I'm in a similar situation that you are. She just got a Walther P22 to practice with before she steps up to a bigger caliber. It's a good feeling when she starts showing as much enthusiasm as I have when it comes to shooting.
My vote is for the Marlin 60. There are two of them in my family and they have given us many hours of reliable, fun shooting. My next project for the Marlin 60 is to create some speed loaders from empty aluminum arrow shafts.
I see a lot of people recommending night sights. What is a good price to have night sights installed? Or is that something the average gun owner can do on their own?
I have felt this way recently also. I've noticed a lot more guns in stock at the regular places I shop. Ammo on the other hand is still scarce but slowly trickling in.