The Best Concealed Carry Firearms for Women: Top Picks and Essential Considerations
Posted by Mandu Moses on Feb 7th 2025
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The number of women purchasing firearms for personal protection and concealed carry purposes has grown over the last 15 years, significantly in more recent years.
According to the National Shooting Sports Foundation, nearly 5 million women became first-time gun buyers in 2021 alone, marking a 40% increase over previous years. With personal safety being a top concern, selecting the right concealed carry weapon (CCW) is essential for women who are looking to carry confidently and responsibly.
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However, when it comes down to choosing a concealed carry firearm, the answer isn’t as simple as just picking the smallest gun available on the market.
Factors like ergonomics, weight, caliber, recoil management, and safety features all play a huge role in finding a CCW that meets a woman’s unique needs and wants.
Since this trend does not appear to be ending anytime soon and with gun ownership numbers continuing to rise with women, we decided to walk through the most important considerations for selecting a CCW, as well as the list of our “best bet” concealed carry handguns for women today.
Key Factors Women Should Consider in a Concealed Carry Firearm
So, you’re thinking about “pulling the trigger” and picking up your first firearm to carry concealed.
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When making your choice, it’s essential to think beyond just concealability. A gun should fit comfortably in the hand and be easy to control, as well as have all the safety features that prevent accidental discharge.
Let’s explore these key considerations and dive a little deeper into what exactly makes a CCW firearm ideal for women.
Size and Weight: The Balance Between Concealability and Control
As you may have surmised, many women prefer smaller, lighter handguns because they’re easier to conceal in their purse, waistband, or holster, but size shouldn’t compromise control.
According to a study by the Pew Research Center, over 72% of women gun owners prioritize comfort and ease of use when selecting a firearm.
A compact or subcompact pistol is often the pistol of choice for ladies because it provides a solid balance of concealability and shoot-ability all in the same breath.
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The Smith & Wesson M&P Shield EZ is a great example of this, as it features an easy-to-rack slide and slim grip, making it comfortable for smaller hands while still remaining relatively easy to conceal.
Ergonomics and Comfort: Finding a Gun That Fits Your Hand
Women’s hands are, on average, 20% smaller than men’s, according to the Journal of Hand Therapy. This means that many standard handguns may tend to feel too large or have controls that are difficult to reach for women.
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A well-designed CCW for women should have:
- A slim grip circumference for better hold
- Adjustable backstraps to customize the grip
- User-friendly controls placed within reach
The Sig Sauer P365 is a top choice because of its ergonomic grip and compact design that fits well in smaller hands, as described above.
Caliber and Recoil Management: Striking the Right Balance
While larger calibers like .45 ACP offer more stopping power, they also produce more recoil, which can make accurate follow-up shots difficult.
According to Ballistics Testing Data, the most common calibers for concealed carry among women are:
- 9mm (Preferred for balance of power and control)
- .380 ACP (Lower recoil, but slightly less stopping power)
- .38 Special (Popular for revolvers with more manageable recoil)
The Glock 43X chambered in 9mm is one of the best options out there, offering a more manageable recoil while still delivering enough power for sufficient self-defense.
Safety Features: Preventing Accidental Discharges
Safety is and always should be a top priority when choosing a CCW.
According to the US Concealed Carry Association, nearly 45% of gun owners prefer firearms with additional safety mechanisms and features.
Some of the most important features include:
- Trigger Safeties: These prevent accidental discharges unless the trigger is fully pressed.
- Grip Safeties: Requires a firm grip before the gun will fire (e.g., Smith & Wesson M&P Shield EZ).
- Manual Safeties: A switch or lever that must be disengaged before firing.
- Loaded Chamber Indicators: Provides a visual or tactile alert that a round is chambered.
A firearm with these features, like the Springfield Armory Hellcat, can provide an extra level of peace of mind, particularly for new CCW holders.
Top Concealed Carry Firearms for Women
After considering size, ergonomics, caliber, recoil, and safety features, below are the five handguns that we see as stand-out options as the best concealed carry firearms for women:
1. Smith & Wesson M&P Shield EZ
The M&P Shield EZ is one of the most user-friendly, highly rated concealed carry pistols available on the market today.
Designed for ease of use, it features a light slide-racking mechanism, making it an excellent choice for women who might tend to struggle with traditional semi-automatic pistols. The grip safety also adds an extra layer of protection against accidental discharges, while its .380 ACP and 9mm options provide manageable recoil while still offering enough punch and stopping power.
2. Sig Sauer P365
The Sig Sauer P365 is a compact powerhouse that delivers exceptional capacity considering its small and ergonomic design.
With a 10+1 or 12+1 round capacity, it offers more firepower than most subcompact pistols out there, all without being bulky. Its slim grip, crisp trigger pull, and excellent accuracy make it a go-to choice for women looking for a reliable and highly concealable CCW.
3. Glock 43X
The Glock 43X is a slimline, high-performance handgun built primarily for reliability.
The 43X holds 10 rounds of 9mm, giving it more capacity than the standard Glock 43, while still maintaining its slender frame. The short trigger pull and consistent performance make it an excellent option for those who prioritize dependability in their CCW.
4. Ruger LCP II
For those seeking maximum concealability, the Ruger LCP II is one of the best ultra-compact handguns on today's market.
Weighing just 10.6 ounces, this .380 ACP pistol is a perfect option for a concealed carry purse, pocket carry, or deep concealment. It features an improved trigger over the original LCP, making it easier to shoot accurately, despite its small size.
5. Springfield Armory Hellcat
Last on our list is the Springfield Armory Hellcat, which is one of the highest-capacity micro-compacts available, boasting an 11+1 or 13+1 round capacity in 9mm.
It features an adaptive grip texture for a secure hold and a U-Dot sight system, enhancing accuracy in low-light conditions. Its compact frame, high capacity, and solid performance make it an outstanding choice for women who are more serious about self-defense.
Matching the Firearm to Personal Needs
Now that we’ve covered all aspects women should consider in a CCW and discussed our top 5 options, it now comes down to selecting the right concealed carry firearm based on personal factors such as:
- Lifestyle: Will you carry daily, or only in specific situations? Do you plan on traveling with your concealed firearm?
- Clothing Choices: Do you need a firearm that fits well with professional or casual attire? How concealed does your firearm need to be?
- Skill Level: Are you experienced with firearms, or do you need an easier-to-handle firearm?
Testing different models at a local shooting range is a great option highly recommended to ensure a comfortable fit and smooth operation.
Final Thoughts
Choosing a concealed carry firearm is an empowering step toward self-defense and one that is being made by more and more women every year.
By carefully considering size, ergonomics, caliber, recoil, and safety features, women can find a CCW that provides confidence, comfort, and security. Training and practice are equally important once a firearm is purchased, as responsible firearm ownership includes knowing how to handle and use a gun effectively.