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.
If they want something small then you need to go with a smaller round, .32mag or .327, maybe even .22 mag.
Small lightweight guns in .38 and up are not for the novice shooter.
Friend of mine was going to buy his wife a featherweight .357 she could shoot .38s in.
He and 2 of his sons each fired a .38 and a .357 out of one before he bought one to see if his wife could handle it.
All 3 agreed there was no way his wife could handle it in .38 much less .357.
I mainly shoot cast bullets.
Heavy role crimp in the crimp groove pretty much keeps the bullet in place even with the heaviest load no matter what I’m shooting, .38/.357,.44spcl/.44mag, .41mag, .45 colt.
I’ve got a Charter Bulldog .44spcl.
I shoot 240gr swc right at factory level and I don’t have any problem with the bullet moving.
I tried 200gr and 185gr in it but the accuracy just isn’t there.
With the 240gr it is surprising how accurate it is.