Let’s face it, most articles claiming the “best” handguns for women are written by men. And, for some reason, men seem to think that women desire a revolver in options of Barbie pink or Tiffany blue.

Truthfully, women can shoot any weapon that men can shoot (and often with better accuracy) simply because guns don’t know gender; they just work as designed. What does affect their use are things like experience, application, and caliber size.

If you’re a woman in the market for a handgun, here are some essential factors to consider.

Experience Level

Experience level is a crucial factor when purchasing a handgun. A person’s familiarity and proficiency with firearms can significantly impact their ability to handle and operate different guns. Seeking proper training and guidance from qualified instructors can substantially assist you in selecting a handgun that suits your experience level and supports your continued development as a responsible gun owner.

Intended Application

It is crucial to consider the intended use of the handgun. For self-defense purposes, the firearm must possess a sufficient caliber to ensure the shooter’s protection while still being lightweight enough for comfortable shooting. The ideal concealed carry handgun should be slim and light, allowing its user to carry it throughout the day without causing fatigue. On the other hand, a competitive shooting handgun should have a snappy trigger and a magazine with sufficient capacity.

Caliber Size

The caliber of a handgun plays a significant role in determining the perceived recoil. Some women prefer guns chambered for smaller ammunition as they generate less recoil, providing a more comfortable shooting experience.

The type of handgun chosen does play a role in the ease of racking the slide. Generally, the larger the caliber of the firearm, the more challenging it can be to rack the slide. Smaller calibers like .380 ACP and 9mm tend to have smoother and more manageable slide actions. However, a large part of racking the slide comes down to technique.

Racking the Slide of Your Gun

Contrary to popular belief, successfully racking the slide does not rely on physical strength alone. Unfortunately, many instructors overlook this technique because those with larger hands can use brute force alone. However, the physical strength approach often proves inadequate for many women.

The most important thing to remember when racking the slide of your gun is this: Push, don’t pull.

What I mean by this is that to rack the slide of your gun, firmly push your dominant hand (the hand on the gun’s grip panel) forward while holding the rear of the slide in place with your other hand. This technique is significantly easier than pulling the slide back toward yourself.

Are Revolvers Best for Women?

For some reason, many people recommend that a woman start with a revolver and then “grow into” an automatic. This belief is not only chauvinistic but also illogical, so you should resist the urge to accept it. A beginner is a beginner, and there is no reason you cannot learn to shoot a semi-automatic pistol just as you could a revolver.

The idea that revolvers are ideal for women comes mainly from the idea that one will shoot just fine from inside a purse. However, we strongly advise against purse carry. Although revolvers can function slightly better within the confines of a purse than a semi-auto, they can still fail and produce superheated gasses and pressure — blowing apart the handbag in question and burning the shooter’s hands.

Revolver or Semi-Automatic Pistol?

The bottom line is this: revolvers are simple to operate and not prone to malfunctions due to that same simplicity. However, accurate shooting requires ample practice, especially in double-action mode. Aside from the clear advantage of greater ammo capacity than revolvers, a semi-auto pistol is generally “softer” to shoot.

With a revolver, the shooter’s firing hand absorbs the full force of the recoil. With certain revolvers, cartridge loads, and grip designs, this can equate to a sharp “bite” in the palm and a sore hand after several rounds fired. In contrast, the pistol slide’s recoil spring and reciprocating mass absorb a great deal of a pistol’s recoil energy, significantly reducing hand shock and providing a more comfortable range experience.

Whether you prefer a pistol or revolver, we always recommend you spend time dry-firing or life-firing a candidate handgun before purchasing it.

What’s the Best Handgun for a Woman?

Ultimately, the best handgun for a woman will depend on her preferences and specific needs. It is vital to consider these factors while searching for the perfect pistol.

To kickstart your search, we have gathered five top handguns for women with excellent performance in comfortable sizes and calibers.

Walther PDP F-Series

The Walther PDP F-Series represents a breakthrough in handgun design, catering specifically to the needs and preferences of women in 2023. Combining sleek aesthetics with cutting-edge technology, the PDP F-Series offers a reliable and accurate shooting experience. Its ergonomic grip and reduced trigger reach provide a comfortable fit for smaller hands and shorter fingers, ensuring a secure and confident hold.

With features like a smooth trigger pull, enhanced recoil management, and modularity, the PDP F-Series offers both novice and experienced shooters precise control and consistent performance. Whether for self-defense or recreational shooting, the Walther PDP F-Series is a testament to the ongoing commitment to innovation, providing a reliable and empowering handgun option.

Specs

• Barrel Size: 3.5” or 4”

• Magazine Capacity: 15

• Caliber: 9mm Luger

• Cost: $699 MSRP

Glock 19

The Glock 19, a renowned and versatile handgun, continues to dominate the firearms market with its exceptional performance and reliability. Widely celebrated for its compact size and balanced design, the Glock 19 offers a perfect blend of firepower, accuracy, and ease of use. Its 15-round magazine capacity and 9mm caliber strike a harmonious balance between firepower and manageability.

The Glock 19’s intuitive controls and ergonomic grip make it a favored choice among women shooters, ensuring a comfortable and secure hold. Its renowned Safe Action system provides consistent trigger pull and enhanced safety features, contributing to its reputation as a trusted companion for self-defense and everyday carry. As a timeless classic, the Glock 19 is a top contender in the handgun market, catering to women seeking a reliable and effective firearm.

Specs

• Barrel Size: 4.02”

• Magazine Capacity: 15 Standard, Optional 17 / 19 / 24 / 31 / 33

• Caliber: 9x19mm

• Cost: $509.99 +

Sig Sauer P365

The Sig Sauer P365 has established itself as a game-changer in compact handguns, delivering exceptional performance and versatility. Despite its small size, the P365 offers an impressive round capacity, surpassing other pistols in its class. The handgun’s slim profile and ergonomic design make it an ideal choice for women seeking a concealed-carry firearm.

The P365’s crisp trigger and reliable striker-fired mechanism ensure precise and consistent shooting. Its textured grip and multiple backstrap options provide a comfortable and customizable fit, catering to individual preferences. With its durable construction and advanced features, such as front slide serrations and a loaded chamber indicator, the Sig Sauer P365 exemplifies innovation and reliability. The P365 excels in performance and concealability for self-defense or everyday carry.

Specs

• Barrel Size: 3.7”

• Magazine Capacity: 10 / 12 / 15

• Caliber: 380 AUTO / 9mm Luger

• Cost: $599 MSRP

Sig Sauer P320

The Sig Sauer P320 has emerged as a true powerhouse in the handgun realm, offering exceptional versatility, reliability, and accuracy. Renowned for its modular design, the P320 allows shooters to customize it to suit their needs. With interchangeable grip modules, users can achieve a comfortable and personalized fit, making it an excellent choice for women shooters of varying hand sizes.

The P320’s smooth and crisp trigger pull enhances precision and control, contributing to its reputation as a top performer in its class. Its durable construction and Sig Sauer’s renowned craftsmanship ensure longevity and dependability. Whether for self-defense, competition, or recreational shooting, the Sig Sauer P320 offers a highly adaptable and trustworthy handgun that excels in every performance aspect.

Specs

• Barrel Size: 3.6” - 5.5” options

• Magazine Capacity: 10 / 15 / 17 / 21

• Caliber: 9mm Luger / 10mm Auto / 45 Auto

• Cost: $650 MSRP - $1,005 MSRP

Smith & Wesson M&P Shield

The original Smith & Wesson M&P Shield is a formidable choice for women seeking a reliable, compact handgun. Renowned for its slim and lightweight design, the M&P Shield offers comfortable concealability without compromising performance. With its striker-fired action and crisp trigger pull, the M&P Shield delivers consistent and accurate shooting.

Its textured grip provides a secure hold, while the optional extended magazine offers increased capacity without sacrificing comfort. With a reputation for reliability and durability, this pistol is well-suited for self-defense and everyday carry. The Smith & Wesson M&P Shield (and its variations) excel in size, functionality, and dependability.

Specs

• Barrel Size: 3.1”

• Magazine Capacity: 6 / 7 / 8

• Caliber: 9mm / 40 S&W

• Cost: $512 - $536 MSRP

Handle Your Firearm Before the Purchase

When purchasing a handgun, highlight the significance of personally handling and trying out different models before making a final decision. Ensuring you can properly operate all firearm mechanisms for effective and safe gun handling is crucial.

Whether it’s the innovative Walther PDP F-Series, the versatile Glock 19, the game-changing Sig Sauer P365, the adaptable Sig Sauer P320, or the reliable Smith & Wesson M&P Shield, these handguns offer exceptional performance and features. Remember, the perfect “women’s” handgun is the one that aligns with your requirements and allows you to shoot with confidence.

Once you’ve decided to purchase the best handgun for you, check AmmoPlanet for all your ammunition and accessory needs.