'Massad Ayoob has recommended the tip-action barrel Beretta .25's for ladies with arthritic hands, but I haven't tried cocking the hammer on one. That might be tough.'

I have a Beretta 950 Jetfire and the hammer has a good deal of spring pressure and is fairly difficult to cock because of the pressure and the size and shape of the hammer. It is definitely NOT a good choice for somebody suffering from arthritis. The DA version of the tip-barrel Jetfire might be a good choice.