There are many hand guns available on the market. But your personal preference of the hand gun in which is best for protection is up to the person. While one person maybe like a Glock you may like a caliber or style of gun for yourself.
The daranger (not correct spelling sorry) its a small handgun that can eather fire a .45 or a .410 shotgun shell.
The best protection against bear will not be a handgun, but an OC Pepper Spray made specifically for bears. There is no handgun that would be a guaranteed bear stopper. I have spent time in bear country, and we carried bear spray and a 12 gauge shotgun loaded with slugs.
www.NRA.org The best all around protection is a .38 special handgun. Some people will choose the 9mm, and others may choose the .40 But the the best "in-between" is the .38 special.
I say your head and chest
Shooting glasses and hearing protection are the most important.
No
There are various reasons. Recreational shooting, personal protection, and collecting are probably the most common.
Glock
Open
Handgun - 38 special Long gun - 12 gauge
Best is a relative term that has to many variables.
It depends on the circumstances. Does she want a handgun or some other type of weapon? Where is she located?