What Everyone Is Saying About 9mm Pistols And What You Should Do
Plenty of people carry a gun that fires a 9mm parabellum, since it is a little smaller than a .45ACP, and is still powerful enough for protection. Keep in mind, a .25ACP gun is a great deal better than no gun, beretta 92fs but it 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 on what they might want to use because I have a whole lot of experience with those. The main brands all make quality products, but I recommend that you first try a gun before buying one. Try and find a shooting range within your area which will rent you the kind of gun you'd like. That way you may make your own evaluation. The range people will likely show you how you can use it and show the differences from other models.
A berretta is a well known manufacturer and makes guns of top quality. The .25ACp caliber will be considered OK as a back up gun, but is on the small side for a standard carry gun. I work with 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 an excellent revolver. If the price is right and it is in good condition, I'd seriously consider purchasing it.
The nice thing is the fact that your wife should be able to shoot the revolver easily with 38 spc loads. In that frame/weight recoil will be relatively light. The only concern that I could have is her capability to grasp the grip. That's one you'll have to size up for yourself. If the gun will fit her hands, you are good to go.
As for you and also your personal desire for "more oomph", complement 357 cartridges in a bullet designed for your intended purpose/s. Even if you too elect 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 assume that you both will have a firearm that one can enjoy shooting as well as your shooting options will be many more with this revolver than any 22 semi-auto. In fact if you're purchasing it in part for home defense and/or personal protection... don't even think of a 22 cailber.
The best thing is to practice, but you also need a way to find out any mistakes you might be making. Assuming that you'll be somewhat proficient with strong hand shooting, you may compare that to your weak hand shooting.
Many individuals 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 lot more beneficial way is to position a video camera on a tripod and use it to analyze your shooting technique.