A couple times before, I've discussed the unique circumstances of a friend in search of a perfect handgun. This far we've covered that he has a spinal injury, wrists may not sustain heavy recoil and CAN'T balance something like a heavier k frame for longer periods of practice time. Ideally, a j frame with a 4.25" barrel would be beautiful. S/a is great but d/a,s/a is acceptable as well, though will be fired s/a primarily due to the d/a triggers being too heavy. We're exploring the .32 caliber cartridges, he is fairly comfortable with a .38 special, and now we're gonna discuss the .44 special offerings. I understand the ballistics side of the clambering. In a lighter, framed weapon, is the recoil still comfortable for lighter framed shooters with gold dots or the equivalent handloads? Or are we better off with the .32/.38 cartridges? I will add that the .357 jframe is out. We've also looked at the ruger 9mm snubbie he's non plussed also, thus far, the derringers have been too difficult to cock and/or decock.