natedog -
As I continue to incrementally lose comprehensive finme muscle control (which seems to make my hands a little weaker, my gait a bit sloppier), I've found continuing to make bread (kneeding thorougly by hand) helps better than just about anything I've tried, with assisted chin-ups second.
I'd add my support to her trying a Makarov for fit, or the Colt Government .380 with comfy Pachs.
And congradulations for enjoying time at the range with your Mom!
Trisha