I'd have to strongly agree with Carl on the Airweights!
I'd go with the enclosed hammer for a number of reasons. Safety being number one. You grab, point, pull. Simple!!! Remember: K.I.S.S. ???
The issue is the hammer getting cought on something. If this is to be used for personel protection, then something like a S&W Mod.#442 would be the most practical choice.
Last thing you want in a bad situation is something complicated. Because your wife likely wont be shooting her gun every month means she's not going to be very familure with it.
Slides, slide locks, safeties, external hammers, cycling a round before shooting, etc etc etc. Sheesh!
When chit hits the fan, all your going to be thinking about is Grab, Point, Pull. Anything more than that will place you at a disadvantage when seconds count, IMHP!!!
BTW, When I was first hired (19 years ago) with the police, officers were issued 38cal. revolvers. They had the hammer-spur cut off of them to reduce the risk of snaging and possibly going off unintentionally. This is why I think the S&W Airwights with inclosed hammers makes the best choice all around.
HC
ps- Forgot to mention, a gun must fit the shooters hand properly!!! This is very important!!!
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