[US Navy Vet]

I agree w/ you as far as the Ruger SP101 part only chamber it in .357 Magnum(you can shoot .38 Spec out of it too).

[JAKraig]

Try the Kel Tec .380.

It is very small and very lite.

[catman67]

You might also look at the new Walther. It is in .380 ACP and only marginally larger than the P-22.

[DarthVader]

I have the SP101 in .357 Magnum and there are some awesome 38 special (+P) and (+P+) loads that a small woman can handle but the .327 Federal Magnum can give the lady greater hitting power especially in 110 & 115 grain which can come close to some .357 Magnum ballistic performance.

[CaliforniaCon]

Yep, I bought a Ruger SP101 .357 magnum, snub nosed version, the day after the election last Nov.

Gun shop guys recommended it for me — I am not tiny, just average sized 5’6” female.

After many practice rounds fired at gun range, my hands hurt but who would ever shoot that type of weapon that much except in practice?

Yes, you can shoot .38 Spec from it as well. Great little pistol. Whatever you do though, get SOMETHING!