Any recommendations?
I'm not certain if it's still this way, but when I got my Texas CHL a few years ago, if you qualified with a revolver, you are only permitted to carry a revolver. If you qualify with a semiauto (minimum of 32 caliber) then you are permitted to carry any handgun.
38spl snubbies are notoriously difficult to master. I know. I carry one myself. I'd suggest your friend rent or borrow a full size 9mm pistol for qualification. Something like a Glock, Smith-Wesson M&P, Springfield XD, Browning Hi-power, etc. The weight and barrel length will make it a lot easier to stay on target.