It's my first choice for a female customers with little experience and who can't rack a slide. They respond very well to a trigger job (polish, shims, springs in that order).
Like all Ruger products, they're a finely built tank. I've NEVER heard of one wearing out, out of time, or breaking.
Don't be afraid to change the grips, Hogue or something will make a BIG difference in felt recoil.
Hornady has come out with a new 90gr self defense ammo in 38spl made for women. Low recoil but it still uses their Critical Defense FTX bullet technology. It's easy to see on the shelf - pink trimmed box.
If it's for social work order one w/o adjustable sites so it will be less likely to hang up and come clean out of pocket or purse.
The choice of hammered or hammerless is another discussion.
