If you’re a female who is considering a firearms purchase and looking for a good gun for a woman, you’re in excellent company. In terms of firearms ownership, more ladies are seeking tools for self protection and safety than ever before. In fact, in 2020, guns for women made up 40% of all firearm sales, according to data from the National Shooting Sports Foundation.
Whether you’re ready to pick out your first concealed carry or maybe just upgrade your current firearm, searching for that single “best concealed carry gun for women” can be overwhelming.
Let’s go over the best female concealed carry options on the market and discuss why they’re likely to be recommended for ladies concealed carry.
1. Smith & Wesson M&P9 Shield EZ
One of the best handguns for women is the Smith & Wesson M&P9 Shield EZ. Enjoy a mild recoil with an easy-to-rack slide, similar to the original M&P380 Shield EZ.
Except this comes with a larger 9 mm self-defense chambering. It’s slightly larger than the .380 ACP model. This is a great option for those who have difficulty with the slide on a semi-automatic.
2. Glock 19 as a Female Concealed Carry Option
One of the best female concealed carry options for safety is the Glock 19. Not only is it popular around the world, but it has a capacity for 15 rounds. It also has a light recoil for your convenience while using it.
3. SIG Sauer P238
One of the top handguns for women has been the SIG Sauer P238. Enjoy the hammer-fired steel frame of this pistol.
Many enjoy a very light recoil with this option as well. The SIG Sauer P238 also holds 7+ rounds.
4. GLOCK G43
For a reliable option that has a smaller frame, go with the GLOCK G43. Although it’s smaller, you won’t have the biting recoil of other guns.
5. Beretta Nano
This fiberglass reinforced technopolymer is a 9mm double-action pistol. You also don’t have to worry about the frame catching on anything. There are also no protruding slide locks either. It can hold a 6+1 round magazine.
It also has a reversible magazine release button and adjustable user sights. The Beretta Nano is just the right size for carrying as well.
6. Canik TP9SF Elite
One of the best-concealed carry guns for women is the Canik TP9SF Elite. You can hold 15+1 rounds in this gun.
There’s also a shortened trigger reach for the distance. Enjoy match-grade barrels, slide sets, and fiber optic front sights.
It differs from others since the point of impact is behind the front sight. The length is about 7″ which is longer than others for carrying. If you choose the right holster, you could make it work well.
7. Try the Keltec P3AT for Your Female Concealed Carry Option
We get it, there are a lot of female concealed carry options out there. But this is one of the few pocket guns that you can slip right into your jeans after your handgun training. The heat-treated barrel is only about 2.7 inches as well.
Enjoy hammer block safety, low-profile sights, and a polymer grip. You can place it into a boot holster and it won’t show up.
It could also work for ankle carrying as well. The Keltec P3AT can hold 6+1. If you’re looking for an affordable gun, this might be right for you.
8. Mossberg MC1-sc Caliber
Contrary to popular belief, this is a great gun! First off, it can hold a 7+1 capacity and is 9 mm.
When you’re looking for a good gun for a woman – a gun with great features at a reasonable price, the Mossberg Mc1-sc Caliber is a great choice. Enjoy a snag-free draw and a slim design that’s easy to conceal.
It’s great for those who are looking for a gun with a nice grip. The weight is about 22 ounces when it’s fully loaded, but it’s stable and accurate.
9. Ruger LCP II Caliber
Choose the Ruger LCP II Caliber with 6+1 capacity. It isn’t heavy to carry around, it’s accurate, and has a solid grip.
If you’re looking for a gun that weighs less than a pound, then this is a great option. The original LCP has a revolver-like trigger instead of the bladed feature of this gun.
This is one of the most lightweight options you can find for ladies concealed carry. It only weighs about 10.6 ounces when it’s unloaded. For those looking for a snag-free option that’s lightweight, this is a great choice.
Keep in mind that the recoil is a bit stronger than other options on this list. Spend time getting used to the feel of the recoil and it won’t be a problem in the future.
Choose this gun if you’re looking for a well-balanced and solid grip. The slide is also easy to pull and use. The Ruger LCP II Caliber is a great option when you’re looking for one that’s affordable.
10. Walther PPS M2 Caliber
The Walther PPS M2 Caliber is a nice option when you’re looking for a thin single-stack 9mm. This compact gun has a length of about 6.3 inches.
The grip is medium and it has a 1-inch width. While it’s a larger gun, it has a 3.2-inch barrel and the recoil is on the lower end.
Keep in mind that the trigger for this is heavier to pull. But the push-button magazine offers quicker loading.
What Factors Go into the Best Female Concealed Carry Options?
After exploring this guide, you should have a better idea of some of the best female concealed carry options for you to purchase. Take your time deciding which option is the best for you before making a purchase.
We caught up with one of our Concealed Coalition Territory Training Directors, Matt Wheeler, to ask for his advice on the best concealed carry gun for women – and he said this was a loaded question, no pun intended!
“The number one thing to look at [for concealed carry for women], outside of a history of being reliable, is the mode that the firearm will be carried and finding one that is comfortable,” Wheeler said.
“It’s not difficult to find a firearm that shoots well or is comfortable, but if that firearm is inconvenient to carry, it will likely be left at home (this goes for men and women both). That being said, my wife loves her M&P Shield.”
Why the CCW for Women Is Important
As more women purchase and own firearms in the U.S., it goes without saying that training is a critical part of being a responsible gun owner – for everyone who plans to conceal and carry. Whether you take a class in mixed company or are looking for that exclusive “CCW for women” course, we’d be thrilled to partner with you for the next step in your self defense and personal protection journey.
