The GP100 is built like a tank, albeit one with great handling characteristics. NICE piece of hardware. It'd be tough to go wrong with the 4" version in stainless. Though the 6" model may bear looking at, as it gives you a bit more heft, plus a longer sight radius. Both of which traits are nice bonuses in my book. Ah, also, the longer barrelled version has those characteristics, plus it'll give you a touch more MV with pretty much an load.
Regardless of which model you settle on, firing .38 special loads in one of these is pretty much like a cap gun, recoil wise. And such makes it easier for a less avid shooter to go practice, given the lesser recoil, muzzle flash, noise & the like.
Not to muddy the waters with too many choices, but S&W makes a .357 which I've always been curious about. While I can't say I've had a chance to see, fondle, & or take one for a test drive; I'm Real curious about their performance center model 627. Holds 8 rounds, has a 5" barrel and it's on par with a GP100 weight wise. And it can even be had with a factory compensator (aka flash/blast enhancer).
Product: Model 627 V-Comp
One thought, to play Devil's advecat; while obviously weight helps with recoil, is the Mrs. going to be carrying this thing much? I only ask because any of these mentioned wheel guns are a lot of steel to tote around.
So... Good luck with finding her a piece she likes, & is comfortable with. Oh, & I almost forgot; it's always good to hear about the opposite gender becoming & or being shooters. Bravo on that one.
