One of the most frequent questions I get asked on Instagram is, "What is the best concealed carry gun for women?"
The easy answer to the question, I believe, above all, is "whatever gun you like." A firearm can be so specific, it can't be a one-size-fits-all solution.
However, that answer can also be overwhelming to someone completely new to shooting, so I will give you 10 pointers to keep in mind and share 10 firearms I have enjoyed carrying with you.
Photo Features: Versa Carry Belt with Vakandi leggings
10 Pointers To Keep In Mind When Shopping For A Concealed Carry Firearm
1. Not A Revolver
First things first, my list will not have revolvers on it; sorry if that's what you love. For self-defense, in my opinion, they just don't have enough pros vs cons. The round counts are low, they are harder to reload, they are very limited in accessories, and they have limited holster options.
2. Fit & Feel
This is probably the most important tip I can give you, and the good news is that these are all pointers you can test over the counter at your local gun store without renting the firearm to test it.
How does the firearm feel in your hands? Does it feel like you can barely hang on to it or like your hands are swallowing it whole?
Can you drop the magazine easily, or is your thumb too short, and you have to break your grip to get it out?
Where does your pinky finger rest on the grip? Does it fit comfortably? Or does it rest where the mag well meets the grip, causing pinching on your finger when you reload?
Can you rack the slide with ease? Or is it stiff and takes an uncomfortable amount of force for your strength?
How does the trigger feel? Does it have a nice crisp break, or does it feel mushy or too heavy? Ask if there are any known trigger upgrades for the model you are testing, or google it if the counter rep seems unknowledgeable.
Does the grip have a nice texture, or is it too smooth on the finish and hard to hold on to?
If you prefer manual safety, is it easy to flick on and off with your thumb, or is it too stiff? I do not prefer manual safety; I trust my safety practices and my gear for that. However, something to keep in mind if you do choose a gun with manual safety is that you need to practice and make a mental habit of getting that safety on and off.
This is my standard gun down when I am browsing at a gun store.
3. What Size Do You Need?
The bigger, the better, but within realistic reason for the application. For example, many micro guns feel good in my hands, but I choose to carry a mid-sized firearm because I know for my personal style and body type that concealing it will not be an issue.
For others, maybe they are very thin-framed and like to wear a lot of tight clothing, so their priority needs to be to find the smallest gun possible.
Maybe your uniform completely prohibits you from concealing your body, so you know your only option is to carry a bag on your body, in which case you can get as big of a firearm as you want. Heck, get an SBR if you want to sling carry!
Just be realistic with yourself about your lifestyle and what sacrifices you are or are not willing to make to conceal a firearm on your body daily. I would hate for you to have a go big or go home attitude and then never end up carrying because it is a burden.
4. Round Count
Let's talk round count! Easily one of the most important factors when choosing a self-defense gun. Why would you ever want fewer rounds when defending your life? For example, my Glock 43 holds 6+1, and my Canik Mete Mc9 Hold 12/15+1. They are the same size, but the Canik has a double-stacked magazine. With a matching price point, why would you ever choose the gun with a smaller round count? Something to pay attention to! A baseline bare minimum for me is 10+1.
5. What is the Gun Chambered in?
I will make this one super simple; just say no to .22, which I am sure some man will push on you at some point. I personally avoid .380, but it's not the worst option. The amount of decreased damage vs decreased recoil is not worth it. For me, it's 9mm exclusively for concealed carry paired with self-defense ammo, which I will cover in another blog.
6. What Accessories Can You Utilize?
The first two things I look for in a carry gun are whether it is optic-ready and can mount a flashlight. Be careful because some models of the same firearm will have these features, and others will not. For example, with Glocks, you want to make sure you are buying a MOS model vs. not. You can have your slide cut to fit one later in most cases, but it can honestly be such a hassle, which is why I always recommend buying your gun ready for the upgrades you want.
7. Is the Gun Durable?
Durability often depends on whether the firearm is made from steel vs polymer. Steel firearms often require more maintenance to function properly. For example, if I don't clean, lube, and keep my mag well free of dirt with my steel framed 911, the chances of me having a malfunction are very high. Then, on the other hand, with my polymer-framed Glock, I could forget to clean it for months, drop it in the sand, maybe off a cliff, and it will still shoot just fine. Personally, for my concealed carry gun, I prefer less high-maintenance guns such as this.
8. Holster Avalibity
While there might not be anything wrong with a less popular gun, you fall in love with something to keep in mind: a concealed carry gun is one you will need to find a quality Kydex holster for. It will make your life much easier if you do a quick search on a reputable holster company you plan to purchase from before you purchase a firearm to see if they make something that will work for you. See "6. Equipment Matters" on my safety blog for a list of holster companies I recommend.
9. Price Points
More expensive is not always better. If you are on a budget, I have good news: some of my favorite firearms are under $500 and can even be found for less on the used market. I recommend keeping an eye open for gun stores that sell used gun shows or armslist.com.
10. Test Before You Buy Whenever Possible
After narrowing your choices down to a few options from all of my previous trips, the last and final step you can take to help ensure you are going to love your new gun is to go to a local range with a good variety of rentals and try a few of your options out!
See how the recoil compares. Make sure you take detailed notes on each right after you shoot each one while it is fresh in your memory.
Miss.Tactical List Of Top 10 Concealed Carry Guns For Women 2023
The P365 XL takes first place on this list for Top Womens Concealed Carry Guns because it is what I personally choose to carry daily.
Photo features Versa Carry Holster & Hornady Self Defense Ammo
I highly recommend this holster if you do not plan on carrying with a side car or light. This is not my personal daily holster because it does not fit my light BUT it is a slim option I tested and ran all last summer. Also it is very affordable under $50.
Pro: One of the best stock triggers, Does not pinch my pink on reloads,
Easy to operate
Cons: Price in you live in a bad market area
Notes: Don't go for the Romeo red dot go with the Holosun EPS Carry option
Caliber: 9mm
Round Count: 15+1 or 12+1
Optic Ready: Yes
Light Ready: Yes
Accessories Availability: High
Price Point: $500-$700
L 6.6 in [168 mm] W 1.1 in [28 mm] H 4.8 in (122 mm) W 20.7 oz (588 g)
The little sister to my favorite the P365 XL, bonus she is now California compliant!
Pro: One of the best stock triggers, very easy to conceal
Cons: Lower round count than XL but meets my personal minimum of 10+1, Might not fit pinky on grip for larger hands
Notes: Don't go for the Romeo red dot go with the Holosun EPS Carry option
Caliber: 9mm
Round Count: 10+1
Optic Ready: Yes
Light Ready: Yes
Accessories Availability: High
Price Point: $450- $500
L 5.8 in [148 mm] W 1.1 in [28 mm] H 4.3 in [109 mm] H 18 oz [500 g]
This NEW Canik takes 2nd place on this list for Top Womens Concealed Carry Guns overall I also own and carry this gun. I was asked to test the beauty for Canik in Personal Self Defense magazine in 2023 and I fell in love with it!
Size compared next to my P365 XL
Starter Kit Includes - Highly recommend for the one and done shopper.
12 and 15 Round Magazines
(1) Finger Extension Magazine Base Plate
Magazine Loader
Custom Holster
Canik Punch & Tool Kit
Cleaning Brush and Jag Rod
(3) Grip Backstraps - Great for ultimate customization
Gun Lock & Manual
Storage Case
Pro: Comes with a great starter kit and has a very high round count for its size at a beautiful price point!
Cons: So new there are not many accessories BUT the money you will save you can spend on a custom holster.
Notes: The holster it comes with will hold you over but is not good enough for long term use.
Caliber: 9mm
Round Count: 12+1 or 15+1
Optic Ready: Yes
Light Ready: Yes
Accessories Availability: Low
Price Point: $450- $500
L 6.1” W 1.12" H 4.52” W 21.27 oz
Glock is known for their durability! Also they have a large resale market.
Pro: Very popular with lots of after market upgrades
Cons: Lower round count but meets my personal minimum of 10+1, Mushy trigger but that upgradable, Pinky might not fit on grip
Notes: I recommend an Overwatch Precision trigger upgrade
Caliber: 9mm
Round Count: 10+1
Optic Ready: Yes
Light Ready: Yes
Accessories Availability: High
Price Point: $450- $500
L 165 mm | 6.50 inch W 28 mm H 1.10 inch 128 mm W 5.04 inch 526 g | 18.55 oz
The big sister to the Glock 43x MOS this would be my go to choice for Glock for a concealed carry option.
Pro: Very popular with lots of after market upgrades
Cons: Lower round count but meets my personal minimum of 10+1, Mushy trigger but that upgradable
Notes: I recommend an Overwatch Precision trigger upgrade
Caliber: 9mm
Round Count: 10+1
Optic Ready: Yes
Light Ready: Yes
Accessories Availability: High
Price Point: $450- $500
L185 mm | 7.28 inch W 28 mm | 1.10 inch H128 mm | 5.04 inch W 584 g | 20.60 oz
Another firearm I personally own and carry, especially when I travel and want something just a little bit bigger than my day to day concealed carry gun.
Photo Features: Holosun EPS Carry and Magpul accessories
Photo Features: Quick Access RPNB Safe
Pro: Very similar to the Glock 48 but with a better fit and finish
Cons: Newer to the market so there are currently fewer after market upgrades
Notes: I love this gun, it is one of my many staged quick access guns in my home
Caliber: 9mm
Round Count: 14+1 or 16+1
Optic Ready: Yes
Light Ready: Yes
Accessories Availability: Low
Price Point: $450- $500
L 7.10" W 1.10" H 4.90" W 21 oz
One of my truly favorite firearms, I had the pleasure of testing it for Combat Handguns Magazine and even made the cover shot by Sean Utley!
Designed by women for women!
Pro: Unmatched fit and finish, you can tell its made for a woman's hands by the feel and ease of use and all mechanical functions.
Cons: Price of firearm and magazines, if I had the money I would invest in this gun!
Notes: Hey Walther, what do I have to do to get sponsored I LOVE this gun!!! :3
Caliber: 9mm
Round Count: 15+1
Optic Ready: Yes
Light Ready: Yes
Accessories Availability: Medium
Price Point: $700
L 3.5"-4" long options
This pick comes from my community, other than my personal choices I asked my Instagram following to tell me what they carry and love and this was a hot pick.
Pro: A trusted long time favorite
Cons: It is a little stiff in my opinion, metal magazines tend to be less durrable
Notes: Has many stock color options to choose from
Caliber: 9mm
Round Count: 11+1 or 13+1
Optic Ready: Yes
Light Ready: Yes
Accessories Availability: High
Price Point: $550-$700L 6" W 1" H 4" W18.3 oz
Another pick comes from my community, other than my personal choices I asked my Instagram following to tell me what they carry and love and this was a hot pick. This is also a perfect example of what I mean when I say you need to get what is good for you above all because while this firearm is wildly popular and I have many friends that love it... PERSONALLY I don't like this gun and that is OKAY!
Pro: A trusted long time favorite
Cons: low round count, It is stiff in my opinion and I dislike the trigger and feel in my hand but maybe you will disagree
Notes: Comes in many calibers and state compliances
Caliber: 9mm
Round Count: 7+1 or 8+1
Optic Ready: No
Light Ready: Yes
Accessories Availability: High
Price Point: $500
W 0.95 in H 4.6" W 34.24 oz
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