If it's for self defense I go with the folk that are recommending a double action revolver. Get one big enough to dampen the recoil. Maybe something like a Ruger GP100 in .357 magnum and let him shoot .38 specials in it until he gets used to it, if he doesn't graduate to .357 magnum rounds that wouldn't be the worst thing either.
I wouldn't go with a J-Frame or any of the smaller revolvers and it's just a feeling from your description I wouldn't go with a single action revolver as I don't know that under pressure he'd remember to cock it...much better to have a DA where it's just point and pull the trigger.
I wouldn't go with a J-Frame or any of the smaller revolvers and it's just a feeling from your description I wouldn't go with a single action revolver as I don't know that under pressure he'd remember to cock it...much better to have a DA where it's just point and pull the trigger.