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The Taurus Tracker 2" or 4" will be just about perfect. These 7-Shot 357 Magnum revolvers can be loaded with standard pressure "soft" shooting 38Special defense loads. The 4" due to being heavier will have less recoil still than the 2: version. &- shots are a plus as well instead of 5 or 6. The 4" could also be a venison getter in a pinch with the right hunting loads. (They both come at an attractive cost point as well). (2") https://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/product_info.php/products_id/31314/Taurus+617SS2+M617+7RD+357MAG%2F38SP+2 (4") https://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/product_info.php/products_id/31746/Taurus+627SS4+M627+Tracker+7RD+357MAG+4

Ruger LC380 is very nice, never malfunctions, low recoil, and gives you plenty of shots for defense (not the LCP which kicks hard). Taurus Millennium is a nice reliable 9mm that's low priced and very reliable.

I love Rugers but in this case I will recommend trying the Bersa Thunder .380 I have one and my daughter loves it and I have fun shooting it its big enough to be a very mild shooting gun and small enough to fit the smaller shooters " The Thunder .380 has earned a worldwide reputation of quality and is truly one of the best performance-for-price buys on the market. It's lightweight, small-frame and ideal capacity combines with Bersa's time-tested reliability and accuracy to make the Thunder .380 an excellent choice for personal protection." https://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/product_info.php/products_id/16298/Bersa+T380M8+Thunder+380+Matte+Finish+DA%2FSA+380+ACP+3.5+8%2B1+Black+Checkered+Grip+Black

I would look into a revolver as it will be easier for your mom, point and shoot. They're lightweight just get something with less recoil.