From years of experience, and much of that also from the military, automatics require a bit more attention to their handling than do revolvers. I don't think I've ever heard of a negligent discharge from a revolver, but certainly wish that I could say that about autos.

So, if they're relatively inexperienced, I'd recommend a revolver. A .357 isn't a bad choice, especially when the other option is a 9mm. I carried a 9mm in combat and thank God I could always find an M4 or M16. The Beretta's not a bad pistol, the 9mm is just ... weak.

Of course, the premier .357 in my mind is the Colt Python. Good luck finding one at a reasonable price anymore. But, I've been very happy with my Ruger revolvers - and they're much more affordable as well.

If they do focus on an auto, some have better safety features than others. Most negligent discharges occur when the shooter is clearing (unloading) the weapon. Magazine always comes out first - followed by the round in the chamber. You'd be surprised how many tyros mix those two up and put a bullet through their buddy. My old S&W 459 has a magazine disconnect feature, where the trigger is disconnected when the magazine's removed from the weapon. Almost impossible to mess that up. My Beretta 92FS (nor my M9)does not have that feature (which some defense experts would probably argue is a good thing, if ever you have to give up your magazine but still have one "up the pipe" that you could fire at a bad guy). No matter to me, I'm VERY familiar with my Beretta and respectful of the proper method of clearing it.