Wrap the offending metal with some duct tape and paint it whatever color that pleases you. Then, fix the worn areas on the barrel with some matte finish Krylon and don’t worry about it.
Does she want to carry a pistol? If so, is she willing to put in the work to learn how to use it under stress?
A couple points from my perspective. If she doesn’t have good hand strength, getting some help from a PT is probably step one. Second, get a 22 pistol she can handle and have her put...