Seems like that's a choice for the wife to make.
Seems like this thread had died but was resurrected, so I'll vote hammerless for the Ruger LCR.
^^ this! And also what chez said. There's nothing more to say.I just had a new student yesterday that purchased a 2" 38 revolver on the advice of a co-worker. She had never shot anything other than a 22 previously. After shooting my SR-22 I put a Glock 17 in her hands and she loved it. Next up was the snubby and she didn't care for it at all. 1 shot and she said "I need to buy another pistol", this is too difficult to shoot. First two shots out of the Glock at 5 yards were adjoining holes and the only hit the 10" by 10" paper twice out of 5 shots with the revolver. Learning to manipulate a 14# long double action trigger is a daunting task for a new shooter.
I would make sure your wife understands how difficult a DA 2" 38 is to shoot before buying anything..
[FONT=&]NRA Life Member[/FONT][FONT=&]-- [/FONT]NRA Basic pistol instructor
Certified Glock armorer—GSSF Member
1911, M&P & Ruger MK III Mechanic