First time posting in here, but I figured this is the place to get relevant information.
My wife has decided that she wants to have access to my guns. (specifically when I am away on business, adventures, etc) I told her that she would not get access until she learned appropriate safety and mastered at least one weapon.
We decided (after me explaining the differences in all the choices) that a .38 revolver would be the perfect starter for her. For right now, this would be a gun that she would have access to in the home...she wouldnt be carrying for now at least (after some experience then she may decide to join me and get her LTC, but thats down the road)
What do you ladies like in terms of a .38 revolver....looking for something with managable recoil, and a light, easy to grip weapon. Since this is a starter gun for a newbie (that may not take to it) it should be on the cheaper side. If my wife gets into it, then the sky is the limit...but for now, we are just testing the waters.
Here is my primary concern:
Do you prefer a lighter gun even though the recoil is worse, or do you prefer a steel frame that weighs a bit more but absorbs the recoil a bit better?
Do you prefer the smaller grip with room for two fingers, and have your pinkie hang off, or do you like a full grip for your entire hand?
It's hard for me to objectively look at these questions, as I have been shooting for 30 years and have long held opinions about what makes a good defensive weapon....but I dont want to influence this purchase, as it should match what my wife needs. The better the fit, the more likely she will use it...and after all, that is the point!
Also, any other advice you can give for a first time woman shooter would be helpful, as I intend to share the responses to this post with my wife before taking her to the gun shop.
Thanks.