I’ve got a model 36 and it’s a good weapon. If we go revolver, that might be the way.
Get her a copy of “Armed and Female” by Paxton Quigley.
It’s in paperback, and I think amazon still has it.
The book may be a trifle outdated, since it was published some years back, but it’s still a fabulous book, and discusses several options for the female (i.e., smaller person/smaller hands).
The recommendations include the “intimidation factor” of each weapon!
Or, see www.paxtonquigley.com or www.corneredcat.com
HTH! Rad