I'm from Iowa, can I buy a handgun in Ohio?

Rockstar, you're pretty much correct.

It may be difficult for me to convince an FFL of my residence.
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I'm not sure on this. For the sake of showing Ohio residency, you simply need some government-issued ID or document showing residence there. That can be a state ID (if they issue those) or a hunting license.
 
This is slightly off-topic, but still relevant, I think.

Unless the gun in question is one she's shot before and really likes, consider "unchoosing" the gun and letting your girlfriend pick out her own.

If your girlfriend likes guns and doesn't have one, she'd probably like to pick out her own gun; this would also raise the odds that she'll end up with a gun she's happy with. Why not print up a fancy "gift certificate," and simply give her the money (or an actual gift card from a good gun shop), so she can choose it herself when you're both back in Ohio?

Problem solved. That way, before buying, she could also rent the ones she's considering (you could even front the rental if you really want to be a gent ;)).

And you might also pass this on this link to her: The Cornered Cat is the website of our own Pax (Kathy Jackson), and it has a boatload of good information for women shooters on getting the right handgun (and a lot else as well).
 
Gift certificate might be a good option. Give her the money and let her fill out all the forms at a Ohio gun dealer, and if a mail order gun, she would also have to do the ordering. She can then take the gun to Iowa for Christmas shooting.
 
The Answer

Thanks everyone for all your help. This was an excellent starting point, and I am legitimately grateful.
The eventual answer was as follows:
I called an FFL, he had what I was looking for in stock. I arrived, showed him my current student ID at a well known university. He wrote down my ID number on the receipt for his personal records. I also supplied a recent utility bill as proof of residence, but he was satisfied with the ID. He ran a federal background check on me. We chatted for a few moments. I left with the gun.

Things that I learned along the way:
  • This is a great forum
  • Residence is very easy to prove, even with a drivers licence from another state
  • Ohio has very reasonable gun laws
  • If you get a state ID card, it usually voids your driving privileges awarded by another state
  • Handling any licensure with the Highway Patrol or BMV requires proof of SS number, not just identification
  • My insurance would have covered my car under my family insurance, provided that the car is still registered in Iowa
  • Chuck Benak at Panther Arms in Euclid, Ohio is a wonderful person. He was mugged shortly after becoming wheel-chair bound. This veteran now supports himself by selling guns and giving concealed carry classes. I highly recommend him to anyone in Cleveland area seeking a handgun or classes.
 
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