Need a CC handgun for my mother; suggestions?

[89gt-stanger]

Basically, I plan on picking up a handgun to keep at the house in Texas that will also serve as a weapon for my mother (51) to carry as needed and as a weapon that I can shoot while in town. I do believe that a 9mm will not be sufficient. Ive been looking at the Ruger SR40c. I own a ruger lr and have put over 1000 rounds through a GP100, so I am confident in the quality of the weapon.

Moreover, what weapon do you guys/gals carry, and why?

Thanks