[mikld]

I too, would suggest a short barreled revolver. Nothing wrong with 38 special. I've had a few snub nosed 38s and find them exceptionally reliable, easy to learn to shoot (not too small to hold onto and mild recoil), and with proper ammo, effective (you can shoot everything from mild wadcutter target ammo up to +P Hollow Point defencive ammo). Smith and Wesson J Frame revolvers are the last word in small frame short bbl. revolvers, although pricy. Ruger LCR is also a good choice. My wife can't rack the slide of my semiautos, but she can shoot double action easily (She has adopted my Tarus M85 as her own!). My revolvers go bang every time I pull the trigger.