Best Concealed Carry Guns for Women: The Ultimate Guide

When you look at guns, there are countless lists of the best concealed-carry weapons. However, they all make one huge assumption: that the shooter is a man.

But women have different body types, hand sizes, and fashions. All of these influence what handguns work as concealed carry options for women and which ones don't.

That's why the experts at Sportsman's Outdoor Superstore decided to make this guide. Stick with us while we go through how to choose the best concealed carry guns for women.

What to Look For in a CCW for Women

There are a few things women should keep in mind when choosing their gun:

• • Compact Design: Larger guns may pack more of a punch, but since women generally have smaller hands, they can be harder to control. A smaller grip and shorter barrel make for a gun that has the size and weight balance perfect for a female shooter.
• • Smaller Caliber: The bigger a cartridge, the more kick it has. Rounds of smaller calibers don't have as much recoil, making it easier for shooters with smaller hands to control their guns with repeat shots.
• • Handbag/IWB Concealability: Women's clothes are cut closer to the body than men's clothing, with foregoing pockets and extra waistband room for slimness. You'll most likely be concealing your gun in a handbag. If you do IWB carry, you'll have to be very conscious of the gun's size.

The overall philosophy: the more compact you can get without sacrificing performance, the better.

Top 3 Best Concealed Carry Guns for Women

With these gun characteristics in mind, let's take a look at some concealed carry options for women recommended by our team.

#1: 9mm Glock 43

Glock is known for their semi-auto handguns, and for good reason. They balance ergonomics with consistent performance their owners can rely on. Glocks are used by military, law enforcement, and civilians around the world.

They're also experts at designing compact CCW guns that don't compromise on firepower or handling. The Glock 43 is one of those guns. These are the smallest handguns ever produced by Glock chambered for 9mm Luger, making them easy to conceal and even easier to control. These all come together to make for one of the best concealed carry guns for women.

#2: 9mm / .380 ACP SIG Sauer P365

The SIG P365 was built by SIG Sauer to be the most concealable pistol in its class and carried every day. Their tiny 5.8" total length easily slides into both thin waistbands and small purses.

However, with a 10+1 round capacity in either 9mm or .380 ACP, their compact design doesn't compromise their performance. You can even attach optics. This is a good concealed carry option for women who need the smallest firearm possible without giving up anything you'd expect from a full-size handgun.

#3: .380 ACP Smith & Wesson M&P 380 Shield EZ

The M&P Shield line of handguns was made by Smith & Wesson for EDC. But one M&P model stands out: the M&P380 Shield EZ. This ultra-compact firearm is chambered for .380 ACP, a cartridge with manageable recoil, and has options for overall lengths that go as small as 6.7". These two characteristics alone make it one of the best concealed carry guns for women in our gun store.

Find High-Performance Firearms at Sportsman's Outdoor Superstore

Since 2007, Sportsman's Outdoor Superstore has been helping both men and women find the guns they need for their shooting applications. Whether you're someone looking for the best concealed carry gun for women or a hunter considering their next bolt-action rifle, you can find it in our collection of guns for sale at competitive prices. Plus, they're in stock and ready to ship, so you'll never need to worry about surprise backorders or shipping delays. Order your next firearm today from Sportsman's Outdoor Superstore.