I've been down this exact road. My wife won't carry anything heavier than a credit card and she doesn't like recoil. A shop guy talked her into the 317. She really likes it a lot, but it does have a heavy trigger and it always will. I do a lot of mods and trigger work, but when it comes to carry weapons, I will only change the return spring with a slightly weaker one and only polish factory parts. I don't lighten the hammer spring, and that is where most of the weight comes from on a DA pull 317.
In addition, the 317 has another carry flaw. The hammer is almost like a fish hook when you try to draw. Unless you have a foolproof way to draw it, or get into the habit of placing the thumb over the hammer, it will get hung up. Adrenaline will probably make this worse.
But the 317 got her into it, she still likes to fire it, and it is a very good little practice gun. The weight (lightest S&W) means she will be more apt to actually carry it. It is a fun little revolver and a good stepping stone to something with more umph. Now my wife is mulling the 640 or the HKP7 (I hope she can't decide and wants both!). I use a 340PD, but the it has the worst recoil of any weapon I ever fired (but I never leave without it!).
If you don't already have a .22 plinker, this is fun and a good starter/learner, but if you are going to stick to the .22, the semis are almost all more accurate. I also agree with the above poster: have her try rentals and friend's weapons at the range.
