Well, given the oddball there, the S&W 15-22, are you strictly looking for pistols or are rifles an option? If the later then...
I really love my Ruger 10/22. So so my granddaughters (12 and 9). Mine is a custom build but a
10/22 takedown can be had much cheaper than the 15-22 and doesn't look like a scary black gun. (Which may be a sticking point with the wife)
Mine is not a takedown and is a custom build but its a hell of a fun shooter!
A bolt action option is the
Savage MkII or the Savage Model 93r17 (.17hmr). These too are very inexpensive and great shooting rifles. Easy, accurate and light. Sub $300 with scope and rings.
Granddaughter's first shot with the 93:
And her reaction after
Yea, its that fun to shoot! The MkII and Model 93 are nearly identical. The MkII is mainly a .22LR and the 93 has a longer receiver to accept the .17HMR and .22WMR rounds. My Model 93 cost $260 at
Cabala's with the rings and Bushnel scope.
Another option is a
Browning 22 Semi-Auto Long Rifle. They are
not cheap though. But if you want something that is quality built, light, and easy shooting, you can't beat it. Here is Vanna(12) shooting mine that I have had for 50 years and it still shoots like a dream!:
And just in case you want some ammo (pun intended!) for your wife to get her to at least try things...bigger things...
Granddaughter (9) shooting a M&P9 9mm

If she can shoot it, so can your wife
