Spend $400-$500 on a nice Hamden or E. Hartford High Standard (used - not the new Texas ones). The military grip has the ergonomics of the Buckmark, an unbeatable trigger, and really fantastic sharp sights (get a target sighted model, obviously).
I have a modified Buckmark and have set it aside for target work in favor of a $325 High Standard Sharpshooter, which isn't even a high-end model.
-Daizee
While I agree that the High Standard pistols are very nice, I do contend that they are not well suited to teaching new students, which will be one of the purposes of this firearm
You don't want too light of a trigger. Last Hi Standard I shot had an extremely light trigger...too light for introductory shooters. You want a nice trigger, but not one that's too light.
Magazines are expensive. I'm assuming that the OP's daughter will likely end up buying more pistols of the same model in the future, so magazine availability, low cost, and commmonality would be very nice.
The Hi Standards, from what I read, are unsuitable for using with hi velocity ammunition- that they are meant for shooting with standard velocity target ammunition. Running on standard bulk HV ammunition would be a better match, allowing the handgun to be fed cheaply.
What about parts availability? Eventually stuff will break, and service and parts for the Buckmark and Ruger will be more available, I would believe.
Again, the Hi Standard is not a bad pistol by any means. But for this purpose, a more common Ruger or Browning would be better choices.
