[Blood of Tyrants]

Smith and Wesson 5 shot hammerless revolver. Very little training required for reasonable competency. No racking the slide (often hard for women). Very safe and as long as she doesn’t keep it in her purse with gummy bears for the grandkids, it will always be ready. And if necessary, she can fire 5 shots through her purse so she doesn’t have to draw it.

[Big Red Badger]

You tried a
Ruger LCR in .38+P ?
.
Nice,Perhaps cheaper.

[cyclotic]

Good advice but not a short barrel. My mother in law has one. She’s scared of the bang and the recoil.

Something with some weight.

If you only want the firearm for the home, get a 20 gauge shotgun.

[Tucker39]

S&W Bodyguard .380 with laser sight. Point ‘n shoot.

[Travis McGee]

Agree 100% for the reasons you state.
.38 caliber 5 shot revolver.
Not even close in this case.

[rrrod]

Yes...38 hammerless.

[GOPJ]

bookmark

[A strike]

Consider trigger pull, especially hammerless.

[mozarky2]

Ruger revolver far more accurate than S&W.

[familyop]

Ditto. Seriously, under the circumstances, a small .38 revolver.

[SandwicheGuy]

You are leading out of the gate with this excellent first reply.

[greenishness]

Smith & Wesson 442 Airweight Double-Action Revolver

I second this gun or third or fourth it. Great weapon for a beginner and is high quality. She can always add to her collection as time goes by but this is a nice starter and will always be a keeper.

[Osage Orange]

I agree...

The Lady Smith is a good choice.