I approach this issue from a different direction.
Rather than purchasing a handgun just for the kids to learn on, I load ammo for the kids to learn on.
My grandkids absolutely love the 4 inch SP 101 in 327 loaded with 78 gr cast to about 750 fps. It shoots like a 22 mag.
If they have the hand strength to support the 4 5/8" single seven, it is available as well with the same loads, or progressively stiffer loads up to 38 +P equivalent.
Sitting along side the magnums in the safe is a Ruger bisley 5.5 inch single six in 22 LR. But the kids actually prefer shooting the lighter revolvers.
If one handloads, it is easy to increase the versatility of the handguns you already own. It is tough to make that 22 lr ever be anything except a 22 lr.
