I had an ultra lightweight S&W .38 Special +P revolver. Stung like hell with +P rounds. Sold it.
Yes, they recoil quite sharply.
As an instructor, I saw husbands giving their wives this sort of revolver. They flinched terribly.
I had them shoot a Colt Woodsman in .22 LR.
They followed instructions and shot nice little groups at five yards.
Made an enormous difference in their attitude about shooting, and in their confidence.