If you’re a lady in the world of guns or considering becoming one, you’ve probably wondered which firearms are best for women.
Women are definitely capable of shooting the same guns as guys, but there are models that cater to women or work well for us.
Spoiler alert: they’re not all pink .22 LRs, the gun shop would have you think. (But if Barbie pink is your jam, there’s always Cerakote…)
In this article, we’ll review some things to consider when choosing a gun – stuff like handgun size and caliber – and run through our preferred models.
So, with that said, let’s dive into our top picks!
THE QUICK LIST
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Editor’s Pick CCW Pistol
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Best Ergonomics
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Best Micro Compact
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Best Revolver
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Best Handgun for Arthritis
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Best Metal Framed Pistol
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Best .380 ACP
Table of Contents
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How to Choose the Best Women’s Handgun
First and most importantly, YOU should be the one picking the gun – not your partner, parent, sibling, or friend. Don’t feel pressured to go along with what works for someone else. You probably wouldn’t let them pick your shoes, so don’t let them pick your guns.
We have some tips below on how to choose the best women’s handgun to get you started.
Consider Your Caliber
Though, yes, some of us started on .22 LRs, that doesn’t mean that every woman automatically needs to start there. If you feel comfortable with the idea of a .22 LR, rock on, sister! Just don’t feel beholden to that particular round. Same goes for .380 ACP.
I personally recommend and carry 9mm. I find it’s a decent round to start with. It offers mild recoil, especially when paired with a full-size or mid-size gun. Also, if that is the round you intend to carry later on, no time like the present to start training with it.
At the end of the day, decide where your comfort level lies, though. If .22 LR or .380 ACP seems less intimidating to start, go that route. No judgment.
Size Matters
Let’s bust the tiny gun myth once and for all…just because you’re a woman doesn’t mean you have to sport a tiny gun. Smaller doesn’t mean more comfortable and, in some cases, can cause more issues than it solves (muzzle flip, increased recoil, etc).
So don’t let anyone talk you into the tiniest gun. Often, mid-size and even full-size handguns work better for first-timers because the size offsets the recoil.
Choosing the right gun for your hand shape and size is another important component. You are the only one who can decide what works and what doesn’t.
I suggest finding a local range that offers rental guns and trying a few out. See how it feels in your hand. Can you reach the trigger without rotating your wrist? Is the backstrap too large/too small, and does the gun come with the option to swap those? Can you reach the controls?
Going hands-on with a few options is the best way to figure out what will feel the best. And don’t forget a proper grip goes a long way! Be sure to brush up on that in our guide on How to Grip a Pistol.
At the end of the day, choose the gun that speaks to you, and don’t feel pressured into one that’s “perfect for the ladies.”
Revolver vs. Pistol
Women and newcomers to shooting are often pointed to revolvers for their ease and simplicity of use.
While, yes, they are super easy to use, generally speaking, there are some things to consider. Most revolvers are going to top out between 6, 7, or 8+1 in terms of capacity. That’s going to limit you, and reloads are not as quick as they are in pistols.
Also, some revolvers sport a really heavy trigger, which might make shooting it difficult and impact your ability to aim effectively.
Don’t get us wrong, we love revolvers, and sometimes they are the best choice, but, by and large, pistols end up working better for newbies.
How We Tested the Best Handguns for Women
To compile our list of the best handguns for women, we gathered the female staff at Pew Pew Tactical and asked them for their top picks based on the following criteria: features, ergonomics, accuracy, reliability, and value.
All handguns on this list have been tested, fired, or owned by a woman here at Pew Pew Tactical. We’ve also linked our hands-on reviews for each pistol we recommend that has an accompanying review. For hands-on reviews, we require each handgun to undergo 500 rounds at the range to evaluate accuracy and reliability (though most of these guns have seen upwards of a thousand rounds).
We’ve run them through extensive range tests and drills to determine ergonomics, durabilty, and ease of draw from a holster. We also carried them for weeks to ensure they met our standards for concealed carry.
Best Handguns for Women
1. Sig Sauer P365 Rose – Editor’s Pick, Best Concealed Carry Pistol for Women
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Prices accurate at time of writing
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Pros
- All-in-one package is great for beginners
- Ergonomics are good
- P365 platform is reliable and solid
Cons
- Price can be steep for some
- Mags are stiff and need some time to be fully broken in
Specs
- Caliber: 9mm
- Action: Striker-fired
- Overall length: 6.6″
- Barrel length: 3.1″
- Width: 1.1″
- Height: 4.8″
- Weight: 20.7 oz
- Capacity: 12+1
- Ships With: (2) 12-round mags, mag loader, Vaultek Lifepod Pistol Safe, dummy rounds
- MSRP: $949
The Sig Sauer P365 revolutionized the concealed carry world, offering a double-stack design in a small, compact package. Sig has continued to build on that platform, even offering a model designed by world champion shooter Lena Miculek…just for women.
The Sig Sauer P365 Rose is a P365XL variant with a uniquely feminine look and rose gold accents. It boasts good ergonomics that work for a variety of hands and a crisp, clean-breaking trigger.
Even better, it comes with an optics-ready slide so you can mount your favorite red dot. But really, what sells the Rose (and its high price point) is its package. Not only do you get the P365 Rose, but you also get a nice pistol safe, training rounds, 2 magazines, a magazine loader, and access to the Rose community with videos from Lena and a network of like-minded women.
The P365 Rose builds on the P365 platform in the best ways. You get an easy-to-control pistol with manageable recoil. I carried it in both leggings and jeans in an AIWB and IWB set-up, and it worked well. Its larger grip area meant that I could get a full grip as I came out of the holster — great for ensuring the pistol was secure.
All in all, the Sig Sauer P365 Rose brings so many cool features to the table that it’s hard to pass up if you want the most bang for your buck.
Go read our full review of the Sig Sauer P365 Rose!
2. Walther PDP F – Best Ergonomics for Women
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Prices accurate at time of writing
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Pros
- Reduced slide force
- Great ergonomics
Cons
- Optics system not compatible with older PDPs
- Last round lockback (bigger-handed shooters)
Specs
- Caliber: 9mm Luger
- Action: Semi-Auto
- Barrel length: 3.5in / 4in
- Overall length: 6.5in / 7.3in / 7.5in
- Finish: Black
- Magazine Capacity: 15rd / 18rd
- Magazine Type: Removable
- Stock Material: Polymer
In 2021, Walther released a pistol called the PDP, or Performance Duty Pistol, and it was a hit!
Walther knew they had a winning pistol, so they naturally improved it, creating a new version for people with smaller hands after measuring thousands of hands.
And it worked! The PDP-F was born! This version kept with the PDP’s ergonomic design and super crisp trigger but with a smaller overall grip diameter and shortened length of pull (grip to trigger). Needless to say, it was a hit for smaller-handed shooters.
Interestingly, because of the grip’s design, it still works really well for shooters with large hands, too. Paired with outstanding reliability, this is a favorite model around the PPT headquarters.
We’ve taken this to the range several times to evaluate it, and it’s always a pleasure to shoot. Its size helps mitigate recoil, while its ergonomics worked for the ladies who tested it. The Walther PDP-F is a reliable and accurate model that performs well under pressure.
We’ve got a lot more info on this gun in our hands-on review of the PDP-F!
3. Springfield Hellcat – Best Micro Compact for Women
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Prices accurate at time of writing
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Pros
- Great for concealment
- Aggressive texturing
- Easy to shoot
- Great iron sights
Cons
- May be too small for larger hands
- Less aftermarket support
- Snappier than some other micro-compacts
Specs
- Caliber: 9mm Luger
- Action: Semi-Auto
- Safety: No
- Weight: 1.15 lbs
- Barrel length: 3in
- Overall length: 6in / 7in
- Trigger Pull: about 5.5lbs
- Finish: Black / Flat Dark Earth
- Magazine Capacity: 11+1 Round, 13+1-Round
- Magazine Type: Removable
- Stock Material: Polymer
The Hellcat is similar in size to the Sig P365 but has a little more capacity. Springfield’s Hellcat packs a total of 13+1 in an extended mag (or 10+1 in a standard mag).
In addition to the extra rounds, it also serves up a variety of features like aggressive slide serrations, a loaded chamber indicator, a railed frame for lights, and a reversible mag release. Sights are also pretty nice with a high vis tritium green front and a Tactical Rack U Dot in the rear.
If you want to toss on a red dot, you can do that thanks to an optics cut.
In my experience, the Hellcat can feel a tad snappy, but that can be accommodated with training and range practice. Overall, it shoots well, has proven reliable, and easily slips into a holster. Just make sure you hit the range, get familiar with that recoil, and you’ll be good to go.
For more info, head over to our Springfield Hellcat review.
What do you think of the Hellcat? Rate it below!
4. Ruger LCR – Best Revolver for Women
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Prices accurate at time of writing
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Pros
- Lightweight
- Affordable
- Amazing trigger
- Easy to conceal
Cons
- 9mm version requires moon clips
- Short grip
Specs
- Caliber: 22 LR / 22 WMR / 327 Federal Magnum / 357 Mag – 38 Special / 38 Special +P / 9mm Luger
- Action: Double Action Only / Double/Single Action
- Weight: 13.5oz – 17.2oz
- Barrel length: 1.9in
- Overall length: 6.5in
- Finish: Black
- Magazine Capacity: 5rd / 6rd / 8rd
- Magazine Type: Fixed
- Stock Material: Synthetic
Ruger’s LCR ends up on a lot of lists for good reasons – it’s a solid revolver.
Aside from being just a solid performer all around, it also brings a lightweight design. This is paired with an internal hammer design that makes for a snag-free concealed carry experience.
Further, its Grip Peg allows you to swap out grips – which really helps you achieve the feel you want. The trigger is a little heavier than a striker-fired pistol, but it’s still easy enough. If you’re a beginner, you shouldn’t have a problem pulling it back.
What it achieves in ease it loses in accessories — there’s not a lot of room to add anything modern like lights/red dots. But if you just want a starter revolver or something clean and simple, the LCR is a great option.
We have a full breakdown of this one in our Ruger LCR review.
5. Smith & Wesson Shield EZ – Best Handgun for Arthritis
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Prices accurate at time of writing
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Pros
- Soft shooting
- Easy to rack slide
- Good ergonomics
Cons
- Very little customization
- Slide lock release doesn’t feel great
Specs
- Caliber: 9mm Luger
- Action: Semi-Auto
- Weight: 1.15 lbs
- Barrel length: 3.7in
- Overall length: 6.7in
- Finish: Black
- Magazine Capacity: 8+1 Round
- Magazine Type: Removable
- Stock Material: Polymer
If you suffer from arthritis or other issues that impact your hand strength, you don’t have to sacrifice self-defense. Smith & Wesson’s Shield EZ is designed for people who need a little extra help.
The EZ series builds on the original Shield line-up, which is already a solid performer. (I carried a Shield for years!)
Smith & Wesson takes it a step further, though, with an easy-to-rack slide. Like seriously easy to use. It also comes with load-assist magazines, making this a super user-friendly firearm.
If you’ve ever struggled to rack a gun, grab an EZ and see just how easy Smith makes it. My mom suffers from arthritis and nerve damage to her right hand, making traditional pistols extremely difficult to manipulate. I had her test the EZ Shield and she was able to easily rack the slide.
There are a lot of choices, and we like when a company brings some options to its lineup — not to mention there’s even a .380 ACP version!
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Prices accurate at time of writing
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Check out our review of the Shield EZ (9mm & .380 ACP).
6. CZ 75 P-01 – Best Metal Framed Pistol for Women
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Prices accurate at time of writing
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Pros
- Easy to conceal
- Awesome ergonomics
- Shoots great
Cons
- Limited holster options if you carry with a red dot
- DA/SA trigger might not be for everyone
Specs
- Caliber: 9mm Luger
- Action: Double/Single Action
- Weight: 1.7 lbs / 1.75 lbs
- Barrel length: 3.8in
- Overall length: 7.2in
- Finish: Black
- Magazine Capacity: 14rd
- Magazine Type: Removable
- Stock Material: Rubber
CZ pistols have quite the cult following, and for good reason. These guns just work. And out of the many models available, one of our favorites is the CZ P-01.
The CZ P-01 serves up a compact design chambered in 9mm. Though created for LE and military use, its smaller stature makes it a perfect 9mm for concealed carry.
Equipped with a decocker, this hammer-fired pistol sports an integral 1913 Picatinny rail for accessories and a 14+1 capacity.
Ask anyone with a CZ, these things are reliable and rugged, and the P-01 is no exception.
In fact, during U.S. Army testing, the P-01 suffered an average of 7 stoppages per 15,000 rounds! (Basically, meaning it boasts a failure rate of 0.05%.)
Yes, CZ pistols can sometimes run a little pricier than your stock Glock, but trust us, they’re worth the extra coin.
We went hands-on with the CZ P-01, so check out our review!
7. Sig Sauer P238 – Best .380 ACP for Women
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Prices accurate at time of writing
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Pros
- Lightweight
- Conceals well and still packs a punch
- Nice aesthetics
Cons
- Pricey for a micro-compact gun
- Not great for large hands
Specs
- Caliber: 380 ACP
- Action: Semi-Auto / Single Action
- Safety: Manual
- Width: 1.1in
- Weight: 0.95 lbs
- Barrel length: 2.7in
- Overall length: 5.5in
- Magazine Capacity: 6rd
- Stock Material: Polymer
The Sig Sauer P238 is one of my favorite micro-compact handguns.
It is my go-to in a dress or skirt where I’m using a non-traditional holster set-up like a belly band or thigh holster.
This Sig comes chambered in .380 ACP, so it can easily work as a backup gun, too, if you like to double up.
Its lightweight hammer-fired design is easy to carry and use. And it sports an external safety, so if that’s a must-have on your carry gun, you’re covered.
On the range, this gun brings a smooth shooting experience and is a great little plinker.
If you want the look and feel of the P238, but in a slightly large caliber. Take a look at the Sig Sauer P938. It’s very similar but boasts a 9mm chambering.
Check out our review of the P238 for more details!
Holster & Carry Options for Women: Dress for Success
Women’s bodies come in various beautiful shapes and sizes, but this means holsters and carry methods become very individualized.
Concealed carry comes with a lot of trial and error — figuring out what works for your body and life you lead.
While we have a whole article dedicated to the Best Ways to Carry as a Woman (with holster recommendations), let’s cover a few tips to get you started.
Women’s fashion is very diverse, and that means your CCW setup also needs to be. You’ll likely need to have a couple of options on hand to work with. But first, head to your closet and see what you wear most – that’s going to dictate where you carry and with what.
For instance, if you wear dresses and skirts in a professional setting, you’ll need to focus your search on thigh holsters, bellybands, and hybrids like the PHLster Enigma. If you’re a jeans and t-shirt kind of gal, you’ll have more options in terms of placement and holsters. You can check out our article on the Best Concealed Carry Holsters for some ideas.
Remember, a good holster will be durable and well-made and should ALWAYS do the following:
- Keep the gun securely in place until you intentionally draw it
- Prevent the gun from being fired while in the holster
- Offer the gun up in the same orientation/angle consistently
- Allow for a full firing grip on the gun
Safety Essentials
Now that you hopefully know which gun to get…make sure you’re prepared for the range with eye and ear protection.
We spec-ed and sourced our combos to be the pinnacle of comfort and protection.
Our EXO passive ear protection has comfy gel cups that won’t hurt your ears after a long-range session. Our DEFLECTORS glasses are wraparound, fully adjustable, and EN 166-rated for impact resistance.
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Prices accurate at time of writing
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Or upgrade to our complete beginner’s pack with cleaning kit and shooting targets.
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Prices accurate at time of writing
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Why Trust Pew Pew Tactical
Lead writer and editor for this article is Editor-in-Chief Jacki Billings. Jacki is an NRA-certified Basic Pistol and Refuse to be a Victim Instructor, as well as a concealed carry instructor. Jacki has her bachelor’s degree in Journalism and has worked as a media professional for close to 20 years, specializing in gun media for almost 10 years. She uses her extensive professional journalism and editing experience to set testing protocols and editorial standards for Pew Pew Tactical. Jacki is a pistol girl at heart, with most of her time spent behind handguns, having written over 2,000 reviews and articles for a range of publications, including Pew Pew Tactical, Guns.com, Recoil, ConcealedCarry.com, Concealed Carry Magazine, and the National Rifle Association.
Also contributing to this article are current Pew Pew Tactical author Elizabeth Bienas and former contributors Megan Kriss and Alice Jones Webb.
Final Thoughts
Finding the right gun is a lot like finding the right bra – you have to try a few before you land on the one that fits just right.
While this list is not exhaustive, and there are plenty of other suitable guns for the ladies, we hope we’ve given you a starting point in your pistol-purchasing journey.
Remember, testing guns out at the range is a great way to try before you buy! A lot of ranges offer special women’s events, rental guns, and even beginner’s classes where you can try out a variety of handguns.
Ladies, what’s your go-to handgun? Let us know in the comments below. Also, if you’re looking for tips on CCW, check out the Best Way to Concealed Carry for Women or head to our Women’s Category to see all our female-centric articles.
Latest Updates
- September 2024: Added more info on how we tested the suggested handguns for women.
- May 2024: Removed Sig Sauer P365 and swapped in Sig Sauer P365 XL Rose.
- February 2024: Removed S&W 642, Sig Legion P226, and Glock 17. Added Springfield Hellcat & Ruger LCR.
159 Leave a Reply
It seems that your staff seems to forget about the Smith&Wesson equalizer, and tends to favor the shields series. Equalizer is the same size, has 12 rounds, double stack, and shoots as smoothly as the shield.
It seems that your staff seems to forget about the Smith&Wesson equalizer, and tends to favor the shields series. Equalizer is the same size, has 12 rounds, double stack, and shoots as smoothly as the shield.
Glad the Ruger LCR was added. It’s a fine little revolver. Mine is in .327 Fed Mag, which can be a handful in both recoil and muzzle blast but there’s no denying that it’s a powerful round and 6 in the cylinder to boot. I frequently load it with .32 H&R Magnum which is still a good defensive round but just a little less intense when firing.
Upon choosing the handgun, need your recommendations for CCW purses. Any differences between montana west, guntotenmama, ladyconceal?
great article good advice surprised the Glock 43x not listed or the 'beretta 92 fs not listed
Hey Jacki, what is your opinion on a IS&W Shield EZ 380 ACP or 9mm, for a 60 year old female with not so strong wrist?
Hey Bre! I really like the Shield EZ in both .380 and 9mm. I think it's a great option for those that struggle with wrist issues or arthritis. My mom is in her 60s and has really bad arthritis in her hands and wrists. I let her test out both models when I was looking at them and she was able to easily rack the slides on both. The .380 was a bit easier for her to manage but the 9mm wasn't that much off. So, yes I would totally recommend this!
Thanks Jacki for your insight. Most definitely agree with, the person shooting the pistol should choose the pistol. The pistol my husband chose for me had caught me skin twice… I need an easy glide.
Great work Jacki, we appreciate your reviews!
Thanks for reading!
You didn’t check out a Walther PPS or PDP F-Series. Both are 9mm and women love them.
Loved the articles here. Not a weakling and can wrack ok. My problem is pulling back and locking. If I want to do it and can't on first try, my hands and muscles get weaker. I have a kahr cw9. It is tight. It's also hard to tear apart for cleaning. But I would like to be able to wrack and lock it open. Advice? I practice but after 2 or 3 pulls I'm done for the day.
This assumes you are right handed...Don't pull the slide back, instead, push the grip hand forward.
This way, your left hand that is holding the slide is not exerting the force, its just holding the slide in place. Your right hand is pushing the whole gun forward.
Browning 1911 .380
So easy and natural to work the action. Just feels good in your hand . Great ladies pistol.
Is there one single place to test and experience?
The local gun range is limited on tryouts.
In SoCal not familiar with ranges with wide variety of handguns.
Check out Evan's Gun World in Orange, CA if you're in So Cal, they've got a great selection of rental guns and it's only $10 fir the first and $5 for any after that.
Any recommendations on a small reliable, cost efficient concealed firearm for women?
Define small...My favorite all-around CCW pistol is either the Sig Sauer P365 or Walther PDP-F, but if you're looking for a micro-compact then I would investigate the Springfield Armory Hellcat or Smith & Wesson Shield. They're snappy but super small. If you need smaller than that and want to step down to .380 ACP, the Sig P238 is another good option.
38 special is good; both for home and concealed
I have very small hands. Small fingers Ring size 4.5 ring and I wear small women’s or cadet golf gloves. Any tips on handguns for small hands or should I go the concealed gun route. Thanks missy
Hey Missy! You're in the right spot. I wear a size 4 ring so I totally get how difficult it is to find a gun that works. I would center your search on compacts and microcompacts. Some of my personal favorites are the Sig P365, Springfield Hellcat, and Shadow Systems MR920 (if you want a slightly larger gun). Hope that helps!
My EDC is a Staccato 2011 C2 with a Holosun optic. This gun shoots almost perfectly flat, has an amazing trigger and fits in all my glock 19 holsters! I am 63 years old and have been shooting for 4 years now and this is my favorite hand gun.
So, the title of the article made me really stop and think. I've never thought to classify women by size and caliber, but it kinda works. My wife is 'fun size' and very high caliber, so I'm thinking S&W M&P .45 Shield Performance Center. But she's a Sig Gal and partial to Legions so may disagree, but this is my daydream, so...
Sig Sauer P365XL with a modified magazine so it holds 14+1 instead of 12+1.
My lady friend has a Sig Sauer .380, which she really likes. Problem is that it takes more strength than she has, to pull back the slide to get the first bullet into the chamber. Can anyone suggest a more suitable pistol?
Smith & Wesson has the Shield EZ, which is a little bit easier to manage for people who struggle with a traditional slide.
also look at 80x and Walther pdp f-series
I have the ladies I teach change the way they rack the slide. Bring the firearm in close to the body where you have core strength, hold the slide firmly with the support hand and push the firearm forward with your firing (strong) hand. Let your strong hand and arm strength do the work instead of trying to make your weaker hand do the hard part. BTW, I am a 63 yr. old female who is 110 lbs.
That's a good point! I'm 59. Very strong. Athlete. Electrician too I have massive hands for a tiny gal at 5ft 3 on a good day, 133lbs rock solid. Hands don't comply. I have issues racking autos and prefer to carry my AHA .22 Mag or LR Interchange. However at 4in. It measures 9 from tip to tail since I changed the grip from birds head to regular, bc of large hands. A gun dealer is bringing some by to shoot on my property as I have 10 acres to see what I like. I will definitely take your advice on attempting to rack that way. As I really want to hide the pistol and mine is near impossible to do so.
American Heritage Arms 22 cal interchangeable revolver. I've had 2 of them. The one I pack is 4in the other was 6. Both are hard to conceal but foolproof. Nothing is better than buying American. I'm looking at a .45 and maybe .357 I like the EZ Shields revies also. Seems to be easier to operate. In Florida it's hard to carry bc of lack of clothing and hot weather. I'm considering carrying under the bust im not very big and I may sweat there. I usually carry at appendix and pack that long barrel down my leg inside my pants
Not everyone can afford a $1000 carry piece.
Excellent advice! I've struggled with finding enough hand strength to rack the slide on my Sig P365 until someone instructed me on your suggestion of holding my gun closer to my chest (pointing to my left), then holding the slide tightly at the end and only moving the gun forward and CLICK, it works! I'm 70 and (wish I was 110lbs, more like 150) find it hard to open alot of jars & other lids because I don't feel 'hand strength' as I use to but this technique really worked for me!!
I gave my Ruger LC 380 to my daughter when she moved to another city 7 hours away after she graduated college. As for myself I j by I love my fathers old Beretta model 70 puma and that is what I carry
What? Most of these are huge. Best CC for female is a Ruger .380. Rackable, small for hands, small to carry, and small for recoil. Should have been on the list over G17. LCP any of them. Reliable, easy to operate, and most importantly easy to use so you will enjoy training with it. Training with it is everything.
Mike, did you read what the author said at the beginning of the article: "Also worth mentioning that this is a list curated for the ladies by the ladies. Yep, the women of Pew Pew Tactical have had hands-on time with every gun on this list."
So in fact, even though you consider most of these guns "huge", they have all been put on the list by ladies, based on their actual experience with these guns.
"Best CC for female is ..." -- You just did what women often complain about: tell women what gun is best for a woman, rather than letting a woman decide for herself.
Hey Mike, common misconception is that tiny .380s and .22s are best for women...often times they aren't. This list was created by the women of PPT who come in all shapes and sizes. For instance, I'm very petite at 5'2" and around 100lbs. All of these guns were comfortable for me to shoot. But like you said training really is everything and with the right instruction any woman can master these guns. Thanks for reading!
Loved your article, especially since I'm in the market for my fourth handgun. I currently have a Smith & Wesson .40, H&K VP9 and Ruger MKIV .22. I have to say my H&K is hands down my favorite!
I loved your article. The only observation I have is with the Ruger LCP 380. Even though this gun is small, I need to use more hand force for racking the slide than what I use for VP9, Glock 19 or even Walther PPQ. Recently and after visiting my brother-in-law, he showed me his LCP and the racking was difficult. I don’t know if is because I use my firearms more often than him is CCW, but I was surprised by that.
Any thoughts on cz? I current have the cz75 B and love it. Fits my small hands beautifully. Unfortunately, I do not see many reviews of cz incorporated into lists like this.
Thanks for reading. CZ is a great brand and many of our staff love it! We can't include every gun on the list so unfortunately not every model makes the cut. I'm glad to hear the CZ75B works for you, though! It's a solid gun for sure.
Love the so called Guns for women article as my wife carries a SW 380 Ez and loves it . I showed her the article as she scrolled down and came across that pic with the dead coyote that was it, she said they didn't to shown that, unless it was in a self defense situation.
Your article is well presented. I have a problem though with your choice of weapons. Do you have something against Bersa or Taurus? Taurus has some nice compact 9mm models, but it seems no one includes them in their comparisons.
Not at all! We just have limited space and have to narrow the field down. I have a Bersa and a Taurus and like them both.
Somebody with access to multiple handguns needs to do an article on the amount of strength needed to work the slide of some of these semi autos. In my wife’s case the only one she could handle was the S&W 9EZ.
Problem is, due to her small stature she finds it hard to carry concealed.
Would love to find something smaller, even in 380 that she could handle.
S&W makes a 380 EZ that is very easy to work the slide and slightly smaller than the 9mm. You might try to find that in stock somewhere she can give it a try.
I find the issue usually doesn’t fall on the gun but rather the technique. If she’s just pulling the slide while keeping the gun in place, that makes it harder. But if she’s pushing the frame forward while she pulls the slide, that’s easier. Also using a full hand over the slide instead of two or three fingers also helps. :)
I also should add, I’m 5’2” and 100lbs. Very petite in stature. I’ve shot every one of these guns and racked the slide with no issues on every gun listed here.
I have arthritis, and I bought a Walther CCP. It is easy to rack and is 9mm. Give a look at it.
I have been carrying the Springfield XDS 3.3 in 9mm for 3 years now and I love it. Single stack, 9+1 rounds and goes bang every time! I have average size hands and the grip is textured nicely. Recoil is definately manageable.
I didn't see a review of the Torus 2C
Hi Greg, you can find a review of the Taurus 2C here: https://www.pewpewtactical.com/taurus-g2c-review/
I live in California and tried to have my daughter who is of average size, try my Gen 3 Glock 19. She could not get a proper fit on the gun. We went to a high end gun range and she was taught by a professional and tried many different firearms. She ended up liking the Beretta PX4. Interchangeable grips made it fit her hands comfortably and the rotation of the action reduced recoil. Rock solid company, adjustable grips for smaller hands, reduced recoil.
I also bought the px4 as my first gun. Very comfortable to shoot though the first trigger pull is kinda hard because the double/single action
Objectivity vs personal bias is important for a writer. Never base judgement on what "You prefer" over a know winner for most woman. The S&W EZ is a 100 percent better choice than a full size 1911 in 45 ACP, or even most CZ's due to the very strong slide spring. Also a .38? Maybe with a longer barrel (not 2 inch). That double action squeeze on a revolver can cause serious accuracy issues for a new shooter.
For some women the Shield works. For others it doesn’t. We feel this is a pretty good list to get our fellow ladies started. But of course we encourage every women to try as many guns as she can before buying!
I have a large male population that knows their “guns.” My ex husband’s father was a marine and firefighter. He ”tried” and IMO flailed to teach his son (my ex) about everything you just wrote about. He has a .357 and they bam let me shoot it without any better judgement or a crash course training. They didn’t even give me ear plugs that I didn’t know they had in. I shot it at a “beer can” from about a half acre distance and I actually hit it...but couldn’t hear for 10 minutes and was PISSED. Ever since then I’ve hated the .357 and learned the hard way that it was (trigger happy) and very easy to accidentally shoot it trying to put the safety on, as it was off (and husband was out of town for three months) and we have two young daughters. I almost short myself in the head. The bullet went through our front wooden door and I never found the shell bc for some reason it stays in the chamber. Is that even legal??
Anyway I threw a fit and made his dad come from out of state to loan me his .22LR smith and Wesson SA. I LOVED IT. During an open house I came home to find 2 ppl stealing from us as the realtor left doors unlocked. I was able to sneak by and grab the .22, “cock” it and aim with without any hesitation...and wasn’t backing down as my girls were in the car still. Unfortunately for me, I let them leave and was not even able to get a vehicle tag number or anything. I feared badly they would come back for revenge until we moved.
Then I started going to REAL gun ranges and learning how to look at, learn about, chose, handle, and fire at the range. The staff there were all ex police and military. They had super confidence in me (also was watched by video) the first time he taught me what to do, I did it and never looked back. He only had the target half way down the shooting alley- and it was WAY too easy. He pushed the target all the way back it could go. The range was crowed at the time. I had the very first lane closer to the staff and by the concrete wall.
It was still too easy. I was so darn accurate with the .22 that I fell in love with it. And kept buying more ammo and more targets bc mine was “murdered.” He asked me if I was fibbing that I didn’t have any training before. It was proven when I accidentally pointed the gun (not down) and at my head while loaded. He was convinced after that!
But everyone was starring at me after a while. As I was shooting non stop so accurately that one staff member said that “I seriously lost my calling as a sharp shooter or sniper.” He said the only criticism he could give was that i didn’t know about a breathing technique where I guess you hold your breath while shooting for better accuracy?
I only want to protect myself. And my girls as well are alone a lot. The best way to keep my family safe is through education with my 9 and 12 year old daughters and I refuse to keep my gun in a safe at night time while sleeping. I fear someone getting to me or getting the gun before I do! I used to have nightmares about it.
I don’t care about personal things. Take all you want. I won’t even shoot. But come at MY DAUGHTERS or ME and I know I won’t stop shooting until I’m out of bullets. I fear being targeted and need to find a range again and practice since moving again.
Anyway- I worry about magazines jamming and having no time to (idk what you call it) when you pull the .22LR SA shaft to shoot?
I want a firearm that I can grab the fastest and actually shoot the fastest. Of course with accuracy and not a lot of kickback. And enough bullets to shoot to kill if need be in an emergency situation, God forbid. I wish there was a revolver that you didn’t have to pull the hammer back every time to fire- is their one? I think, again that would led to technical difficulties with the firearm itself malfunctioning if its not manual. But the time it would take to pull the hammer really fast is not good. But those magazines if not loaded just right can malfunction.
Any suggestions?
Thanks!
Ma’am , if what you have is a Smith&Wesson revolver then, it should actually be a DA( Double action revolver ) which means you should be able to just pull the trigger and it cock the hammer and fire the gun , the trigger pull will be heavier and longer but it should still fire . Make sure to unload the fire- arm and Practice dry firing it. Also if you are currently looking for a stronger round and an easier gun shoot you could look into either the Smith and Wesson .380EZ or the 9mm Ez semi automatic pistol they are meant to be lighter recoiling and easier to manipulate for people . I actually bought one for my fiancé so that she could run a gun that she could cock and load her self easier . While still having decent energy .
I know this is a old article now but my totally novice wife recently purchased a Walther PDP-F, which is marketed toward women and she loves it and loves having the ability to defend herself and the home if need be. We did a lot of dry fire practice and just working on safety fundamentals before going to the range. And then started getting lessons from range professionals after a couple of hundred rounds still focusing on safety. Whe was hooked from the first box of ammo and really likes the PDP-F. Also, everyone at the range has liked the feel of the gun including myself. No malfunction so far and it’s made to accept a red dot which we will be putting on this weekend. We’ve chosen to go with the slider safe by Valtek Safes but haven’t received it yet.
We plan on updating this one soon but yes, the Walther PDP-F is fantastic! Everyone here loves it!
I think you're doing great with your 22. The only suggestion I have is, go to women's gun websites, and see what other women say about their experiences with various guns. When you have found a gun or two that you think you will like, based on what lots of other women have said, find a range that will let you rent those guns; and try them out. You will finally have a good idea of the gun you want to invest money in.
I have owned seven different handguns in my life. I really like four of those guns. The one I carry is the Ruger EC9S - it was less than $300, including tax, so I didn't spend much. But I quickly realized that it was my favorite carry gun, hands down. However, my wife, my daughters, and my sister don't like it. (Men seem to love this gun, based on the comments I have been reading.)
One final comment: small caliber is not all bad. The low recoil allows you to do a very fast second and third shot. The key is having a good aim.
I wish you would do the best ccw holsters for women! Please.
Hey Hope! We have some suggestions here: https://www.pewpewtactical.com/best-way-conceal-carry-women/
How about some good CCW’s for women? My wife would prefer not to go around with a cannon dangling from her hip. Also, what are some of the more easy-to-rack ccw’s?
Some of these make good CCW options. The Shield, Sig Sauer P238, Glock 19 and 43 all make decent CCW options. Slide racking for most women is less about the gun and more about technique. We have an article about that here: https://www.pewpewtactical.com/how-to-rack-pistol-slide-weak-hands/
I want to buy a gun for my wife but she wants it to be pink, does anyone know where it can be bought or does it have to be customized? Also, if anyone can recommend me, where can I do it? I would appreciate it.
I believe some models from SCCY come in pink from the factory, however, I haven't heard much positive feedback about their quality. I would strongly recommend that she picks a gun based on what works and feels best to her and then send it for Cerakoting in whatever color she desires. Cerakote is reasonably priced, a great finish, and starting with a gun she actually enjoys shooting will improve the experience significantly.
I’ve got a SCCY CPX-2 (not in pink, tho). It’s been my car gun for several years. Many rounds downrange. Never had an issue with it.
You might just get her to the range to try a few guns. Our range has a ladies night and she may decide that pink isn’t as cool as she thinks. Having said that there are pink grips for a lot of different firearms so you might could just pick the gun she likes/shoos best and swap out the grips. Browne Works makes some nice looking wood pink grips that I saw in a video the other day. I did see a few pink handguns at both Scheels and our range store but not sure what they were.
Get her the Sig P238, and get a set of pink grips for it. Lots of women love this gun, so you probably can't go wrong with getting it. It's .380, not 9mm.
Amazed that the H&K Vp9 wasn't included. It is striker fired with 20+ different grip combinations, great sights and trigger with H&K reliability. Glocks have nothing over the Vp9.
No glock does not, but need to focus away from what you like and what is appropriate for a beginner or woman. So, the S&W EZ is the best beginner womans semi. Easy rack, reduced recoil, easy to load magazine. Simple. Too many guys jump straight to full size guns and scare woman off from shooting, thinking it is funny to watch them jump.
We updated the article with the VP9!
Uhhh... the PPQ is ugly, but Glocks all over the place? The PPQ is the best gun on this list, looks and all!
Hi! Any recommendations for a lefty gal?
I don’t agree with all the guns you picked for women. These guns require hand strength to rack the pistol. Most older women do not have the strength in their hands to pull the slide back. So now what , I guess the only gun left is the good old wheel pistol.
Do you agree or have any other suggestions?
I agree. Took my wife to a gun show only to find out she could not rack any maker's slide. Caliber didn't matter. I was disappointed as was she. Ended up buying an inexpensive Rock Island .38spl snubby.
All those tv shows showing all them buttered up slides just makes me laugh.
I tried the Shield EZ and it was indeed easier to rack than all of the similar pistols on the list.
One technique I have heard about was to "push forward" with the trigger hand holding the grip of the firearm instead of trying to pull back the slide. This still requires a good grip on the slide, but it does not require strong biceps in tandem.
Not mentioned in this article, but in my experience:
The Walther PPS M1 in 9MM and KelTec P3AT in .380ACP may be easier to rack this way. The Kahr PM9 has quite a stiff slide spring with either technique.
It’s less about the gun, and more about proper technique. I’m a petite woman and can rack every one of these guns. Check out our article on how to properly track a slide: https://www.pewpewtactical.com/how-to-rack-pistol-slide-weak-hands/
Thank you
Great info for women new to gun ownership
I just purchased a handgun for my wife, or I should say that I assisted her in the purchace. I was fairly set on a revolver, but after discussing things my wife, who is generally averse to learning mechanical things, decide she would like to learn on a semi. I was hesitant to go as small as a 380, so we just sort of settled on 9mm. The top of my list was the G43, and somewhere near the top was the Sig 365. If I am completely honest, I wanted the little Sig for myself.
When push came to shove, there was very little available on the shelves. One that I had seen on a number of visits was a little Kimber EVO SP. Apparently the price was scaring people away because it was left on the shelf while everything else was flying off as quick as it hit the door. I started reading and watching reviews, and I never found a bad review on the little pistol. People who were clearly averse to Kimber were still saying great things about the gun, and nobody had anything negative to say that went beyond cosmetics and aesthetics.
I went ahead and took a chance, and the next day we took it to the range. It ran flawlessly, and everyone who shot it came away impressed with both how compact it was, and how good the trigger was compared to other striker fired pistols. It comes with three sets of grip panels and a larger backstrap so I fit it to my wifes hand. She ran the first magazine thru it, and I asked her if she would like to try a different thickness grip on it, but she was happy with it with the thinnest panels. I have to say, that I prefer the thickest, as I feel like I never quite have a good hold on it, but it never really gets away from me either. it just doesn't fall readily into a steady grip.
All in all, I am happy with the purchase. I would like to have spent less, but then I look at the total package, including Tru-glo sights, extra grips etc, and it doesn't seem quite as expensive. It is exquisitely shaped and melted, and disappears in a trouser or jacket pocket, much the way an old Walther 380 would.
If there is anything I don't like, or at least anything worth mentioning, I haven't found it yet.
I was reading an article on best carry pistols which led me to this well written article. I grew up shooting with my father plus spent twenty years in the U.S. Coast Guard with several years doing law enforcement so I was comfortable many different kinds of pistols. When my husband and I got into shooting again, I gravitated towards 1911 styles guns while my husband loves Glock. I can shoot the Glock well, but don’t like the rake angle of the Glock - when I bring the gun up, the Glock angle/sight picture isn’t natural for me.
My hands are very small, so when I looked for a carry gun, I was tending towards the P238/Colt/Kimber micro since they are mini-1911 style guns and I can reach the slide release with my thumb (my hand has to rotate to reach it with larger guns). I settled on the Kimber micro 380. It just fit me best.
I really like many of the comments below - especially about how you need to shoot and test different guns to see what feels right. My husband and I have seen repeatedly where the husband/significant other picks the gun and it doesn’t work for the woman. With the recent uptick in crimes, many women are looking for something to defend themselves with. Like mentioned below in several comments, we have found starting new shooters off with a .22 works well and work them up to higher calibers but also anyone who carries a gun must have the correct mindset to be able to shoot it if needed. If were a beginner, the kick of the small barreled gun like the Kimber micro 380 would probably be difficult to get used to. Finally, practicing often is extremely important. Dry firing can only get you so far in terms of skill.
Appreciate all you have done for our Country!! Thank you! And thanks for your review - I’m just getting started but committed to becoming my own “badass”!
A little Glock biased.
I'm a former NRA Instructor of 25 years: Rifle, Pistol, Shotgun, Personal Protection, & Home firearms Responsibility. Also Shot small bore (22LR) Rifle competition up to and including NRA National matches for 7 years. BOTH my son & daughter shot small bore rifle competition for 6 years at our gun club & Through College. On A partial & Full 4 year college scholarship. Women & young girls are THE BEST Top Level shooters in the world. Note: The FIRST GOLD MEDAL WON BY THE USA at the 1996 Olympics was by a SIXTEEN YEAR OLD GIRL, shooting Shotgun. 1. Learn to shoot a .22LR RIFLE FIRST. Less scary, Less Recoil, More Accurate then a pistol. Easier to control, & be more accurate (hence, More Fun) If you can, shoot indoors where you don't need to deal with bright sun, wind, rain, snow, Heat or Cold. Unless someone giving advice at a range, can shoot Very well, take their advice with a grain of salt (UNLESS IT'S ABOUT RANGE OR GUN SAFETY--Then PAY ATTENTION. If possible have someone that already knows how to shoot come to the range with you, to watch & correct anything you might do wrong, and Answer any questions you might have, When you don't understand ANYTHING, ASK, the ONLY STUPID QUESTION IS ONE NOT ASKED. No One is Born Knowing. Once your really comfortable, try a .22LR caliber Pistol With a LONG barrel. Typically, the longer the barrel, the more accurate the gun, AND Less recoil. I have a Browning Buckmark Hunter pistol with a 7-1/4 inch barrel. My wife who goes to the range & shoots every time, I do. Liked my pistol so much, I had to get her the exact same thing. When you've had all the fun you want at this point, Look into the Smith & Wesson EZ model pistol in either 380 auto (the smaller less recoil version) or 9mm version. The EZ S&W has a REALLY EASY to Work Slide (needed to do, that to load), a decent trigger pull. Easy to Load magazines, and fairly accurate. Sells for List $400, I've seen it for sale on the internet for about $300. ANYONE that was weak hands, wrists, fingers, etc due to RA or age or disease, accident, etc. REALLY NEEDS to check out the S&W EZ 380 auto. If they need or want a gun for protection. You can get fairly cheap Ear muffs (protection) at Harbor Freight. Also you'll want to wear Safety glasses, to protect your eyes, especially when just learning. Tractor Supply has the cheapest gun safes. Greta Quality, just a better price then gun shops. Hint Buy a Larger safe (more guns capability) then your think you will ever need. (like a garage, they have a tendency to fill up fast. Jewelry, paperwork, ammo, guns, etc.) Side issue the gun club my kids shot at, had a JR. Olympic Rifle Team, that was always one of the best (within top 4) in the state of PA. Depending on the kids level of responsibility, we had kids Start to shoot, at 10 years old, Typical, most kids started at 12 or 13 years old. BEFORE THE KIDS COULD JOIN THE TEAM, "Come to practice", they HAD TO COMPLETE AN NRA RIFLE TRAINING COURSE. which was held at the club a couple of times a year. NRA gun courses are 80 percent GUN SAFETY. There are Different safety rules for Gun Handling, Home Storage, Range Rules, and Hunting Rules. Depending what your needs are, you need to find a NRA safety course. Most gun clubs has listings of clubs in each state where you there are courses available.
I am completely terrified of guns. I’ve had my FOID for almost 2 years, I’ve only been to the range once & that was for a first timers class. I paid $100 for my sister, my 21 yo daughter & I to attend, and sadly neither me nor my sister were able to complete the session. Now my daughter on the other hand, she shot them guns as if she were a pro! I had to walk out because I was so uncomfortable! However, I need to get over this fear.
I know in your article you stated if there is obviously a tremendous amount of fear, start small. I’m sure I already know the answer, but is this what you would recommend for me?
I also have 2 other daughters, a bit younger- ages 17 & 14 that I will eventually want to have in the range, if they are comfortable of course. If & when that happens, should they start small as well, or should I just allow them to decide what they’re comfortable with?
Also! Could you possibly recommend any gun safe or cabinet?
Thank you so much!
Hello! I would highly recommend starting small and having fun. Getting a cheap .22 LR Plinker like a Ruger Wrangler is a great way of getting started for adults and kids. Plus, it's single-action so it's very safe to use and take your time with.
How do you mean go to the range? They don’t let you shoot new guns.
Lots of ranges have guns for rent!
Many ranges have guns available to rent and try.
What do you mean the PPQ is ugly? Aesthetically it’s miles ahead of any Glock.
My sister likes the 1911 platform. She has a Kimber.
love how this was written. this was very helpful, and I'm glad they weren't all pink. ;)
thanks!
I have a question, my son thinks I should have a revolver instead of a glock that I favored as my first time owner of a gun. He says the glock springs, etc for loading clips is complicated and you need strong hands to load them. What do you say to a first time woman buyer and my hands are not small...but it is true I don’t have as much strength as I did when younger?
Hello! The complexity won't be an issue, once you get used to it there isn't much to it. But it does take some hand strength. If you're not sure if you can do it, I would highly recommend heading to a gun range that rents Glocks and testing it out first hand.
Revolvers aren't bad, but there is a number of advantages that a semi auto has that make them, in our opinion, the best option if you can use them.
My first gun was a Ruger GP100 stainless steel with a 4 inch barrel. I loaded it with plus p 38 special, 110gr 357 mag, and 125 357 mag ammo and all I can say is I pity the fool standing in my sights.
I've never been able to master disassembling a Glock -- the heavy recoil spring makes it very difficult; and I simply can't line up the two disassembly tabs.