[JTJ]

I have an LCR in 38+P and an SP101 in 357. The SP101 is easy to shoot with 38+P and a handful with 357. The LCR with 38+P is surprisingly not that bad but your wife will have to determine what is tolerable. It is definitely a lot lighter than the SP101. If you want easy to shoot the LCR 22lr with Velocitors is 8 rounds of fun.
She might take a look at some of the semi autos. The S&W EZ Shields (380 or 9) if she has slide trouble or if she wants small and light the Glock 42. It has a longer barrel than the other mouse guns and better ballistics.

 

[JTJ]

I picked up my LCR slightly used in the box for $350 otd. It looked like it might have had 5 rounds through it and someone did not like it. I like it especially the 16 oz loaded part.

 

[JTJ]

I have some 125 grain XTP hand loads for 38 spl that are close to max but not +P. They are less recoil. 148 grain hollow base wad cutters are very light. I also have some 158 grain Berry's HP copper plated I load to near max but not +P. I would like to try them on some gel. It was ingrained in me not waste food so I have a hard time using a roast or melon as test media. Water jugs dont really tell you what is happening.

 

[JTJ]

The LCR rimfire trigger is not the same as the center fire trigger which is very good for a DAO.