J frames for ladies are fine but in my observation an airweight is not. And all steel j frame with standard target wadcutters and practice will work. Just because you can pull a trigger and hang on to the thing does NOT make it a good defense weapon. The fact is some skill and experience is needed to be proficient with a J frame revolver and even MORE SO with the airweight designs. The idea is to HIT what your aiming at and not to scare em to death with a loud bang. Yes there are exceptions and many women have experience and can shoot them but the majority DON'T and it makes a very poor choice until such time they do possess the skills. Hell that even goes for many guys.