I'll definitely agree with the above:
1. I have a Ruger GP 100 with the 4" heavy barrel and it is great, but it definitely is heavy. Would make a nice nightstand gun for someone with no kids (I wouldn't leave a loaded revolver around near kids).
2. For Concealed Carry, Ruger has a smaller version--the SP-101, however that is the only smaller gun they have. It would work well, and is fairly inexpensive.
3. Smith has NUMEROUS small models--Chief's Specials are good, among others. You can get grips to fit everyone's hands to match the Smith revolvers from multiple different makers in all kinds of materials--wood, rubber, nylon, mother of pearl (hey, I don't know what kind of job your friend has--he may need it to match his clothing). And, if you ever find a gunsmith that CANNOT slick up a Smith revolver's trigger pull--call the FBI as he is probably a Moslem terrorist masquerading as a gunsmith.
So:
For Carry, the Ruger SP 101 or any of the small Smith guns in .357, with .38 loads being good in them for practice. Use a 2 1/2" barrel 5 shot for concealment, and a shrouded hammer/hammerless model for ease of draw (Smith has several models that fit this bill).
For nightstand use ONLY, a 6" .357, either the Ruger GP 100 or a larger Smith (686, 27, 28) would be great.
For an intermediate gun (glovebox carry), the GP 100 or medium to large frame Smiths are good in a 4" barrel, and in a pinch, they can do concealed carry work.
AFARR
PS--the Taurus stuff is good, along with the Colt revolvers. Best to decide what size he needs first then look at manufacturers models that fit the bill.
And, if you have guessed it from the above, the .357 caliber wins hands down for defense purposes over the other calibers you would find it in.