New M10/64 for my wife - barrel length?

[Checkman]

Okay. I've taken her to the range and she prefers the .38 special to anything else. I'm going to buy her a new Model 10 or 64. She dosen't like snubbies so it's going to be a 4" or possibly a 3" tube (only the 64 has a 3" barrel)? The revolver will be strictly a housegun which I plan to load with +P lead hollow points. The gun will not be a carry piece. Any opinions on what the length of the barrel should be? I'm leaning towards the 4" but the 3" would be a little more manuverable and just a bit harder to grab onto. She won't be using it beyond 12 feet - and that's stretching it.

As far as the make and model it's decided. New because I want something that can go straight to work and the 10/64 because it's as simple as you can get and it's a proven design. She can shoot but she isn't into guns.

Right now my old Model 49 is still pulling house duty. It's going to be a couple months before I make the purchase, but I figured I'd ask for opinions.

 

[honkeoki]

Revolver for Mom

Related question -- my mom's neighborhood has gone downhill in the last few years and she's asked me to buy her a gun.

I'm thinking a Model 10 with a 4" bbl. Other than increased accuracy and reduced recoil, what are the advantages of getting a snubbie?

I think this will be a nightstand/glove box gun. She expressed no interest in getting her CCW... and if she does in the future, she carries these purses the size of Army-issue duffel bags so even packing a 4" tube won't slow her down.

Thanks in advance for any advice.

 

[Bullet]

honkeoki and Checkman
I would go for a Model 64 (stainless) because less chance of rust. As far as caliber 38+P's with the right bullet should get the job done out of a 3 or 4 inch barrel. Check out Speer Gold Dots. Either Model and either barrel lenght should be fine if you can hit what your aiming at. Bullet placement is vital. Practice your life could depend on it.

 

[Trebor]

For a carry gun, I love 3" barrel revolvers. For a house gun though, I'd reccomend the 4" tube. There's really no reason to give up that last inch if the gun isn't going to be carried. The 4" gun will have a slightly longer sight radius and should give slightly higher velocity.

The true test though is if she prefers one barrel length over the other. She may find that one balances better in her hand. If so, get her that length. (No 2" snubs though)

 

[eyz]

What can be available in the pocket of your robe when someone rings the doorbell at 10pm or 2pm. That's the only reason I pick smaller revolvers is they're easy to carry all over the house.

 

[dinosaur]

3" 10s or 64s are much in demand compared to 4" which are plentiful. If you can find a round butt 4" even better because the female police recruits and the males with smaller hands liked them. Not as easy to find but police trade ins are out there.