These days, it’s easier for women to find resources that guide them about how to purchase a gun and which guns to buy. That said, not all of these guides are free from misconceptions.
Some guides may suggest pink guns for women mostly because they’re pink, even if the gun is less than ideal or significantly pricier than comparable alternatives.
But women don’t buy guns for their color. Statistics show that the leading reason why women buy guns and invest in formal training is to protect themselves from home invaders and assaulters.
If you’re a woman looking to buy your first gun, you want a firearm that’s relatively easy to use and maintain while being effective at stopping attackers in their tracks.
That’s why we’ve put together this list of the best guns for women.
TOP CHOICES
Best Overall
Smith & Wesson M&P Shield EZ Semi-Auto Pistol with Thumb Safety
- Semi-automatic.
- 9mm caliber.
- Weighs 23 oz.
- Uses manual thumb safety and grip safety.
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Best Value
Glock 17 Gen 5
- Semi-automatic.
- 9mm caliber.
- Weighs 24.97 oz.
- Comfortable, slip-resistant grip keeps the gun firmly in hand while shooting.
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Best for Concealed Carry
Kimber Micro 9 STG Semi-Auto Pistol
- Semi-automatic.
- 9mm caliber.
- Weighs 15.4 oz
- Designed for left-handed and right-handed shooters alike.
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1Taurus G2C Semi-Auto Pistol
The Taurus G2C is a great compact gun for women on a budget. This is one of the cheapest firearms on this list.
It features semi-automatic action and has a 10+1 round capacity. This 9mm caliber gun weighs a light 22 oz. and has some of the best ergonomics you’ll see on a gun at this price point.
The grip texturing is set in a geometric pattern that lines up with spots where your hand makes the most contact.
PROS
- 9mm caliber.
- Semi-automatic.
- Weighs 22 oz.
- Tactile loaded chamber indicator makes it easy to tell whether the gun is loaded.
- Double-strike capacity.
CONS
- Designed for right handed shooters.
2Smith & Wesson M&P Shield EZ Semi-Auto Pistol with Thumb Safety
Best Overall
If you’re new to shooting a gun or just don’t have a lot of hand strength, the Smith & Wesson M&P Shield EZ Semi-Auto Pistol is for you.
This gun is a semi-automatic pistol designed to be operated as simply and easily as possible.
The slide is easy to rack and the magazine is easy to load. It takes very little strength to use this gun compared to the standard Smith & Wesson M&P Shield.
PROS
- Semi-automatic.
- 9mm caliber.
- Weighs 23 oz.
- Uses manual thumb safety and grip safety.
- Reduced recoil spring tension.
CONS
- Low capacity of just 8 rounds.
3Glock 17 Gen 5
Best Value
If you own a gun from the previous generation of the Glock 17, you may have immediately noticed that the Glock 17 Gen 5 doesn’t have the finger grooves of its predecessors. Though some might miss it, the omission of the finger grooves make it easier for people with different hand sizes to comfortably hold the grip.
The Glock 17 Gen 5 has ambidextrous controls that suit both left and right handed users. It has a 17 + 1 round capacity and its barrel comes in at just a little under 5 inches.
PROS
- Semi-automatic.
- 9mm caliber.
- Weighs 24.97 oz.
- Comfortable, slip-resistant grip keeps the gun firmly in hand while shooting.
CONS
- Longer grip length makes it harder to conceal compared to some guns on this list
4Kimber Micro 9 STG Semi-Auto Pistol
Best for Concealed Carry
The Kimber Micro 9 STG Semi-Auto Pistol is a bit on the pricey side but is still worth the money if you’re looking for a reliable concealed carry gun.
The Kimber Micro 9 is the smallest gun on this list and has an aggressive texturing on the grip that makes it easy to hold in place. The magazine well is beveled, making reloading smoother.
Along with its small size comes minimal recoil that’s perfect for inexperienced shooters or people with little upper body strength.
Plus, if you’re looking for a gun that’s as aesthetically pleasing as it is effective, the Kimber Micro 9 currently has a variety of color schemes to choose from.
PROS
- 9mm caliber.
- Semi-automatic.
- Weighs 15.4 oz.
- Designed for left-handed and right-handed shooters alike.
- Perfect for concealed carry.
CONS
- A bit harder to use for shooters with large hands.
- Limited 7 round capacity.
5Smith & Wesson SD9 VE Pistol
The Smith & Wesson SD9 VE Pistol is another great gun that’s well-suited for concealed carry. It uses a 16-round magazine and reloads seamlessly.
This gun features aggressive front and back texturing that can overcome even the sweatiest of hands. Having said that, it might not be the best gun for you if you’re a fairly new shooter or have weak hand strength since the trigger is pull rated at roughly 8 pounds.
PROS
- Semi-automatic.
- 9mm caliber.
- Weighs 22 oz.
- Straightforward disassembly and cleaning.
CONS
- Somewhat heavy trigger pull rated at around 8 lbs.
