Over the past decade, the number of women embracing firearm ownership has surged—whether for self-defense, recreational shooting, or competitive sport.
This rise isn't just a trend; it's a shift in the firearm community that’s redefining what it means to be a gun owner. As more women enter the world of shooting, manufacturers have responded with handguns that prioritize comfort, reliability, and ease of use—without compromising on power or performance.
When it comes to selecting a handgun, size and caliber matter.
Many women prefer compact or subcompact models for their lightweight build and ease of concealment, while calibers like 9mm strike a balance between manageable recoil and stopping power.
hat said, preferences vary widely depending on experience, intended use, and personal fit. From micro-compacts ideal for concealed carry to mid-sized options perfect for the range, today’s market is filled with handguns designed to meet the diverse needs of female shooters.
In this guide, we’ll highlight some of the most popular and trusted handgun options for women, breaking down what makes them stand out.
Popular Handguns for Women
Glock 42 Pistol
Product Description
The Glock 42 is a subcompact semi-automatic pistol, engineered with precision and the reliability Glock is known for.
Its lightweight and ultra-compact design make it ideal for concealed carry, especially for those with smaller hands.
The Glock 42 is chambered in .380 ACP, offering a balance of stopping power and manageable recoil.
Top Features
- Slimline design for comfortable concealment.
- Easy-to-handle .380 ACP caliber.
- High-quality polymer frame for durability.
- Safe Action system for consistent trigger pull.
Glock 19 Gen3 Pistol
Product Description
The Glock 19 Gen3 is a versatile and powerful handgun, perfect for both personal defense and professional use.
Known for its reliability and performance, it's chambered in 9mm and offers a well-balanced size-to-capacity ratio, making it a favorite among female shooters.
Top Features
- Modular Back Strap design for a customizable grip.
- Dual recoil spring assembly for reduced recoil.
- Rough textured frame for a secure grip.
- 15-round magazine capacity.
Walther PDP F-Series Pistol
Product Description
The Walther PDP-F (Performance Duty Pistol – Full Size) is a highly ergonomic and innovative handgun.
It's designed for shooters who demand precision and performance.
The Walter PDP-F is chambered in 9mm, providing a high-capacity, full-sized option for those who prefer a larger firearm without sacrificing comfort and control.
Top Features
- Revolutionary ergonomics and grip design for superior handling.
- Red Dot Ready Slide (RDS) for easy mounting of optics.
- SuperTerrain Slide Serrations for better grip and slide manipulation.
- High-capacity magazine and a performance-focused trigger system.
S&W Shield 9mm Pistol
Product Description
The Smith & Wesson Shield 9mm is a slim, lightweight, and powerful semi-automatic pistol. It's particularly popular among women for its manageable size and reliable performance.
This pistol is perfect for concealed carry, offering a good balance of firepower and comfort.
Top Features
- Slim design for comfortable concealed carry.
- Striker-fired action with a crisp and light trigger pull.
- Durable polymer frame with a stainless steel barrel and slide.
- 7+1 or 8+1 magazine capacity options.
Sig Sauer P238 Pistol
Product Description
The Sig Sauer P238 is a micro-compact pistol that combines style with performance.
Chambered in .380 ACP, it offers an excellent choice for those looking for a small, yet powerful firearm, with an emphasis on precision and craftsmanship.
Top Features
- Exceptionally compact design, ideal for pocket carry.
- Single-action trigger for a crisp and clean pull.
- Elegant and sleek design with multiple finish options.
- SIGLITE night sights for low-light accuracy.
S&W M&P Bodyguard Revolver
Product Description
The Smith & Wesson Bodyguard Revolver is a modern take on the classic revolver design.
This .38 Special offers reliability and simplicity, making it an excellent choice for personal defense, especially for those who prefer revolvers over semi-automatics.
Top Features
- Compact and lightweight frame for easy handling.
- Integrated laser sight for enhanced accuracy.
- Smooth trigger pull and five-round capacity.
- Pinned, recessed barrel for superior accuracy.
S&W Bodyguard Pistol
Product Description
The Smith & Wesson Bodyguard is a versatile and dependable semi-automatic pistol.
This compact .380 ACP handgun is designed for personal protection, with an emphasis on ease of use and safety features.
Top Features
- Conceals easily with light clothing
- Maximum Corrosion Resistant coating
- Locked breach design
- DAO trigger pull
- Dovetailed sights
- Polymer frame
Ruger LC9 Pistol
Product Description
The Ruger LC9 is a compact 9mm pistol that balances power and portability.
It’s known for its slim, lightweight profile, making it an excellent choice for concealed carry without compromising on firepower.
Top Features
- Slim, lightweight design for easy concealment.
- Integrated safety features including a manual safety and magazine disconnect.
- Adjustable 3-dot sight system.
- 7+1 round capacity.
Kahr CW9 Pistol
Product Description
The Kahr CW9 is a sleek, striker-fired pistol known for its smooth trigger pull and ergonomic design.
It's a great choice for women seeking a reliable and easy-to-carry 9mm handgun for self-defense.
Top Features
- Compact and lightweight, ideal for concealed carry.
- Smooth and consistent trigger pull.
- Textured polymer grip for a comfortable hold.
- Drift-adjustable white bar-dot combat rear sight.
S&W 642 Revolver
Product Description
The Smith & Wesson Model 642 is a lightweight, J-frame revolver known for its reliability and ease of use.
This .38 Special is designed for those who appreciate the simplicity and dependability of a revolver.
Its hammerless design makes it an ideal choice for a snag-free draw, especially from concealed carry positions.
Top Features
- Hammerless design for a smooth, snag-free draw.
- Lightweight, stainless-steel construction for durability.
- Five-round capacity with .38 Special caliber for effective self-defense.
- Comfortable grip and a compact size for easy handling.
Best Choice for Women: Revolver vs. Pistol
When it comes to choosing a first handgun, many women and new shooters are often steered toward revolvers due to their reputation for simplicity and reliability. And while revolvers do offer a user-friendly, no-frills design that’s easy to understand and operate, there are some important factors to weigh before making your decision.
Revolvers typically have limited capacity—most models hold only 5 to 8 rounds—which can be a disadvantage in defensive scenarios or extended range sessions.
Reloading is also slower and more cumbersome compared to modern pistols, which can be topped off quickly with a fresh magazine. Another thing to note is trigger pull. Some revolvers, especially double-action models, have noticeably heavier triggers.
For smaller hands or less experienced shooters, this can make it harder to stay on target and control your shot.
That said, revolvers certainly have their place. They’re mechanically simple, highly reliable, and perfect for those who want a straightforward tool that’s ready to go when needed.
However, for most newcomers, pistols tend to offer better capacity, easier reloads, lighter triggers, and more customization—making them a more practical long-term choice.
Summary
From the ultra-compact Glock 42 and the versatile Glock 19 Gen4 to the sleek Kahr CW9 and the reliable Ruger LC9, there's something for everyone.
The elegant Sig Sauer P238, the innovative Smith & Wesson Bodyguard series (both the semi-automatic and revolver), and the classic Smith & Wesson Model 642 offer choices for those who prioritize style, safety, and traditional design.
The slim and efficient Smith & Wesson Shield 9mm and the high-performance Walther PDP-F round out our list, ensuring that whether you're looking for something for concealed carry, personal defense, or sport shooting, there's a firearm here that meets your criteria.
Each of these handguns has been selected for its suitability for women, combining ease of handling, reliability, and quality, to provide a sense of security and empowerment for female shooters.
