When it comes to the best handguns for women on the market, there are many to choose from to meet your purposes and needs. From the power of a traditional 9mm semi-automatic to the classic and dependable revolver, you have lots of options for concealed carry or sport.
The most important feature of the handgun you choose is that it should fit in your hands comfortably. You should be able to shoot at a target accurately, with minimal effects from recoil, and reach all the controls on the pistol easily with your fingers. Spend some time at the range trying out some of these handguns before you buy one, and you will find the best handgun for your style and comfort.
Revolvers
Sometimes, there’s nothing like a revolver. They’re dependable, carry great in your purse, and have an extremely low rate of accidental discharge. They’re light, easy to load, and you don’t have to fiddle around with a safety which can be a good thing in a bad situation.
Here are some of the most popular revolvers women choose.
1.) Smith & Wesson Model 638
The J-frame Smith & Wesson revolver packs a lot of power in a small package. It features an aluminum alloy frame which makes it extremely light at only 15 oz. The enclosed hammer makes it easy to carry concealed in a holster or purse because it won’t catch on clothing or straps.
Many women also like this model because it comes with a black or pink grip, adding some charm and style to this powerful pistol.
2.) Ruger LCR DAO 5450
Ruger revolvers are some of the most dependable to shoot, and they sit comfortably in your hands. If you’re looking for proven man-stopping power, the .357 magnum is well-tested in this area. The stainless-steel frame makes this revolver a bit heavier than the Smith & Wesson 638, but it’s still lightweight enough to carry concealed all day.
The grip and fire control housing is specially designed to help reduce the recoil that comes along with .357 caliber rounds.
Semi-Automatic Pistols
It used to be that women tended to drift toward revolvers because they required little training and were easier to use. However, over the years, that attitude has shifted as many women can be found firing their semi-automatic handguns and long rifles at local gun ranges.
Many semi-automatic pistols have the benefit of a larger magazine capacity than a revolver, making them an excellent choice for self-defense. When it comes to stopping power, the 9mm caliber may be a heavier carry, but it’s worth it.
3.) Glock 19
For women looking for a bigger handgun with plenty of magazine capacity, the Glock 19 is the top-trusted choice among law enforcement and military members. With a 15+1 magazine and 9mm caliber, the Glock 19 is a powerful handgun with plenty of stopping power.
The 5.5-pound trigger pull is easy to manage, and the recoil is easy to get used to with some practice. It is a larger handgun, though, so make sure it fits your hands comfortably, and you have plenty of accuracy before you buy it.
4.) Ruger EC9
The Ruger EC9 is an excellent choice for a pistol, especially if you are looking for affordability in addition to quality. The finger grip extension floorplate allows for better customization and fit for your hands, which adds comfort and accuracy when you’re shooting.
The EC9 has a 7+1 magazine capacity, and the grips come in several prints and styles for added variety.
5.) Sig Sauer P320 Compact
Trusted by the Army, the P320 features a modular series of interchangeable backstraps and trigger systems make this a fully customizable gun for your needs. The backstraps can be swapped for larger or smaller hands, and the trigger system allows you to choose between 9mm, .357SIG, and .40S&W calibers.
The accessory rail can be really fun, too, with the ability to add lasers or lights for nighttime shooting accuracy. It’s a heavier gun, so make sure it works for you.
6.) Glock 26 Gen 5 9mm Subcompact
If you want the durability and dependability of a Glock in a smaller size, the G26 is a great option for women. It has a 10+1 magazine capacity which makes it a little heavier when loaded, but it’s still easily concealable and accurate when firing.
It’s customizable with an interchangeable backstrap and a reversible magazine catch for left- and right-handed shooters.
7.) Springfield XD-S Mod.2 3.3″
The Springfield XD-S is very slim, making it a great go-to handgun for concealed carry purposes. It has a long trigger pull, which takes some getting used to, but once you do, you’ll find it has minimal recoil and powerful accuracy.
The magazine capacity is 7+1, 8+1 or 9+1, which can help when it comes to customizing the best weight for you to carry and shoot.
8.) Remington R51
If affordability is an important factor for your handgun choice, the R51 is another excellent choice. The low bore axis and grip angle combine to assure minimal recoil and added accuracy, which is why Remingtons are very popular among women who are new to shooting and concealed carry.
The compact frame is excellent for any concealed holster. It’s a bit of a heavier gun, so make sure you spend some time with it first to ensure complete comfort and confidence.
9.) SCCY CPX-2
If affordability and style are what you’re looking for, look no further than the CPX-2. This is an excellent handgun for women because the grips come in customizable colors and are made to hold up against sweat and the elements. The finger molds help stabilize your aim and control.
The trigger pull on this little gun is 9 pounds, so it may take some time to get used to. However, with a 10+1 capacity magazine, it’s worth the time and effort, and these features make it one of the better choices of cheap handguns.
10.) H&K VP9
The VP9, or the “People’s Pistol” is completely ambidextrous, making it one of the best handguns for left-handed shooters who often struggle to find comfortable pistols. There is minimal recoil, and at a little over an inch in width, it makes a great concealed carry handgun.
Like the Glock 19, it has a large magazine capacity at 15 rounds, so it’s a heavier carry, but still incredibly accurate and fun to shoot.
Interchangeable grip panels also make it versatile to the needs and hands of many shooters.
