Finances allowing, I suggest a .22lr version for practice for the beginner. They are very mild and help keep the bad habit of flinching away. I taught my SO with a S&W mod 617 transitioning to a 686, both with 4" barrels.
I don't like the Ruger LCR isn't a good choice for the beginner because the .22 trigger is way too heavy when compared to the .38 version of the same.
Here is a 617 image. 
I had the same idea and I have both in 4” too. They are both great guns and great fun to shoot. Both are very accurate and even with full power .357 loads the 686 doesn’t kick much. I used those two guns to start my grandsons off on handguns.
Was crewing with a guy in Prince William and on the way back to town we were doing 20-25 kts when the guy handed me his .22 stainless Ruger revolver. He had been plunking seals (it was legal then and the only good seal was a dead seal). I took aim at one basking on a bar about 30 years away and shot - seal jumped and moved no more.
Always wanted one after that.
I agree, My first was a Ruger SP101 / .357 for that very reason, i'm more comfortable with a double action as i confirm my target. I now have a 9mm semi that is double action all the time - similar reason. Muscle memory at the heights of adrenaline rush is the last thing i want to worry about.