Op stated that the use would be plinking and target shooting, which are both enjoyable shooting sports that my family engages in a lot.
The ladies (wife and 6 daughters) usually like the 22LR's for target and spinners, cans, paper punching, and all of them seem to like the longer barrels, longer sight radius and the stocks don't seem to matter much due to little if any, felt recoil.
The 2" is a .32 Long and feels just like a 22 Magnum out of this Model 31-1, the Model 34-1 is 4" and all around best choice for fun and accuracy, but when they get serious about knocking spinners, cans at little longer ranges, they grab the Model 17-3 with 6 " barrel and are pretty darn good with it.
Usually after an hour or so, they all want to step up to 38 for more oomph. Meanwhile, the "guys" ( 3 sons - 2 SIL's) are busy banging away with the Model 28, Model 27, Model 25, etc. and we are also happy to take a break and knock over some cans with the 22's.
OP whatever your wife's choice that fits her hands, that is the gun to buy...doesn't have to be new either, some real bargains are out there at LGS in used guns.
You are truly blessed to have a wife that enjoys the things you do. I am 73 and my wife of 53 years also enjoys the shooting sports, sometimes as spectator, sometimes steps up to the line, sometimes trudging down a cold range to reset targets, staple new ones, etc.
Makes the "after range day" evening cookout much more enjoyable with family gathered and just enjoying the company.
