When you hear the term self-defense, it’s natural to think that only men should need to worry about how they defend themselves. However, women are also susceptible to violence and other threats. Statistics show that one in three women will be sexually assaulted in their lifetime and one out of every six women has been stalked. The statistics for assault and abuse go up when we take into account people of color and LGBTQ individuals. Therefore, it’s important for all people to have an effective self-defense plan in place. If you’re a woman, here are some guidelines to follow when shopping for a handgun that will offer you the best protection.
Why Women Need Self-Defense Handguns
Women are not the only ones that should have a self-defense plan. While it’s true that women are at higher risk for sexual assault, abuse, and stalking, men are still at risk. And while men may be more likely to carry a self-defense handgun on their person, women can’t always do that. That’s why it’s important for women to have a plan to defend themselves in the event of an attack. And one of the best ways to do this is by carrying a self defense handgun.
So how do you pick the best self-defense handgun for you? That’s what we’ll cover next.
What to Look for in a Self-Defense Handgun
When you’re shopping for a handgun, you need to know what to look for in a self-defense firearm. Here are a few suggestions:
Safety: Always ensure your self-defense handgun is in a safe and secure place.
Trigger guard: If you have small children in your home, lookING for a handgun that has a trigger guard or a fingerprint safe is a great option.
Holster: Make sure your handgun is in a holster or safe place when you’re not using it. Leather holsters are the best.
Ammunition: Get the best ammunition available. It always surprises us at how many people will try and buy crap ammunition when this is a life-saving tool.
Sights: A good glow-in-the-dark sight is recommended. We also recommend a Surefire tactical light which can also be used to point, aim, and fire.
Caliber: You want to make sure the caliber of your handgun is appropriate for the task at hand (i.e., if you’re looking for self-defense against bears, you need something more powerful than what you would use to defend yourself against humans).
Accessories: Certain accessories can protect you better than others (i.e., pepper spray, stun guns, high-powered pocket flashlight.) We recommend the Surefire P2X 1000 lumen model.
Types of Handguns Available
There are many options for handguns on the market. When shopping, make sure you find a handgun that suits your needs and will be easy to use.
There are three main types of handguns: revolvers, semi-automatics, and single-action. Revolvers and semi-automatics both have the ability to chamber multiple rounds, but revolvers require users to reload after each shot. Single-action handguns can only chamber one round at a time.
Semi-automatic and single-action handguns are easier to use and offer more protection because they can’t misfire as revolvers can. When deciding on a type of handgun, consider how often you would need to use it and how much time you want to spend reloading or pulling the trigger.
Revolvers are better for people who need to be discreet but want an effective means of self defense. Semi-automatic and single-action handguns are lighter and easier to conceal, making them a better choice for people who want portability and protection. Revolvers also offer the convenience of not needing to worry about how many shots you have left in your magazine.
Our top three brands are H&K, Sig Sauer, and Glock.
Conclusion
When you’re shopping for a handgun for self-defense, it’s important to keep in mind the unique needs of women.
Many women may feel uncomfortable carrying a firearm in public or keeping one close to them at all times. When choosing a handgun, it’s best to select one that is small and lightweight, like the Ruger LCP II, which is great for women with smaller frames. Some models are even pink, like the Glock 43, making them less intimidating for women.
If you know you’ll only need the gun for home protection or to keep in your car, you might want to get a smaller caliber gun like the Kel-Tec P3AT. The gun fits easily in your purse and is lightweight enough that it won’t be too much of a burden to carry around.
It’s also important to consider how easy the gun is to use. For this, it’s best to go test out the gun at your local firing range or at a store where you can rent one. You’ll be able to see how easy it is to use the different safety features and how accurate it is when firing at different distances.
Most importantly, learn how to use your gun from someone with military or law enforcement experience. Ask for references because there are too many Rex Kwan Do “Experts” out there (you know, from the Napoleon Dynamite movie?) who say they know but really don’t.
