My departed mother inlaw was a police lady,I inherited(she felt her son, grandsons and other family members wern't responsible enough to own it) her service revolver(its a S&W 5 shot tiny 38) and it's pretty old early 70's I'd guess.My wife is super prissy and she has a good time shooting it.It's light,it's ergonomically correct for the female hands,and it's relatively recoil free with regular ammo.I'd suggest a trip to a range where they have one for rent,go shoot and see if she likes it,be cool about it and don't give anything away,youv'e got a month.