thinking for getting a 38

[Trapper]

A 3" J frame S&W or a Colt D frame would work well for her. I agree with the others alloy framed concealed hammer revolvers are more difficult to shoot than steel framed guns.
Here are pics of a 2" model 60, 3" model 60, and a 3" model 66. You only gain a few ounces going from a 2" to 3" but the 3" revolvers are much easier to shoot IMHO.

[ElvenSoul]

How about a home defense combo Glock 19 and a KelTech SU2000 using the same mags? If I was to buy all over again what I would do.

[bsg]

essentially you can't put the cart ahead of the horse; research, then hands on... then a trip to the gunshop for purchase. it is essential that your wife participate (good to see she already is) and make the final decision regarding gun purchased for her.

invest in a safety training class for your wife; put that class in the front on the list of "things to do." a solid foundation for responsible/safe gun ownership is available through correct safety training. her confidence will build and grow quickly when she achieves competence that results from training.

[luckygunner]

If she wants a 2" and you can't talk her into a larger pistol for HD I would look at a S&W Model 19 if you can find one. They are a little bigger than the Airweights but the added weight helps dramaticly in felt recoil. My wife prefers shooting the 19 over my 642 and they are similar enough in size that you won't notice the weight until you are shooting.

The other bonus is that you get a better built pistol for a similar price (within $200).

__________________
.38 spl ammo

[den888]

I have fired a 442 and liked the performance for it's small size. But, I found the DA trigger pull to be quite heavy. Have your wife try one out at a range.

[ADROCK]

I was in the same situation. My wife was afraid of my XD40 so we tried a couple other wheel guns. We settled on the SP101 with the 3" barrel. Small enough for her hands, not too heavy, and can run many different loads. .38 +P for the night stand, a couple of .38 snake loads and 3 135gr JHP's when we go hiking. Great dual purpose gun.

[tcb]

Ive got a steel modle 36 and an airweight 442 both with CT grips on them. The 36 sits next to my bed. My wife is not a gun person but can handle it. It's fine if you need something quick, just point and pull. If I have a second to think, the 870 under the bed is what I'll grab though.

[INJUNTOM]

Find the heaviest .38/.357 wheelgun you can with a 4" barrel. Shoot .38 ammo through it.

This will give the least amount of kick, and is what my wife will shoot. She freaks out with a J frame sized revolver, and really freaks out with the .40 caliber Glocks.

The one she likes best is an old Interarms Rossi .38 that has full underlug and overlug that makes for a heavy gun. Doesn't kick much.

[ubet]

This is my suggestion, point and shoot. BG wont take it away, not much range time needed. Not sure how lethal it is though

[haole_50]

I have a S&W Model 10; picked up in Germany in 1973. Hard sights; 6" bbl - effective range is out to 100 yards- YES! My son says he want's when I'm no longer on this earth - of course he can have it he knows how to shoot it. It originally cost me $104; stored in armory, unless I was using at range, then cleaned; problem was the Brigade Commander always left his prints all over it (evidence). This is my current "go-to" weapon. I fing this one the funnest to shoot, and I shoot at least 500 rounds thru it each time out (I reload my own too). Comfort was the most appealing thing about this weapon; an LEO friend gave me the rubber-grips and it's now the best I own.