Originally Posted by
country1
If she is looking for a house gun, it is hard to beat a pump action shotgun.
Good point, especially for someone untested in the pistol world. If pistol is what she is desiring, though, a revolver is likely more suitable considering the lack of experience. The S&W J-frames are nice, but as was mentioned by country, that short little barrel can cause some problems. For various reasons, accuracy will be compromised. I have a J-frame in .38 and love the gun, but despite my best efforts, I am not consistent with it beyond 5 yds. Not likely to need it to be beyond that, but still. This pistol stays in my truck at all times and occasionally comes along with me as a backup carry weapon.
The airweights are nice, but can produce more recoil than you would expect.