Personnally I would reccomend you get some sort of .22 target pistol. You already own guns that fit the bill otherwise. For home defense your 870 is hard to beat. And dont discount your Gramp's 38 for a carry gun. I have a couple of full size autos that I carry on a regular basis. It is more about the holster than the size of the weapon.
If you still insist on something else, the adice to find a range that rents is spot on. Like motorcycles, it makes a lot of sense to buy something that feels good to you. And if you cant shoot them. At least see how they feel in yours and your wife's hands.
Yankee Dog
2002 BMW R1150RT
2003 Triumph Speedmaster
2005 Ural Gear Up
