the magazine flawlessly - hollow points, FMJ, my reloads (from low to high velocity). Would be a great pistol.

I had it and my LCP Max out a while back.

I would consider a revolver type pistol. No jamming, etc.

Sounds smartazz, but the best safety is between your ears.

Not sure why she wants that type, when the trigger safety works so well.

Sig 938 fits what you want.
Mine will drive tacks for a compact and easily concealed

https://www.sigsauer.com/firearms/pistols/p938.html

In addition to others mentioned, this and the 938. The Smith EZ models have an easier to manipulate slide that some women can operate easier than one that’s more stout to work with. My daughter chose the 238. My wife currently wants to swap to a revolver with three dot sights like on many of the 4.25” semis. Haven’t found one that she’d like so far in a retail store.