It may depend on what size your wife prefers. The Mod 17 is a great gun, it is a K Frame and reasonable sized and weight. The J Frame mod 63 is somewhat smaller and lighter. If you wife has no problems with a little larger gun the 17 is hard to beat. If she has problems with the size and weight a 4" 63 can be just as accurate.
Now, be prepared for the next step, you will each want your own gun so you don't have to share. It gets worse, you will then want a 38, then a 357, then maybe a 44. Then you will want to venture over to the semi auto's with a 1911. If competition calls you a Mod 41 will be in your future.
Don't despair, it is great fun, definitely a family sport and teaches everyone responsibility and fair play. You will meet lots of other great people and share your sport.