Introduction
Women are taking aim—literally. As the number of female firearm owners continues to grow, the search for the best handgun for women has never been stronger.Â
Some say finding the right handgun is like finding the perfect pair of shoes. While it’s not exactly the same, there are some real similarities. Many women want a compact gun that fits comfortably in their hands—whether small, medium, or large—while also offering sleek style and powerful performance.
Think of models like Caniks, known for their blend of style and function. When buying a firearm, many women seek a reliable handgun for self-defense, protecting loved ones, or stepping up in competition.
But what’s fueling this trend? The numbers from Shooting Industry Magazine tell a compelling story:
- Between 2007 and 2022, women’s gun ownership rose from 16% to 22%.
- In 2019 alone, 8 million women participated in shooting sports.
- Between 2015 and 2020, 13.3 million firearms were purchased by women—nearly a third of whom were first-time gun owners.
In this post, we’ll explore some of the most popular handguns for women in 2024. We’ll cover the features that matter most to female firearm owners, like grip, weight, recoil management, and reliability, to help you find the perfect fit.
What is the best handgun for women? Let’s find out.
Criteria for Selection
So you read a lot of recommendations about Sigs and Glocks? What if we told you that actually, you can have a much better handgun than those. In fact, there’s a Canik model out there that covers each of these criteria beautifully, and at a competitive price.
But don't rush, shooter. Let’s first break down what matters most in a compact handgun for women, so you’ll know exactly what to look for.
For choosing the best self-defense and competition handguns for women, we will take a look at these key factors: grip size, balanced weight, recoil management, and, of course, reliability.
Grip Size
Let’s start with one of the first things you’ll notice when you hold a handgun: the grip. It’s also one of the most important factors in comfort and control. A well-fitted grip helps you keep a steady hold, manage recoil, and hit your target with confidence.
For many women, smaller or adjustable grips are ideal, allowing for a secure fit without compromising maneuverability. When the fit feels right, so will your shot.
Balanced Weight
Don’t believe everything that you may read about recommendations for female gun owners. A lightweight model might seem appealing, especially for carrying, but it can sometimes feel unstable when firing.
We know that when buying a handgun, many women are concerned about it not being too heavy—it shouldn’t be difficult to manage over long sessions at the range or for everyday carry.
The best options strike a balance: light enough to carry comfortably yet solid enough to provide stability and help absorb recoil. Weight plays a big role in how comfortable and steady a handgun feels in your hands.
Recoil Management
Recoil can make or break the shooting experience, especially for newer shooters or those sensitive to it. Trust us, we at 45 Blast know about this, as we put serious effort into designing the best handgun compensators for optimal recoil reduction.
What are we looking for here? A handgun with good recoil management keeps muzzle rise under control, allowing for faster and more accurate follow-up shots.
Reliability
Finally, reliability is non-negotiable. Women need a firearm that’s dependable every single time they pull the trigger. A reliable handgun has been tested to function smoothly through various conditions and over time, requiring minimal maintenance to stay in top shape.
Top 5 Handguns for Women
5. Glock 43
The Glock 43 is a well-known choice, particularly for those seeking a compact, reliable handgun from a popular brand. It’s dependable and easy to carry, but some may find it a bit basic compared to other options.
And let’s be real—the Glock 43’s trigger could definitely use an upgrade for a smoother pull.
The Grip
The Glock 43 has a slim, compact grip that’s ideal for smaller hands. However, it lacks adjustable backstraps, meaning you can’t customize the fit. If you have larger hands, it might feel a bit cramped.
Recoil Management
With its lightweight frame, the Glock 43 is easy to carry, but it doesn’t offer much in the way of recoil reduction. The result? A bit more kick than some may prefer, which can affect control during follow-up shots.
Weight Balance
Weighing in at 16.23 oz., the Glock 43 is certainly lightweight—almost too light, which can lead to a lack of stability when firing consecutive rounds.
Reliability
If there’s one thing Glock is known for, it’s reliability, and the Glock 43 is no exception. These handguns are trusted for their durability and performance, so overall we understand why they are a widely recommended handgun for women.
4. Smith & Wesson M&P Shield 9mm
Next, we have the Smith & Wesson M&P Shield 9mm. It’s a go-to choice for women looking for an ergonomic and comfortable handgun. Compact with customizable features, it’s generally a solid pick.
However, loading magazines to the M&P Shield 9mm can be a bit challenging, and the trigger isn’t the smoothest out there.
The Grip
One of the Shield’s standout features is its ergonomic grip with a textured surface. For women seeking a secure grip that doesn’t sacrifice comfort, the Shield delivers.
Recoil Management
For a compact, the M&P Shield does an impressive job with recoil control. Its weight and design help keep muzzle rise in check, allowing for comfortable shooting that doesn’t leave you fighting the kick on every shot.
Weight Balance
The Shield 9mm weighs in at 19 oz., giving it a bit of extra stability. Many find this added weight helpful for reducing felt recoil.
Reliability
Smith & Wesson has a strong reputation for reliable handguns. However, some fellow sharpshooters report that loading magazines into the Shield 9mm can be a bit tricky, which is something to keep in mind.
3. Ruger LC9s
The Ruger LC9s is lightweight and easy to carry, making it an attractive option for women looking for a convenient, compact handgun. However, while it’s simple to handle, it’s not without its limitations, particularly when it comes to reliability and recoil.
The Grip
With a slim, fixed grip, the LC9s is best suited for smaller hands. But not all women have small hands, and this model lacks backstrap options. So in regards grip customization, you might find the fit less than ideal.
Recoil Management
The LC9s’s light frame is a double-edged sword—it’s easy to carry but doesn’t offer much support in terms of recoil reduction.
Weight Balance
At 17.2 oz., the LC9s is very lightweight and concealable. While this makes it easy to carry, some shooters find it less stable when firing consecutive rounds, particularly in rapid succession.
Reliability
Ruger’s reputation for quality is generally strong, but the LC9s is known to be a bit delicate if not properly maintained. Regular cleaning and care are essential to ensure consistent performance.
2. Sig Sauer P365
The Sig Sauer P365, this one comes often when women ask which is the best handgun they can buy. It’s a popular choice among women who want a reliable everyday carry option.
But while it checks several boxes, the P365 isn’t perfect. Its recoil management isn’t great, and reassembly can be a bit tricky.
The Grip
The P365 offers a comfortable, textured grip that’s well-suited for smaller hands. It includes interchangeable backstraps, which allow for a more personalized fit, ensuring a secure hold without sacrificing comfort.
Recoil Management
For its size, the P365 provides decent recoil control, but it’s not the best in this area. The kick may be noticeable, especially for newer shooters.
Weight Balance
Compact and well-balanced, the P365 offers stability without extra bulk. Weighing 17.8 oz., it feels solid in hand while remaining light enough for comfortable carry. This balance makes it a versatile choice for both self-defense and range practice.
Reliability
Sig Sauer has a reputation for producing reliable firearms, and the P365 lives up to it. Known for its consistent performance, it’s a trusted choice for EDC and self-defense scenarios. However, some users report that disassembling and reassembling the P365 can be challenging, which may require some patience.
