Questions For about 9mm Firearms
A lot of people carry a gun that fires a Beretta 9mm (Highly recommended Reading) parabellum, since it is just a little smaller than a .45ACP, and is still powerful enough for protection. Simply, a .25ACP gun is a great deal better than no gun, but it really is just a little small to be recommended as normal carry gun. Hawes rim fires are not uncommon. That company is or was an importer of firearms manufactured. Many Hawes firearms were imported from Italy and were copies of American Civil War guns.
Giving people suggest about what they might want to use because I have a whole lot of experience with those. The key brands all make quality products, but I recommend that you first try a gun before buying one. Try to find a shooting range in your area that can rent you the type of gun you would like. That way you may make your own evaluation. The range people may also show you just how to use it and show the differences from other models.
A berretta is a well known manufacturer and makes guns of good quality. The .25ACp caliber can be considered OK as a back up gun, but is on the small side for a standard carry gun. I use a 1911 style .45ACP as my normal carry gun. I switch to a Walther PPK in .380ACP when my clothing won't hide a .45.
Another gun could be The S&W model 686 is indeed a superb revolver. Should the price is right and its in good condition, I'd seriously consider purchasing it.
The nice thing is that your wife should be able to shoot the revolver conveniently with 38 spc loads. In that frame/weight recoil will be relatively light. The only concern that I could have is her ability to grasp the grip. That's one you are going to have to size up for yourself. Should the gun will fit her hands, you are good to go.
As for you and also your personal desire for "more oomph", go with 357 cartridges in a bullet designed for your intended purpose/s. Even when you too decide to shoot it with 38's, it still has way more "power" than the 22 semi-auto that you have been directed to by others.
I believe that you both shall have a firearm that you may enjoy shooting and also your shooting choices are many more with this revolver than any 22 semi-auto. In fact if you are purchasing it in part for home defense and/or personal protection... don't even think about a 22 cailber.
The best thing is to practice, but you also need a way to view any mistakes you could be making. Assuming that you will be somewhat proficient with strong hand shooting, you can compare that to your weak hand shooting.
Many people ask another shooter to watch them shoot and note any flinching, creeping as the trigger is squeezed, anticipation, pulling, etc. But I believe that a much more beneficial way is to position a video camera on a tripod and use it to analyze your shooting technique.