Response and thanks
Thanks to those who responded to my question regarding any who had fired the sp 101 .357mag 2.25:bbl. and to those that offered other related and appreciated feedback.
I am going to look more at the 3" barrel as a result.
When I posted my question, I did not know I would need to give a detailed account of my wifes and my situation and all the details of why I was purchasing a gun for her etc. etc.
For those that responded with their own opinions of a man buying his wife a gun, or to the arrangement we have with one another, or my financial responsabilities or even my devotion to the love of my life, then I will take the time to set the record straight. Remember, I only asked for information regarding this particular gun and how it handles for a woman. I also asked for info on various ammo, but did not specify to its purpose.
To start, my health is not what we would like. I have every intention of my wife being in a position to protect her self if need be. I know guns, I have always owned guns from early childhood. My wife does not. Up until a year ago she refused to "touch that thing" in referance to my Colt .357 mag. However, recently of her own volition entirely, she decided that she wanted to be apart of our family shooting one day. She fired my daughters Ruger gp 100 .357 mag 4"bbl and did great! She was so proud of herself and so was I. We have come a long ways over the years. She is now willing to join the range in our area and go out shooting for short periods of time. But she is not a gun person. She does not like research, has no desire to test different guns and is only willing to do what she needs to do to get aquainted with a self defense gun.
My wife puts very much trust in me that I will research, research and research, gleening every ounce of info I can as to what I believe will be a 1. dependable gun, 2. easy to handle and shoot (revolver), 3. have the necessary stopping power to give her the confidence in all situations, and any other considerations such as her size, strength, reflexes, etc. etc. This gun would have the Rubber crimson trace grips for her possible. This is why she has handled and dry fired the sp 101 at Cabelas. As far as the $50-60 for the range that provides gun rentals, she simply hates going through this process. She, not I, is far more comfortable in letting me make the choices. This is our marriage and how it works. I trust her judgement when she tells me to "be quiet, your making things worse". I listen to her and take her advice in many matters. In these type of matters she puts her confidence in me and if I make a poor choice after months of research, then she knows I will make it right and learn where I went wrong.
As far as the various caliber ammo, I want a gun that can handle Rem. .125gr. .357 mag SJHP's, which is my preferred ammo for myself. I know this will not be manageable for her, no brainer for a 26oz, 2.25 barrel. I was hoping to hear about the .38+P for her, or does she need to stick with regular .38 ammo. I was hoping for the 2.25" for easy carry, both her and me. I will not buy a hammerless for her. I am looking for the most stopping power that she can handle without going out of town to a range that is going to cost the money to shoot off a few rounds of ammo in each caliber when she is going to be annoyed at the process anyway.
She is very willing to honor me and protect herself, but she will do it on her turms. I am not a macho guy that buys my wife a .454 super redhawk short barrel and says, "toughen up woman". My wife does not buy earings for me cause I don't wear them and I would not buy shoes for her unless she told me which ones to get. We, unlike many today, understand our individual roles and how it effects the relationship. I am happy with that and I believe she would concur.
Thanks again