[Jim K]

If I understand correctly, Gail is saying that a .38 Special revolver is uncomfortable to fire. The answer may not be a matter of caliber but of a heavier revolver or one with a better shaped grip. Or a change to an auto pistol in 9mm. The actual recoil might not be much less, but a well shaped grip on an auto pistol makes the felt recoil much more tolerable than some revolver grips, and the auto pistol action spreads the recoil out and reduces its sharpness.

Jim