Arming Women in 2025: A Comprehensive Guide to Female Gun Ownership

Becoming a first-time gun owner can be intimidating. Becoming a first-time gun owner as a woman can be next-level intimidating.

“Will the guy at the gun counter be helpful or condescending?”

“What’s the difference between 9mm and .380?”

“Should I just stick with a revolver, or is a semi-automatic the better option?”

Questions like these go through the mind of any woman who’s only just picking up a gun for the first time. By the time you finish this article, you’ll feel much more confident about concealed carrying, buying, and maintaining a “power equalizer.”

How to Buy Your First Handgun

We’ll start with the basics: buying your first gun.

One of the most challenging aspects of buying a gun is figuring out which one is right for you. If your friends and family have already made suggestions, don’t let those substitute for hands-on experience. The best thing you can do is visit a range that rents guns and test out several various models.

After you’ve decided which model you’d like to purchase, familiarize yourself with Form 4473: Firearms Transaction Record. Every firearm purchased through a federal firearms licensee (FFL) requires a background check. Form 4473 is central to this process.

Note that exceptions may apply to those buying multiple guns at once or to those who already have a concealed carry weapon (CCW) license (depending on jurisdiction). Also, note that some states, such as Minnesota, require you to apply for a special permit before purchasing a handgun.

Understand the questions on Form 4473, know your state’s laws, and make certain to bring your state-issued ID when you apply to purchase your first firearm.

Best Handguns for Women

There’s no one perfect gun for every woman. Some of us like larger firearms with lower recoil. Others prefer more concealable guns, and learn to cope with their higher recoil.

Choosing a gun is an exciting process. Take care not to rush it. For example, you may initially feel enthusiastic about packing the ferocious power of an S&W Model 640, but quickly abandon the notion once you’ve witnessed the small .357 Magnum revolver’s recoil firsthand. Avoid a misstep like that by taking your time, deferring to others’ experience, and learning how different firearms are operated and maintained.

We can’t pick out a gun for you, but we can make recommendations based on our personal experiences.

Best Concealed Carry Guns for Women

Your ideal “everyday carry” (EDC; aka concealed carry gun) is your go-to firearm: the one you’re comfortable wearing, firing, and maintaining. Here are the best options for women:

SIG Sauer P365-XL ROSE - Best All Around (but Pricey)

We aren’t choosing this one because it’s pretty (that’s just a bonus, honestly). The P365-XL ROSE was explicitly designed for women by world champion shooter Lena Miculek. Its grip, compensator, and trigger are all upgraded from the standard (and cheaper) P365. Although it is the most expensive EDC option on this list, it comes with a lot of accessories and is well worth the price in light of its usability, comfort, and support.

This handgun is a 9mm handgun, but you can also pick up the P365 XL ROSE 380 if you prefer a smaller cartridge. Both cartridges share the same caliber (i.e., diameter) bullet. The 9mm is essentially the longer version of the .380 ACP: more powerful, albeit at the cost of having snappier recoil (i.e., “kick”). The 9mm model’s barrel is outfitted with an integral compensator for this very reason. True to its name, it helps compensate for the 9mm’s comparably robust recoil.

Smith & Wesson M&P Shield EZ - Affordable & Comfortable

The Smith & Wesson M&P Shield EZ is one of the most common firearms carried by women. It’s concealable, comfortable, and affordable.

Although it doesn’t come standard with a compensator like the P365-XL ROSE does, it also doesn’t have the same price tag. This is the firearm to try if you want quality but need to budget for accessories (by which I mean holsters and optics).

Smith & Wesson Equalizer - Concealment & Safety

The Equalizer is an excellent option for women who are concerned with firearm safety. Some semi-automatic firearms have a manual thumb safety, but the Equalizer takes it up a notch with its grip safety (you can’t squeeze the trigger without holding the gun properly).

This micro-compact firearm has snappier recoil than the P365-XL ROSE or the Shield EZ, but it’s easier to conceal and relatively affordable (about $600 MSRP as of early 2025).

Glock 19 Gen3

The Glock 19 Gen3 is comfortable to hold and fire, affordable (around $500), and easy to conceal. This semi-automatic firearm has magazine options ranging from 10 to 15 rounds or more (plus one in the chamber).

Glock is reputed for making quality firearms. The brand’s enormous popularity means many accessories are available, including a wide range of holsters. However, unlike other popular Glock models, this one is more compact and better for concealment with smaller hands. Of course, if you’re looking to go even more compact, the G26 is another excellent option.

Ruger Security - Low-Priced & Compact

The Ruger Security is an excellent model for those seeking a quality handgun with a lower price tag (typically under $400). This lineup comes in .380 ACP (Security-380) and 9mm (Security-9), has a large magazine capacity (noting that multiple jurisdictions ban “high-capacity” magazines, i.e. those holding more than 10 rounds), and is quite comfortable to conceal and fire.

The Ruger Security doesn’t have many bells and whistles. Its feed ramp is known to present issues when it becomes dirty, which necessitates more maintenance – the reason why the Ruger Security occupies the bottom of our list.

Best Glock for Women

Glock handguns are like iPhones: popular and reliable, with many accessory options.

Most women value two things in their first gun: comfort and safety. A Glock handgun scores high marks in the former category, although its lack of a thumb safety necessitates additional caution (which isn’t to suggest you should exercise anything else while carrying a firearm).

The upside to not having a manual safety switch is that your firearm is ready to stop threats with one less preceding step. After carrying for some time, you’ll likely feel perfectly comfortable without the benefit of a manual safety behind. With that said, here are some of the best Glock pistols for women:

Glock 19 Gen3

We already mentioned this one, but it's undeniably a fan favorite. This gun is affordable, concealable, compact, and user-friendly.

If you have smaller hands, the Gen3 is more comfortable to hold and fire than the Gen5, but due to its lighter frame, the G19 does have a little more felt recoil than the G17.

The G19 is chambered for 9mm. The 9mm cartridge is favored by countless law enforcement agencies and exponentially more citizens for defense. It is powerful enough to do the job, and its widespread popularity means training and defense ammo are both ubiquitous.

Glock 17

The G17 is an excellent option for women who want a larger handgun (4.49” barrel versus a 4.02” barrel). Also chambered in 9mm, this pistol’s recoil is slightly more manageable than the G19’s. That comes at a cost, however, as the G17 weighs more and is more challenging to conceal.

Glock 43X

The G43X is the most compact option of the three Glock handguns listed (3.41”). This is the best 9mm option if you’re a proficient shooter looking for something concealable. Due to its smaller frame, some say it’s less comfortable to fire but more comfortable to carry.

Best 9mm for Women

The 9mm is a preferred cartridge because it fires farther than larger cartridges (like the .45 ACP or .357 Magnum), has more energy than smaller cartridges (like the .380 ACP or .25 ACP), and is chambered in most makes and models.

Here are a few excellent 9mm handguns to test out at the range.

SIG P365-XL

Ranges that offer handguns for rent typically have some variant or another of the SIG P365. This semi-automatic pistol is comfortable, reliable, and user-friendly, making it one of the better 9mm options for women.

The P365-XL is comfortable to shoot, concealable, and is rated one of the top handguns available today. This model is a high-quality firearm with a lower price tag than the ROSE. The standard sights are excellent, but you can also find reasonably priced optics that facilitate faster target acquisition.

G19 Gen3

The G19 Gen3’s wider grip makes it more comfortable to hold (unless you have very small hands). Its double-stack magazine (which contains two columns of ammunition as opposed to only one) allows you to fire more shots in between reloads.

The G19 is also more affordable than other options (around $500), and accessories like holsters and optics are easy to find. It lacks a manual safety switch, which makes some shooters apprehensive.

Note: Magazines that hold more than 10 rounds aren’t legal in all 50 states. The G19 Gen3 has optional magazine sizes to accommodate various state and municipal laws.

Smith & Wesson M&P Shield EZ

The S&W Shield EZ is a micro-compact (super small and concealable) semi-automatic option that’s comfortable and affordable (around $500). If a manual thumb safety is paramount to your peace of mind, we recommend this option.

Best Revolver (Wheel Gun) for Women

The female gun community is moving away from revolvers. Although they’re reliable, revolvers’ lower capacity (five or six rounds), heavier trigger pull, and lack of detachable magazines (which complicates reloading) has caused many women to deem them impractical.

Your dear author has a soft spot for revolvers, though, and asserts they still have a place in our community. Here are the best wheel guns for women.

Colt Anaconda (.44 Magnum)

“God created men, Col. Colt made them equal” – Early marketing slogan

There’s no need to choose between a man and a bear when you have a .44 Magnum. The Anaconda isn’t easily concealed, and the recoil can be intense for novice shooters, but it is one of the best options for women in bear country or who prefer larger revolvers.

The Anaconda is a trusted, versatile, reliable and high-quality double-action revolver (meaning the trigger performs two actions: cocks the hammer and fires a cartridge).

Smith & Wesson LadySmith (.38 Special)

The Smith & Wesson LadySmith is a compact, concealable, reliable hammerless five-shot revolver. This revolver is also affordable – less than $600 at the time of writing.

The lightweight LadySmith is a perfect option for novices. Its hammerless design and smaller grip make it great for smaller hands, and its frame and barrel are rated for +P (i.e., ammo that packs more punch).

Ruger GP100 (.357 Magnum)

The Ruger GP100 is one of the most popular revolvers for women. This double-action .357 Magnum is accurate, reliable, compact, and more affordable than other high-quality revolver options (typically less than $800).

Although a bit heavy and, therefore less practical for everyday carry, the GP100 is also versatile because it allows you to fire .357 Magnum or (substantially weaker) .38 Special ammunition.

Best Handgun Options for Purse Carry

In the year 2025, we don’t need to purse-carry. Wearing your firearm on your body is the safest and most practical way to carry it, which is why there are bra holsters, belly band holsters, inside-the-waistband holsters, and many other holsters that suit every body type.

However, many women still prefer to purse-carry. If you’re one of them, then it’s important to have a crossbody purse specifically designed to conceal a firearm.

What Is the Proper Way for a Woman to Hold a Gun

Holding a gun may not seem complicated at first, although inadequate grip can cause malfunctions and poor accuracy.

Note: Read the four rules of firearm safety here before handling a firearm.

Here are the proper steps to holding a semi-automatic handgun:

1. First – and most importantly – keep your finger off the trigger until you’re ready to fire.
2. Grasp the gun with your dominant hand.
3. Slide your hand high up on the beavertail (the curved part on the back of the gun; to avoid slide bite, make certain you don’t go higher than the beavertail). Note: Revolvers do not have beavertails.
4. Place your dominant index finger above the trigger guard and let it rest there until you’re ready to squeeze the trigger.
5. Wrap your lower three fingers around the grip.
6. Rest your dominant thumb below the slide on the opposite side of the handgun.
7. Place your non-dominant hand on the other side of the handgun.
8. Wrap your four non-dominant lower fingers under the trigger guard and around your dominant hand.
9. Point your non-dominant thumb at your target, letting it rest just under the slide.
10. Firmly grasp with your non-dominant hand while letting your dominant hand relax a little (you should be able to tickle the trigger with your index finger).
11. Point your non-dominant thumb and dominant index finger at the target.

If you don’t have a firm grasp on your firearm, then it will move wherever it lacks support.

Holding a revolver is a similar process. However, its slimmer grip means you need to slightly adjust your hands. Follow the same steps above to hold the firearm with your dominant hand. Except make a “V” shape with your thumb and index finger with your non-dominant hand and push the firearm into that V with your non-dominant hand.

What Is the Proper Way for a Woman to Carry a Gun

It’s often said that a woman puts herself in greater danger by carrying a gun because someone could take it away from her. Let this presumption underscore a crucial point: The key to carrying a firearm is to ensure you can quickly access it while others can’t.

Before you continue, heed this advice on purse-carrying: don’t. It increases the amount of time you have to spend drawing and makes disarming you as easy as snatching your purse. The best way to carry your handgun is on your body in a holster. Fortunately, you don’t have to sacrifice practicality for comfort. Here are holster options to explore:

• Inside-the-waistband (IWB) holsters are typically slimmer and easier to conceal than outside-the-waistband (OWB) alternatives.
• Bra holsters won’t work for everyone and every gun – but if you can pull it off, it’s extraordinarily convenient.
• Belly band holsters work for most women. They make it easy to conceal a gun and extra mags! There’s a lot of fabric with these holsters, however, which makes them impractical in Southern climates.
• Underarm/shoulder holsters are great for concealing a firearm under a vest or jacket.
• Thigh holsters are excellent for women who habitually wear dresses or skirts.
• Ankle holsters work best with compact guns (unless you want a workout), although drawing from one can be impractical while you’re standing or seated.

Before choosing a holster, ensure it will fit your gun. Afterwards, practice your draw at home (with your gun unloaded, or loaded with dummy rounds). Pull clothing away from your gun when drawing (you don’t want your firearm getting caught in your shirt).

Tips for Women's Self-Defense

Having a gun doesn’t instantly make you more powerful than an attacker. It is simply a tool you can learn to use to protect yourself and your children.

Here are things you need to practice regularly – with or without a firearm:

1. Situational Awareness - Put your phone in your pocket, stop thinking about what you’re going to cook for supper, and pay attention to what’s happening around you.
   • Wise instructor suggests training your mind to pay attention by counting how many people are wearing blue shirts in a store, or how many people have blonde hair, etc.
2. Threat Identification - Familiarize yourself with the “threat triangle.” Does a person have the (A) capability, (B) intent, and (C) opportunity to hurt you?
   • On average, you must recognize whether a person is closing the threat triangle in 3 seconds. Be prepared!
3. Avoid a Vulnerable Stance - Attackers often look for women who appear to be weak or distracted. Stand tall, look around you, and walk confidently.
   • Your stance can deter nefarious individuals from choosing you.
4. Analyze Escape Routes - Wherever you are, and without stressing yourself out, check for exits and places around you where you may be safer if something happens.
   • This is important whether you’re at work, in your vehicle, or walking down Main Street.
5. Don’t Be Kind - Going against the grain of everything we’ve been taught about being kind and selfless isn’t easy, but you don’t have to be nice to people who make you uncomfortable.
   • If your instincts say “get off the elevator” or “go back inside the store,” just do it. Fear of seeming crazy or rude has cost many lives.

Make Sure You Have Everyday Items for Self Defense

I’ll shoot straight here: The gun is the absolute greatest gift to women. However big, fast, or powerful your assailant might be, a gun lets you match their power.

We still have a lot of work to do to empower women to wield such a powerful tool. If you aren’t yet comfortable carrying a gun – or you simply don’t have the means to obtain one – there are other tools you can use to defend yourself:

• Distance Tools: Maintaining distance is ideal. Pepper Spray, high-decibel alarms, and projectile stun guns are options for maintaining distance while stunning an attacker.
• Cutting Tools: Cutting tools, such as knives with ergonomic grips, reduce the likelihood that your attacker will take your weapon. It's best to practice with these tools before they’re necessary.
• Disguised Tools: Tactical pens, keychain tools, and other disguised items that can be deployed quickly offer an element of surprise, which may help you escape an attacker.

Although these tools are not as efficient as a firearm, practicing and training with them regularly can save your life.

Home Defense Tips for Females

Your home is your castle, and you have a right to defend it (kind of – it depends on your state). Here are simple ways you can take to make your home more secure and give yourself greater peace of mind.

1. Lock your deadbolt whenever you’re home. Replace the screws in your deadbolts with longer ones (making it more difficult for would-be intruders to force entry).
2. Install a security system, or hire a company to do it for you.
3. Close and lock your windows each night.
4. Follow the 3-foot rule: Keep a weapon within 3 feet of yourself at all times.
5. Don’t invite threats. Be mindful of who comes into your home, and don’t feel obligated to open the door even if you believe you know who’s knocking.

Best Firearms for Home Defense

Note: “Know your target and what’s beyond it” is a crucial rule in every situation, but also for home defense.

Here are the firearms and cartridges most people choose for home defense, and why:

• An AR-15 - Forget all preconceived notions of the AR-15. Chambered in 5.56 NATO is excellent for home defense because it’s user-friendly, affordable, comfortable to fire, highly customizable, and has higher magazine capacities.
• A 12 Gauge shotgun - A tried-and-true home defense option. Once paired with the right shotshell, it will stop a threat almost instantly.
• Your EDC - Also practical for home defense. The key is to use cartridges that will expand on impact (thereby reducing the risk of over-penetration). A jacketed hollow-point bullet is ideal here.

Arming Women: Wrap-Up

Choosing and buying a handgun can be a nerve-wracking process, especially when more seasoned shooters start offering you their own recommendations. Take action! Research which firearms might work best for you. Test them out at a range that rents guns. Learn how to effectively carry, draw, and fire whichever firearm you choose for EDC. And above all else, make certain to stock up on quality defensive ammunition from Ammo.com!