Are you in hot pursuit of the sassiest, classiest, and downright badass-iest handguns for women? Well, your search stops right here! In this article, we’re taking a stroll through the glittering aisles of handgun options designed with the fierce ladies in mind. Whether you’re an experienced shooter or just starting your journey, choosing the perfect handgun can be more puzzling than trying to fold a fitted sheet (seriously, who can do that?). We’ve curated a selection of the finest choices, taking into account factors like size, weight, ease of use, and overall performance. Our mission? To ensure you make a choice that not only keeps you safe but also makes you feel confident and in control. So, grab your coffee or cocktail (we won’t judge), kick back, and let’s explore the best handguns for women in 2024 that are all about empowerment and style.
What Are the Best Handguns for Women in 2024?
In a world where firearms are always evolving, 2024 is bringing a whole lot of heat to the table! You finding this list of top handguns for women is like finding the perfect pair of jeans–reliable, versatile, and fit for any occasion. You are guaranteed to find something on this list you’ll want to take home with you. Let’s dive into this exciting list of the best handguns for women because 2024 is your year to protect yourself and slay while you’re at it!
Top Pick Overview
- Best Overall: M&P Shield 2.0 9 Subcompact
- Most Versatile: Glock 19
- Budget Friendly: Taurus G2C 9mm
1. M&P 2.0 Subcompact
Taking the crown at #1 is the M&P Shield 2.0 Subcompact–and it didn’t come to play. This handgun is the holy grail self defense sidekick for women. Talk about a flawless option that not only is stylish, but is easy to use, fits comfortably into any size hands, and is a popular handgun in the world of firearms today.
Key Benefits
- Grip Texture: Ergonomic, textured grip that fits comfortably into smaller hands and allows for better control.
- Upgraded Trigger: New and improved trigger that allows for better accuracy
- Thumb Safety: Some versions include a manual thumb safety (a great plus for security and peace of mind).
Key Specs
- Action: Semi-Automatic
- Caliber: 9mm Luger
- Barrel Length: 3.6”
- Hand: Right
- Magazine Capacity: 12+1
- Weight: 25 oz
Pricing
2. Sig Sauer P365 XL
Let’s shine a spotlight on the #2 choice – the Sig Sauer P365 XL. It almost seems like this one was made with women in mind. The Sig Sauer P365 XL offers the best of both worlds to women shooters. It’s got that magical blend of micro compact concealability (you know, to carry in your purse!) and full size shootability (to get the job done!).
Key Benefits
- Compact Size: The Sig Sauer P365 XL has a compact design making it ideal for women to carry.
- High Magazine Capacity: The standard magazine allows you to hold 12 rounds of 9mm ammunition.
- Night Sights: Many versions come with high visibility night sights that are ideal for nighttime self defense scenarios.
Key Specs
- Action: Semi-Automatic
- Caliber: 9mm Luger
- Barrel Length: 3.7”
- Hand: Right
- Magazine Capacity: 12+1
- Weight: 25 oz
Pricing
3. Glock 19 Gen5
Can I be honest? This list wouldn’t be complete without a Glock. The Glock 19 is a household name in the firearms world, but made its way to this list because it’s worth all the hype if I’m being honest! This handgun offers women a trustworthy option for self-defense and concealed carry. Whether you’re new to firearms or a pro (go on with your bad self), the Glock 19’s reputation makes it a great pick for women seeking a dependable self-defense firearm.
Key Benefits
- Recoil: This baby has little to no recoil (depending on who you ask). Having minimal recoil is a must for women because YOU want to handle the gun, not the other way around.
- Lightweight: No need to worry about lugging around a heavy handgun because this one is lightweight, which is a preferred feature in handguns for women.
- Ease of Use: Talk about a simple handgun and you’ll be talking about this one. The Glock 19 is super simple to learn and use, allowing you to be fully confident while handling it.
Key Specs
- Action: Semi-Automatic
- Caliber: 9mm Luger
- Barrel Length: 4”
- Hand: Right
- Magazine Capacity: 10
- Weight: 30 oz
Pricing
4. Glock 43x Subcompact
Okay…one glock wasn’t enough! They are all sooo good, and the Glock 43x is a great option, especially for women. Its slim profile makes it great for carrying, and its comfy grip ensures your hands won’t need to leave a range sesh crying.
Key Benefits
- Slim Frame: Its slimline frame makes it convenient to carry and less bulky which means stylish for women.
- Built-In Beavertail: This integration allows you to grip comfortably without worry of slide bite (ouch!).
- Short Barrel: Having a shorter barrel compared to most guns is another feature that makes this Glock less bulky and easier to handle for women.
Key Specs
- Action: Semi-Automatic
- Caliber: 9mm
- Barrel Length: 3.4”
- Hand: Right
- Magazine Capacity: 10
- Weight: 23 oz
Pricing
5. Taurus G2C 9mm
Don’t lie – a “cheap” price tag can sometimes scare you off, right? I sit there convincing myself that something must be wrong with it to be that low of a price. With the Taurus G2C, that couldn’t be further from the truth! Don’t let the wallet-friendly tag fool you because this is an absolute gem for women.
Key Benefits
- Budget-Friendly: The Taurus G2C is a great low-cost option for budget-conscious women (because who doesn’t love a good deal?).
- Adjustable Rear Sight: Having an adjustable rear sight is a huge plus for improved accuracy while avoiding the need to buy extra accessories that make this handgun more bulky.
- Loaded Chamber Indicator: Safety, safety, safety! Taurus came through on this feature. This allows you to see if your chamber is loaded with a simple glance–talk about a godsend.
Key Specs
- Action: Semi-Automatic
- Caliber: 9mm
- Barrel Length: 3.2”
- Hand: Ambidextrous
- Magazine Capacity: 12
- Weight: 21 oz
Pricing
6. Springfield Armory Hellcat Micro Compact
If you look up the definition of accuracy and confidence in the dictionary, you’ll see a picture of this beautiful Springfield Armory Hellcat (no, seriously)! There are too many amazing features to this option to count. Let’s just put it like this, if you really want to feel like a badass, this is your option! I mean it even shares the same name as one of the most badass muscle cars too, so that should tell you something.
Key Benefits
- U-Dot Rear Sight: This makes aiming in low-light conditions so much better. The sight is illuminated allowing you to still use your sight, even at night.
- Reversible Magazine Release: Accommodates left-hand users!
- Adaptive Grip Texture: This is a cool feature. The texture is designed to adapt to you the better you grip, giving you a more firm hold. It also helps avoid skin irritation and/or wear on clothes.
Key Specs
- Action: Semi-Automatic
- Caliber: 9mm
- Barrel Length: 3”
- Hand: Right
- Magazine Capacity: 11
- Weight: 18 oz
Pricing
7. Smith & Wesson M&P Shield EZ
Do you just want something easy all around without sacrificing quality? If so, this is your perfect match. After all, they did include ”EZ” in the name of this handgun, and its name definitely precedes it! A standout feature of this M&P Shield is its user-friendliness, making it ideal for new tactical women.
Key Benefits
- Rack Slide: The slide offers plenty of grip to slide back with minimal effort, which is especially great for women who don’t want to wrestle with it and risk breaking a nail.
- Disassembly: Easily disassemble this handgun without tools and without pulling the trigger.
- Material for Longevity: This handgun features a stainless steel slide and polymer frame that help maintain this beauty and avoid corrosion.
Key Specs
- Action: Semi-Automatic
- Caliber: 9mm
- Barrel Length: 3.6”
- Hand: Right
- Magazine Capacity: 8
- Weight: 23 oz
Pricing
8. Ruger Max 9 (BONUS OPTION)
I know this list is supposed to be 7, but I couldn’t help but add a bonus option! This is the Ruger Max 9, a shining star for a women’s self defense handgun. I have only 3 words: slim, comfortable, and precise. Because of its size, this gem is perfect for a concealed carry pistol!
Key Benefits
- Lightweight: The glass-reinforced nylon frame takes the credit for this handgun being lightweight but still sturdy.
- Day/Night Sights: Built-in sights for day and night make it convenient to maintain your target accuracy.
- Integrated Trigger Safety: This added level of protection helps avoid unwanted discharges.
Key Specs
- Action: Semi-Automatic
- Caliber: 9mm
- Barrel Length: 3.2”
- Hand: Right
- Magazine Capacity: 10
- Weight: 18 oz
Pricing
Top Features In The Best Handguns for Women (What To Look For)
1. Size
Let’s talk about size! When it comes to choosing the perfect firearm, size does matter. Imagine trying to lug around a handgun as big as your purse…um, no thank you. But you also don’t want something so small that it feels like a toy gun. And let’s face it, no bad guy is going to take you seriously if you’re armed with a pink plastic pistol.
A handgun that fits comfortably in your hands is out there (and most likely on this list). You want to feel confident and in control while you’re holding your firearm. Size is especially important when considering concealed carry handguns for women to ensure it can comfortably fit on you, or in your handbag.
2. Grip
It’s time for a heart-to-heart about grip. And no, I’m not talking about the grip on your purse during a shoe sale (although, we’ve all been there). Grip is a feature that can easily be overlooked in handguns for women.
Picture this: You’re at a range, ready to show off your skills like a boss babe, and suddenly your gun decides to slip out of your hand! That’s not the kind of attention we’re aiming for. The solution is keeping grip in mind during your purchase to ensure your firearm stays put, giving you stability and control.
3. Ease-of-Use
Remember the golden rule when it comes to handguns for women – ease of use is key! Meaning, you don’t need all the bells and whistles to get the job done! This is especially important for beginners; learning how to handle your firearm will already be new to you, so don’t feel the need to get a handgun that’s more extra than an ugly Christmas sweater.
The best kinds are lightweight, compact, and pack a punch. They’re easy to handle and won’t leave you feeling overwhelmed in the slightest.
4. Built-In Features
Ladies, listen up! We talked about ease of use and how a part of that is not getting caught up in all the extra features and accessories. But when you have simple, functional built-in features, that’s a game changer! “Built-in features? What does that even mean?” Let me break it down for you in a way that even your Grandma would understand (no offense, Grandma).
Built-in features are like a secret ingredient in your favorite dish. Things like day sights, night sights, and loaded chamber indicators are life savers (just to name a few). Sights help improve your aim accuracy, and loaded chamber indicators are a way to tell if you have a bullet in the chamber with just a glance. These may just be the cherry on top of your shooting sundae!
5. Safety Features
Now I know what you’re thinking because safety is not the most exciting topic, but in the world of firearms, it makes all the difference. We’re talking about things like trigger safeties that require a deliberate pull, loaded chamber indicators so you know when you’re loaded, and lever safeties to prevent unwanted shots fired.
This is not just about preventing accidents, but also for peace of mind for yourself and those around you, especially if you have little ones. It never hurts to have a little extra protection! To be among the best handguns for women, there has to be safety features!
Conclusion
Alright ladies, we did it! Our journey through the world of best handguns for women included everything from grip and size to recoil and ease of use, and it’s time to put a bow on it!
By now, you’ve learned that finding the perfect handgun is like finding the perfect pair of jeans–they must be comfortable and fit just right. Like peanut butter and jelly, we want that handgun to be our perfect match!
As a strong woman, you don’t need any extra weight dragging you down or making your purse any heavier! You want something easy to use, easy to carry around, and easy on the eyes (it’s gotta be stylish).
There are a lot of options out there when it comes to handguns, but it’s different for a woman–finding the perfect fit is key! All that matters when it comes to choosing the best handguns for you is that it makes you feel empowered and ready to take on the world!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a concealed carry?
A concealed carry refers to carrying a concealed weapon on your person. In the concealed carry world, this practice allows individuals to carry their firearm in a discrete way for self defense purposes. The concept behind concealed carry is to keep the firearm out of sight, which helps to avoid unwanted attention. Most states have concealed carry laws and regulations that include obtaining a permit or license.
What is a striker fired pistol?
A striker fired pistol is a type of handgun that operates using a striker mechanism instead of a traditional hammer. The firing pin is directly attached to the striker, which is cocked and released by the trigger pull. This is why a striker fired pistol is often the most preferred because of its ease of use and reliability. On the other hand, a hammer fired pistol relies on a hammer striking the firing pin, which in some cases can lead to a heavier trigger pull. Stiker fired is preferred in handguns for women.
What is the perfect pistol for a lady?
With a wide variety of handguns for women, it can be easy to get overwhelmed. Many manufacturers now offer handguns tailored to the unique needs of female shooters, both beginner and experienced shooters. The long answer to this question is that it largely depends on the specific needs and preferences of the individual. BUT if you want the short answer, the M&P 2.0 Subcompact is among the best handguns for women.
What is the best CCW caliber for a woman?
The most common and popular option is the 9mm. Not only is it powerful, but it fits most compact and subcompact pistols.
What Glock is best for a woman?
There are a lot of Glock models out there, but both the Glock 19 and Glock 43x are great handguns for women looking for a handgun that’s compact in size but mighty in power.
What is the best handgun for female beginners?
For a total beginner, the Smith & Wesson M&P Shield EZ is among the best handguns for women considering its overall ease of use and versatility. Whether you’re looking for a concealed carry pistol or just a self defense handgun, this option will not disappoint!
Which handgun has the least recoil?
From our list, the Glock 19 is most popular for its minimal recoil. Most Glocks come uniquely designed with a grip safety. This grip safety feature helps absorb and reduce recoil, which also ensures the gun shoots smoothly, can easily be controlled, and enhances accurate shooting.
Should I purchase handguns online or at a gun shop?
For beginner shooters, it may be beneficial to visit a gun shop to actually try out different models and physically hold them. On the other hand, purchasing online can offer convenience and lower prices. When shopping online, you also have access to all the guns you’re interested in, whereas gun shops may be limited in their inventory.