Want a pistol and need some suggestions

[redneck2]

I found a Ruger Security Six .357 from a private seller for $225 about a year ago. Stainless, 6" barrel. Grip is on the small side so it's excellent for girls with smaller hands. Trigger is exceptional. Quite accurate.

This one is great, and for some reason they just don't bring a lot of money.

If you're new to pistols, this would be an excellent start IMO.

 

[montanaoffroader]

You could also look at the Ruger Blackhawk. They can be found used at a (somewhat) reasonable price, have adjustable sights and most are chambered for .357 Magnum. I find them for sale frequently around the $400 mark. They are slower to load than a double action, but for target shooting and plinking that really shouldn't matter too much.

Also, if your wife likes shooting a .22, maybe that's what you should get her. Pick up a .357 of some sort for yourself, then save a few more bucks and let her pick out a .22 for herself.

 

[BCRider]

Well, if reloading is simply not in the cards due to the situation for supplies being as harsh as mentioned then perhaps a 9mm would be a good way to go for you.

But that leaves your wife out in left field because she'll clearly not enjoy a 9 due to how you say she reacts now to recoil. That means some sort of .22. But I understand that .22 availability is just as bad as what the others are saying is the issue with powders and primers.

Apparently it's a hard time to be getting into firearms in the US. We're seeing shortages up this way as well. But nothing at all like the picture you guys are painting of the situation in the US.