+1 to the Ruger LCR in 22LR.
I recently purchased the Ruger SP-101 with the intent of having that as the first handgun to teach my kids.
The trigger in DA is VERY heavy and even the effort to thumb back the hammer for SA mode would be too much for my kids. The effort for both DA and SA is easily 2-3x that of my S&W 686.
Given that this is to be your wife's carry gun, then it's more about shorter distances than longer distances. If it must be a .22LR, then I would recommend the Ruger LCR 22LR. Easy DAO trigger.
(Or an LCR in .22Mag if that is possible.)
You mentioned dexterity challenges, but just a suggestion - have you considered the Ruger LC380?
I have one, and the claims about the slide being easy to manipulate (i.e. effort to pull back and release) are true. MUCH easier than most .380 pistols and the .380 would be a more potent cartridge for a carry pistol than .22LR.
And, the recoil is very mild for a .380.
Definitely bring your wife to a local gun shop and have her try out a few and do not limit yourselves to a revolver.
Hope that helps...
-Mike
I recently purchased the Ruger SP-101 with the intent of having that as the first handgun to teach my kids.
The trigger in DA is VERY heavy and even the effort to thumb back the hammer for SA mode would be too much for my kids. The effort for both DA and SA is easily 2-3x that of my S&W 686.
Given that this is to be your wife's carry gun, then it's more about shorter distances than longer distances. If it must be a .22LR, then I would recommend the Ruger LCR 22LR. Easy DAO trigger.
(Or an LCR in .22Mag if that is possible.)
You mentioned dexterity challenges, but just a suggestion - have you considered the Ruger LC380?
I have one, and the claims about the slide being easy to manipulate (i.e. effort to pull back and release) are true. MUCH easier than most .380 pistols and the .380 would be a more potent cartridge for a carry pistol than .22LR.
And, the recoil is very mild for a .380.
Definitely bring your wife to a local gun shop and have her try out a few and do not limit yourselves to a revolver.
Hope that helps...
-Mike