I've not tried one myself, but many people say the LC380 is very easy to handle, both in racking the slide as well as felt recoil. Of all my semis, the only one my wife could rack was the LC9, so that's what I got her. If the LC380 is even easier, then it should be easy to manipulate.
A small revolver does eliminate the concern with racking the slide. The problem with small revolvers, though, is that many of them are hard to shoot well...triggers on a small DAO revolver are stout, which affects accuracy, and felt recoil can be painful. Granted, in a moment of high stress (such as a self-defense shooting) that may not be an issue, but if practice at the range is painful, it's unlikely she will practice enough to become proficient. The myth is that a small revolver is a good beginner's gun...they aren't...especially not the S&W Airweights, and similar. If she isn't planning to conceal carry the revolver, then a gun like a S&W Model 10 or a Ruger GP100 would be a very good choice for a beginner...or, for a smaller revolver, the Ruger SP101 with a 3" barrel, in .357, but loaded with .38s.
The LCR is a very good carry gun, and has a much better trigger than other small, DAO revolvers. I've had both the .38 model and the .357 model, and I'd recommend the .357 model. It's 3 oz. heavier, which isn't really noticeable for carry, but it does help a bit with recoil, especially if you load it with .38s.
: http://www.underwoodammo.com/380acp.aspx
