I bought my wife a model 63 - 5 and she loves it! If I remember correctly, it only weights 1.5lbs unloaded, but dont quote me on that. The pic isn't that great, but it's the only one I have at the moment.

Edit to my original post: I looked on the Smith & Wesson website and compared the 63 to the 317. They are basically the exact same gun except the 63 is made of steel and the 317 is made of aluminum. If light weight is important, the 317 might be better. The 317 is 11.7oz because it is aluminum and the 63 is 24.8oz because it is steel. But I would think that while the 63 is three fourths of a pound heavier, that would help with recoil. Hope this helps. Good luck on your new purchace. It is always exciting to hear that a wife wants to shoot with her husband. I know I sure enjoy shooting with my wife.