When introducing “new” shooters to centerfire handguns, my go to is a full size .357 mag revolver with at least a 4 inch barrel. I’ll start them with .38’s, then +p loads, and finally on to .357 mag. For some, semiautomatic pistols are harder to operate. My wife has fibromyalgia, and can barely run the slide on a semi. She shoots them fine, but would never be able to quickly clear a jam. She can use a double action revolver without problem. I’ve seen a revolver jam twice. Once was a 686 competitor, and the internal lock mechanism failed and lock the gun up. Hammer back, love round in the chamber. The other time was a small, lightweight revolver shooting magnum loads. After four shots, the cylinder would not advance. When we did finally get the cylinder open, the bullet had jumped crimp, and was sticking out the end of the chamber. Light gun, plus light bullet, and a magnum round caused what would be a fight ending failure. I do believe wheel guns are a good tool to introduce to new shooters. They can fail, but, most are point squeeze, bang, repeat until it goes click. For a carry gun, it takes time and practice to master the snub revolver, but, it can be done, and they are excellent carry weapons in capable hands.
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