Best concealed carry gun for women is a topic that requires careful consideration. More and more women are choosing to exercise their right to bear arms for self-defense, and finding the right firearm for concealed carry is a crucial step. This decision is deeply personal and should be based on individual needs, preferences, and lifestyle. Factors like hand size, strength, clothing choices, and experience level all play a significant role in determining the ideal firearm for a woman to carry concealed.
This article aims to provide a comprehensive guide to choosing the best concealed carry gun for women, exploring various options available on the market. We’ll delve into the features that make a gun particularly suitable for female shooters, discuss different calibers and their pros and cons, and offer practical tips for selecting a holster and practicing safe gun handling. The goal is to empower women with the knowledge they need to make an informed decision and feel confident and secure in their choice of a concealed carry weapon.
Contents
- 1 The Best Concealed Carry Gun for Women: Finding the Perfect Fit for Safety and Confidence
- 1.1 1 Sig Sauer P365 9mm 3.1″” 10+1 New Optic Plate Design: A Powerful and Concealable Option for Women
- 1.2 2 Glock G43X 9mm Semi Auto Pistol: A Slim & Comfortable Concealed Carry Option for Women
- 1.3 3 Walther Arms PDP F Series 9mm Pistol: Tailored for Women, Excellent for All
- 1.4 4 Smith & Wesson Model 642 Airweight 38 Special Revolver: A Reliable Choice for Concealed Carry
- 1.5 5 Ruger LCRx 22 Long Rifle Revolver: A Lightweight and Versatile Option for Concealed Carry
- 2 Buying Guide: Choosing Your Ideal Concealed Carry Gun
- 3 Conclusion: Empowering Your Choice for Safety and Confidence
The Best Concealed Carry Gun for Women: Finding the Perfect Fit for Safety and Confidence
1 Sig Sauer P365 9mm 3.1″” 10+1 New Optic Plate Design: A Powerful and Concealable Option for Women
The Sig Sauer P365 is a micro-compact pistol that has quickly become a favorite for concealed carry, especially among women. Its combination of small size, impressive capacity, and reliable performance makes it a top contender in the concealed carry market.
Description:
The Sig Sauer P365 is a striker-fired, 9mm pistol featuring a 3.1-inch barrel and a 10+1 round capacity (12+1 with extended magazine). Its slim profile and lightweight design make it exceptionally comfortable and easy to conceal, even for women with smaller frames. The new optic plate design allows for easy mounting of micro red dot sights, enhancing target acquisition and accuracy.
Notable Features:
- Micro-Compact Size: Provides exceptional concealability without sacrificing capacity or shootability.
- 10+1 Round Capacity: Offers ample firepower in a small package, exceeding many other micro-compact pistols.
- New Optic Plate Design: Allows for seamless integration of micro red dot sights for improved accuracy and target acquisition.
- XRAY3 Day/Night Sights: Provide excellent visibility in both bright and low-light conditions.
- Striker-Fired Action: Offers a consistent and smooth trigger pull for enhanced accuracy.
- Polymer Frame: Reduces weight and enhances comfort during carry.
- Nitron Finish: Provides excellent corrosion resistance and durability.
Pros
- Exceptional Concealability: The P365’s small size and slim profile make it incredibly easy to conceal, even with minimal clothing adjustments.
- Impressive Capacity: The 10+1 round capacity provides significant firepower for a micro-compact pistol, offering peace of mind for self-defense situations.
- Reliable Performance: The P365 is known for its reliability and consistent performance, ensuring it will function when needed most.
- Comfortable Grip: The ergonomic grip design provides a secure and comfortable hold, even for smaller hands.
- Optic Ready: The new optic plate design allows for easy mounting of micro red dot sights, enhancing accuracy and target acquisition speed.
Cons
- Snappy Recoil: As with most micro-compact pistols, the P365’s recoil can be snappy, especially for new shooters. Practice and proper grip technique can mitigate this.
- Short Sight Radius: The short sight radius can make precise aiming more challenging at longer distances. This is where the option for a red dot sight becomes beneficial.
- Trigger Pull: While generally considered good, the trigger pull may feel slightly heavier than some other striker-fired pistols.
The Sig Sauer P365 is an excellent choice for women seeking a reliable, concealable, and powerful firearm for self-defense. Its combination of features, performance, and ease of carry makes it a top contender in the concealed carry market. While the snappy recoil and short sight radius may require some adjustment, the P365’s strengths outweigh its minor drawbacks, making it a highly recommended option for women who prioritize personal safety.
2 Glock G43X 9mm Semi Auto Pistol: A Slim & Comfortable Concealed Carry Option for Women
The Glock G43X 9mm Semi Auto Pistol is a popular choice for women seeking a reliable and easily concealed firearm for self-defense. This slimline pistol combines a comfortable grip with Glock’s renowned reliability, making it an excellent option for concealed carry.
Notable Features:
- Slimline Frame: The G43X features a narrow frame and slide, making it comfortable to carry and conceal, especially for women with smaller hands or frames.
- 10-Round Capacity: Offers a balance of concealability and firepower, providing a reasonable number of rounds for self-defense scenarios.
- 9mm Chambering: A widely available and effective self-defense cartridge with manageable recoil.
- Glock Safe Action System: Provides a consistent trigger pull and multiple internal safeties for safe and reliable operation.
- Short Trigger Distance: Designed for comfortable shooting, even for those with shorter fingers.
- Reversible Magazine Catch: Allows for easy customization for left-handed shooters.
- GLOCK Marksman Barrel (GMB): Delivers enhanced accuracy for increased confidence in self-defense situations.
Pros
- Excellent Concealability: The slim profile and compact size make it easy to conceal on various body types and with different clothing styles.
- Comfortable Grip: The slimline frame and built-in beavertail provide a comfortable and secure grip, even during extended shooting sessions.
- Reliable Performance: Glock pistols are known for their reliability, and the G43X is no exception. It’s built to function flawlessly in high-stress situations.
- Easy to Use: The simple and intuitive controls make it easy to operate, even for those new to firearms.
- Widely Available: The G43X is a popular model, making it readily available for purchase and accessories are easy to find.
Cons
- Limited Capacity: While 10 rounds is a reasonable capacity for a subcompact pistol, some users may prefer a higher capacity for increased peace of mind.
- Snappy Recoil: The 9mm cartridge can produce noticeable recoil in a lightweight pistol like the G43X. This can be mitigated with proper grip and stance, but it’s something to consider, especially for new shooters.
- Stock Sights: The factory sights are basic and may not be ideal for all users. Upgrading to aftermarket sights can improve target acquisition and accuracy.
The Glock G43X is a well-designed and reliable concealed carry pistol that is particularly well-suited for women. Its slim profile, comfortable grip, and ease of use make it a great option for those seeking a discreet and effective self-defense firearm. While the limited capacity and snappy recoil might be drawbacks for some, the G43X’s strengths make it a solid choice for women seeking a reliable and comfortable everyday carry option.
3 Walther Arms PDP F Series 9mm Pistol: Tailored for Women, Excellent for All
The Walther Arms PDP F Series 9mm Pistol is a groundbreaking firearm designed with women in mind, but its exceptional features and performance make it an excellent choice for any shooter with smaller hands or seeking enhanced ergonomics.
Notable Features:
- Reduced Trigger Reach: The Performance Duty Trigger (PDT) features a shorter trigger reach, specifically designed to accommodate smaller hands and improve trigger control.
- Reduced Grip Circumference: The redesigned grip boasts a smaller circumference, providing a more comfortable and secure grip for those with smaller hands.
- Reduced Slide Force: Walther’s innovative operating system reduces slide racking force by 20%, making it easier for anyone to manipulate the slide.
- SuperTerrain Slide Serrations: Unique protruding serrations on the slide offer a more positive and responsive grip when racking the slide.
- Performance Duty Texture: An aggressive yet non-abrasive grip texture ensures a secure hold in various conditions without irritating the skin.
- Optics Ready: The PDP F Series comes optics-ready and includes a free optic plate for easy customization.
- Modularity: Available in 3.5″” and 4″” barrel lengths, the PDP F Series offers versatility for concealed carry or home defense.
Pros
- Exceptional Ergonomics: The reduced trigger reach, grip circumference, and slide force make the PDP F Series incredibly comfortable and easy to handle, especially for women and shooters with smaller hands.
- Enhanced Control: The improved ergonomics and grip texture translate to better control and accuracy, allowing for faster follow-up shots.
- Reliable Performance: The PDP F Series inherits the renowned reliability of the Walther PDP platform, ensuring consistent performance in any situation.
- Versatile and Customizable: The optics-ready design and modularity options allow shooters to tailor the pistol to their specific needs and preferences.
- Easy to Rack: The reduced slide force makes racking the slide significantly easier, a major benefit for those with less hand strength.
Cons
- Marketing Focus: While designed for women, the marketing focus may deter some male shooters with smaller hands from considering this excellent option.
- Limited Color Options: Currently, the PDP F Series is only available in black, which may not appeal to those seeking more color variety.
- May Not Suit Larger Hands: The reduced grip circumference may feel too small for individuals with larger hands, making the standard PDP a better choice in those cases.
The Walther Arms PDP F Series 9mm Pistol is a significant advancement in firearm design, offering unparalleled ergonomics and performance for women and shooters with smaller hands. Its innovative features, combined with Walther’s reputation for reliability, make it a top contender for concealed carry and home defense. While the marketing may be targeted towards women, the PDP F Series is an excellent choice for anyone seeking a comfortable, controllable, and reliable firearm that fits their hand perfectly.
4 Smith & Wesson Model 642 Airweight 38 Special Revolver: A Reliable Choice for Concealed Carry
The Smith & Wesson Model 642 Airweight 38 Special Revolver is a popular choice for women seeking a reliable and concealable firearm for self-defense. This lightweight revolver offers a balance of simplicity, ease of use, and effectiveness, making it a suitable option for both novice and experienced shooters.
Notable Features:
- Lightweight Alloy Frame: Weighing only 14.6 ounces, the Model 642 is easy to carry and conceal, making it ideal for everyday use.
- Stainless Steel Barrel and Cylinder: Provides durability and resistance to corrosion, ensuring long-lasting performance.
- Snag-Free Enclosed Hammer: Allows for a smooth draw from concealment without the risk of the hammer snagging on clothing.
- Rated for Continuous +P Use: Capable of handling more powerful +P ammunition for increased stopping power.
- 5-Round Capacity: Offers a reasonable amount of firepower for self-defense situations.
- Small Frame Size: Designed for easy concealment in purses, pockets, or holsters.
Pros
- Lightweight and Easy to Conceal: The Model 642’s aluminum alloy frame makes it incredibly lightweight and comfortable to carry, even for extended periods.
- Simple and Reliable Operation: Revolvers are known for their simplicity and reliability, and the Model 642 is no exception. It’s easy to learn and operate, making it a good choice for new shooters.
- Snag-Free Design: The enclosed hammer eliminates the risk of snagging when drawing from concealment, ensuring a smooth and fast presentation.
- Powerful Caliber: The .38 Special cartridge is a proven self-defense round, offering adequate stopping power in a compact package.
- Durable Construction: The stainless steel barrel and cylinder ensure the Model 642 can withstand the rigors of daily carry and use.
Cons
- Limited Capacity: With a 5-round capacity, the Model 642 offers less firepower compared to some semi-automatic pistols.
- Heavy Trigger Pull: The double-action-only trigger requires a significant amount of force to pull, which can affect accuracy for some shooters.
- Recoil: The lightweight frame can result in noticeable recoil, especially with +P ammunition.
- Basic Sights: The fixed sights are not ideal for long-range shooting but are adequate for close-range self-defense scenarios.
The Smith & Wesson Model 642 Airweight 38 Special Revolver is a solid choice for women looking for a dependable and easy-to-conceal firearm for self-defense. Its lightweight design, snag-free operation, and powerful caliber make it a practical option for everyday carry. While the limited capacity, heavy trigger pull, and recoil are factors to consider, the Model 642’s strengths make it a popular and reliable choice for personal protection.
5 Ruger LCRx 22 Long Rifle Revolver: A Lightweight and Versatile Option for Concealed Carry
The Ruger LCRx 22 Long Rifle Revolver is a lightweight and compact option that’s well-suited for women seeking a reliable concealed carry firearm. Its small size and manageable recoil make it an excellent choice for both beginners and experienced shooters.
Notable Features:
- Lightweight Design: Weighing in at just 17.3 ounces, the LCRx is easy to carry and conceal without causing discomfort.
- Manageable Recoil: The 22 LR cartridge produces minimal recoil, making it comfortable to shoot and promoting accuracy.
- 8-Round Capacity: Offers a reasonable amount of firepower for a concealed carry revolver.
- External Hammer: Allows for both single-action and double-action shooting, providing flexibility for different shooting situations.
- Hogue Tamer Monogrip: Provides a comfortable and secure grip, reducing felt recoil and improving control.
- Adjustable Rear Sight: Enables precise aiming and customization for individual preferences.
- Affordable Price: The LCRx is competitively priced, making it an accessible option for those on a budget.
Pros
- Easy to Carry and Conceal: The LCRx’s lightweight and compact design makes it ideal for concealed carry, especially for women who may prefer a smaller and lighter firearm.
- Comfortable to Shoot: The low recoil of the 22 LR cartridge ensures a comfortable shooting experience, even for extended range sessions.
- Versatile Shooting Options: The external hammer allows for both single-action and double-action shooting, catering to different shooting styles and preferences.
- Reliable Performance: Ruger is known for producing reliable firearms, and the LCRx is no exception. It’s a well-built revolver that can be counted on to function flawlessly.
- Great for Beginners: The LCRx’s manageable recoil and user-friendly features make it an excellent choice for women who are new to firearms.
Cons
- Limited Stopping Power: The 22 LR cartridge, while comfortable to shoot, has less stopping power compared to larger self-defense calibers.
- Heavy Double-Action Trigger Pull: Some users may find the double-action trigger pull to be heavy, requiring practice to master.
- Fixed Front Sight: The front sight is not adjustable, which may limit customization options for some shooters.
- 8-Round Capacity Might Be Limiting: While 8 rounds is a decent capacity for a revolver, some users may prefer a higher capacity for self-defense.
The Ruger LCRx 22 Long Rifle Revolver is a solid choice for women seeking a lightweight, comfortable, and reliable concealed carry firearm. Its manageable recoil and versatile features make it an excellent option for both beginners and experienced shooters. While the 22 LR cartridge may not offer the same stopping power as larger calibers, the LCRx’s ease of use, concealability, and affordability make it a compelling option for personal protection.
Buying Guide: Choosing Your Ideal Concealed Carry Gun
Selecting a concealed carry gun is a significant decision. It’s crucial to find a firearm that fits your individual needs and preferences. Here’s a breakdown of key factors to consider:
1. Hand Size and Strength:
Women often have smaller hands and less upper body strength than men. This means the gun’s grip size and weight are crucial.
- Grip Size: Look for guns with shorter grip lengths or interchangeable backstraps to accommodate smaller hands. A comfortable, secure grip is essential for accurate shooting and recoil control.
- Weight: A lighter gun is easier to carry all day and handle during shooting. Consider polymer-framed guns, which tend to be lighter than those made of steel or aluminum. However, keep in mind that lighter guns may have more felt recoil.
2. Caliber Considerations:
Caliber refers to the diameter of the bullet. Popular choices for concealed carry include:
- 9mm Luger: Widely considered an excellent balance of stopping power, manageable recoil, and ammo availability.
- .380 ACP: A lighter recoiling round that’s often preferred for smaller, easily concealed guns. However, it has less stopping power than 9mm.
- .38 Special: Common in revolvers, offering moderate recoil and decent stopping power.
- .22 LR: A very low recoil option, making it easy to shoot, but with less stopping power. Best for beginners or those sensitive to recoil.
Important: Consider your comfort level with recoil. Try shooting different calibers at a gun range before making a decision.
3. Gun Type: Pistol vs. Revolver:
- Pistols: Semi-automatic pistols are more common for concealed carry due to their higher capacity magazines and faster reloading. However, they can be more complex to operate than revolvers.
- Revolvers: Known for their simplicity and reliability. They typically hold fewer rounds (5-6) but are less likely to malfunction. They can be easier to learn to use for new shooters.
Consider your experience level and comfort with firearm operation when making this choice.
4. Concealability and Clothing:
The gun’s size and shape significantly impact how easily you can conceal it.
- Subcompact and Micro-Compact Pistols: These smaller guns are designed for easy concealment but may be more challenging to shoot accurately due to their shorter barrels and grips.
- Revolvers with Short Barrels (Snub-Nose): Also designed for concealment, but like micro-compact pistols, they can be harder to shoot accurately at longer distances.
Think about your typical clothing style and how you plan to carry the gun (inside the waistband, purse, ankle holster, etc.). This will help you determine the appropriate gun size and shape.
5. Features to Look For:
- Sights: Consider night sights or fiber optic sights for improved visibility in low-light conditions.
- Trigger: A smooth, consistent trigger pull is crucial for accuracy. Try different guns to find one with a trigger you find comfortable.
- Safety Features: Look for guns with manual safeties, trigger safeties, or both, depending on your preferences and experience level.
6. Training and Practice:
Owning a gun for self-defense requires responsible gun ownership.
- Take a Concealed Carry Class: Learn the laws in your state and safe gun handling practices.
- Practice Regularly: Visit a gun range to develop proficiency with your chosen firearm. Practice drawing, aiming, and firing accurately.
- Learn About Self-Defense Strategies: Understand how to de-escalate situations and when using lethal force is justified.
7. Holsters:
Choosing the right holster is just as important as choosing the right gun.
- Inside the Waistband (IWB) Holsters: Popular for concealment, they tuck the gun inside your waistband.
- Outside the Waistband (OWB) Holsters: Offer more comfort and easier access but are less concealable.
- Purse or Bag Holsters: Convenient but require careful practice to draw quickly and safely.
- Ankle Holsters: Good for backup guns or deep concealment but can be slower to access.
Experiment with different holster types to find one that’s comfortable, secure, and allows you to draw your gun quickly and efficiently.
Conclusion: Empowering Your Choice for Safety and Confidence
Ultimately, the best concealed carry gun for women is the one that best fits her individual needs and preferences. We’ve explored a variety of excellent options, each with its own strengths. Remember that factors like hand size, comfort, and shooting experience should guide your decision. Proper training and practice are essential regardless of your choice.
If you’re looking for a great starting point, we highly recommend the Sig Sauer P365. Its combination of compact size, comfortable grip, and impressive capacity makes it an excellent choice for many women. However, we encourage you to explore the other options we’ve discussed, visit a gun range to try them out if possible, and consult with experienced professionals to make the most informed decision. By taking the time to find the perfect firearm and committing to responsible gun ownership, you can confidently exercise your right to self-defense and enhance your personal safety.
