Now this is just my opinion, an it is backed by facts. The airweights and the other small J-frame alloy guns will not be a fun gun to shoot alot. They have been known to crack at the bottom of the frame under the barrel. If that happens, you may be able to get new one from S&W. That won't happen forever. To get good with any handgun it takes practice, something your not really going to be able to do. Those little light weight guns hurt to shoot for very long.
My suggestion would be to get an all steel(blued or stainless) J-frame so you'll be able to get good at shooting her. A steel framed one can be carried just as easily as an alloy J-frame.
I don't think so... a steel framed J may be easier to shoot follow up shots with, but it dang sure isn't as easy to carry as an AIRWEIGHT...the steelies make my pants sag like I'm either a very old gangsta or a fashion-challenged plumber.