First gun I’d say an all steel .38 or 357 revolver, stainless preferably, with a 4” barrel.
“357 revolver, stainless preferably, with a 4” barrel.”
I have a friend who bought one. I didn’t like it! It twisted in my palm grip much too hard! I can’t imagine iot for most older women. Maybe with big soft after-market grips, but the stock grips? I don’t think she’ll be comfortable, unless she only needs to take one shot. I prefer a heavier frame like a Redhawk. No problems with my Redhawk 44 mag stainless with a long barrel. But even that, if I were shooting for an afternoon, I loaded to 41 specs. Traded it for a 1937 Gibson Grande Console Hawaiian Guitar. I got the best of that deal, but I do miss it! My favorite!
Yes. I agree. I’m not a fan of the featherweights (S&W calls the alloy Scandium). I have a Governor with a Scandium frame, and one thing that isn’t often noted is there are instructions that walk the user through finding out the “right” ammunition to use in them.
Load up the ammo, shoot 4-5 rounds and check the last 1-2 rounds and see if slugs have slipped (IOW started to unseat). If it does this, find another type of ammo and repeat. I did this with several types and finally had to settle that what I could shoot without doing this was Hornady FTX-185 grain in 45 Colt.
With a lightweight frame and +Ps in 38 or 357 I could see this happening also. That’s why I ended up working with the wife on trying different revolvers until we got to the 5 shot, 357 Model 60LS - Lady Smith - can shoot 38 special, 38 special +P and 357.
Nice all-steel revolver, not heavy, great for a lady’s hand. Shoots great. Pricey but worth it. If it didn’t have that “Lady Smith” on it, I’d carry one.