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 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 We Tested the Best Handguns for Women
For this article, the female staff at Pew Pew Tactical gathered their top picks of handguns we’ve had hands-on, test time with. Each model recommended has been personally tested, fired, or owned by a lady here at Pew Pew Tactical. We’ve run them through extensive range tests and drills as well as carried them for weeks on end to ensure they met our standards.
With over a decade in the gun industry, I personally have had the opportunity to test and evaluate hundreds of guns at the range over thousands of hours. I am an NRA-certified instructor and spent several years as a concealed carry and basic pistol instructor in Colorado.
The products recommended represent the culmination of features, ergonomics, accuracy, reliability, and value. Further, firearms recommended for carry have been holstered up on and off the range to determine their suitability for concealed carry.
Best Handguns for Women
1. Sig Sauer P365 Rose – Editor’s Pick, Best Concealed Carry Pistol
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Prices accurate at time of writing
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Sig Sauer Rose Pros & Cons
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
The Bottom Line
Sig Sauer has wrapped its winning P365 platform in an all-in-one package that appeals to women just starting their gun journey. If you’re looking for a solid gun with a proven track record and some extras – in rose gold, of course – the P365 Rose is a great option.
Specs
Features
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 that offers a uniquely feminine look decked out in rose gold accents. It boasts good ergonomics that work for a variety of hands. Not to mention, it has 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.
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
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Prices accurate at time of writing
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Walther PDP-F Pros & Cons
Pros
- Reduced slide force
- Great ergonomics
Cons
- Optics system not compatible with older PDPs
- Last round lockback (bigger-handed shooters)
Walther PDP-F
Specs
Features
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 got a lot more info on this gun in our hands-on review of the PDP-F!
3. Springfield Hellcat – Best Micro Compact
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Prices accurate at time of writing
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Springfield Armory Hellcat Pros & Cons
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
Springfield Armory Hellcat
Specs
Features
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.
What do you think of the Hellcat? Rate it below!
4. Ruger LCR – Best Revolver
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Prices accurate at time of writing
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Ruger LCR Pros & Cons
Pros
- Lightweight
- Affordable
- Amazing trigger
- Easy to conceal
Cons
- 9mm version requires moon clips
- Short grip
Ruger LCR
Specs
Features
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.
It’s fairly easy to use and maintain, so if a revolver is on your wish list, the LCR is a great option.
5. Smith & Wesson Shield EZ – Best 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
Smith & Wesson Shield EZ
Specs
Features
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.
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
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Prices accurate at time of writing
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CZ P-01 Pros & Cons
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
CZ P-01
Specs
Features
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
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Prices accurate at time of writing
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Sig Sauer P238 Pros & Cons
Pros
- Lightweight
- Conceals well and still packs a punch
- Nice aesthetics
Cons
- Pricey for a micro-compact gun
- Not great for large hands
Sig Sauer P238
Specs
Features
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.
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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
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.
But how do you actually narrow it down? We have some shopping help below!
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.
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.
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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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
- May 7, 2024: Removed Sig Sauer P365 and swapped in Sig Sauer P365 XL Rose. Added supplemental information to each product and added extra data to how we tested the handguns.
- February 1, 2024: Removed S&W 642m Sig Legion P226, and Glock 17. Added Springfield Hellcat & Ruger LCR.
156 Leave a Reply
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.