Are you someone who wants to buy a gun for your own protection? Or perhaps, you're helping a friend, sister, or wife buy one. We've rounded up some of the best in this article. So what is the best concealed carry gun for women?
Best Concealed Carry Guns for the Ladies in 2023
Women often require slightly different handguns for concealed carrying than their larger, male counterparts.
The fact is that women usually have smaller palms and often want something even smaller than what would normally fit in a concealed carry holster.
That way, they can hide their weapons in their purses.
Although these are special considerations, there are plenty of excellent concealed carry sidearms suitable for women to use.
In no particular order, here are the best concealed carry handguns for women.
1. Glock 43
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It’s no surprise that a Glock pistol is on this list.
This particular model includes the trademark durability and longevity that the brand is known for.
It’s exceptionally compact and chambered for 9 mm ammunition: a great combination for self-defense.
In addition to these aspects, the G 43 comes with a small overall capacity of 6+1, integrated sights, and a textured grip.
It’s so small and light that it’s perfect for use in a concealed carry holster or for stowing in a purse’s secure compartment.
This might just be one of the top candidates for the best concealed carry gun for women this year.
2. Smith & Wesson M&P Shield
M&P®9 Shield photo by Smith & Wesson
This excellent handgun is also a top concealed carry choice for women.
It’s less than an inch wide, so it’s easy to conceal, even with thin and comfortable concealed carry holsters.
It also features better capacity than the G 43 above at 8+1 total, making it a better choice if you want a few extra shots for a self-defense situation.
It has a slightly longer grip, making it easier to draw for some women.
This being said, the slide is a little tricky at times and isn’t as easy to hold back, but it’s still a phenomenal sidearm through and through.
3. Sig Sauer P365
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Sig Sauer is well known overall for its various concealed carry pistols.
But this particular model is an excellent choice for both men and women, especially since it has a 15-round magazine – a much higher capacity than what you’d expect from other self-defense sidearms.
It also comes with night sights as standard, and it has a short, crisp trigger reset.
We really like that it’s easy to take apart and maintain.
This may not matter for a self-defense situation, but it’s important for long-term performance.
4. Sig Sauer P238
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This exceptionally small sidearm has a capacity of 6+1 and features one of the easiest to pull triggers on the market.
In fact, it’s so smooth that it’s one of the most dangerous for misfires, so we’d only recommend this handgun for women with excellent trigger discipline.
It also comes with a smooth grip plate, built-in sights, and an easy to rack slide.
All told, it’s possibly the best choice for stowing in your purse since it’s so easy to conceal and stash amongst your other items.
5. Mossberg MC1-sc
MC1-sc handgun photo by Mossberg
This last concealed carry handgun for women is a 19-ounce and super-compact model that’s only a little heavier than many Glock pistols.
It features a flat-faced trigger with a safety system that prevents you from firing off a shot by accident.
Also impressive are the three-dot sights and very well textured grip surface.
The slide, too, is made for ease-of-use since it features serrations on the front and back.
The pistol overall can be purchased for less than $400 on average.
They're All Great, Choose Depending on Your Needs
All in all, there are tons of excellent concealed carry guns for women that are built for smaller hands and lighter weight.
Many of the above models serve well as secondary pistols in general, not just for concealed carry purposes.
Be sure to consider your budget and trigger discipline before making a choice.
We firmly believe any of these will be great picks for your self-defense needs.
What do you think is the best concealed carry gun for women in this list? Let us know why in the comments section!
Up Next:
- 5 Best Concealed Carry Purses For Women
- Gun Holsters For Women: A Quick Buying Guide
- Best Hunting Rifle For Women
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Editor’s Note: This post was originally published on September 22, 2020, and has been updated for quality and relevancy.
How about the new Smith & Wesson M&P shield 9mm EZ?
Would like to buy one.
Yes I really would like one,
I would like more information on small concealed weapons for women and how to get permits in Calif.
How much is this gun? I need one for perfection , I’m 71 yrs an live in a bad neighborhood, couid u please let me know how much it is please? Thank u so very much, Linda Reeves
You have wonderfully and eloquently stated your points and you are to be commended!!!!
Your advice is spot on.
Another good choice.
S&W have recently made a pistol which is definitely made for anyone who needs to pull the chamber back with relative ease.
It is called the S&W M&P SHIELD. Either the .380 or 9mm would serve your needs. Either cartridge would be acceptable and effective at a target about 21-25 feet away especially if well-placed. Well-placed only occurs when you practice.
The .380 is slightly easier to shoot because it has slightly less power.
Go to a range and practice with both. If the 9mm gets you on target go with it!
My wife loves her Springfield Hellcat
I love my M&P 380 Shield for concealed carry (the only way I carry!) It’s easy to rack (I had a SCCY 9mm, could NOT rack it!), And I love the grip safety. Mine actually has a regular safety and the grip safety. The magazines have loaders built in, love that too. Not sure how it’s size compares with the M&P 9mm shield but it’s a great little weapon to carry!