6 Good Self Defense Handguns for Women

Am Shooting Journal ^ | 10/20/2017 | J McAdams

[w1n1]

There are several important characteristics to look for when choosing a self-defense handgun.

First, the handgun must be in chambered in a cartridge powerful enough to reliably stop an assailant when the shot is placed properly.

Second, the handgun must comfortably fit the hands of an average woman. This is a very important characteristic to consider because a properly fitting handgun will have less perceived recoil and be more enjoyable to shoot.

Finally, the handgun must be reliable and easy to operate. When trusting your life to a handgun, it must work every time without fail. If it constantly malfunctions at the range, it very well might malfunction when you really need it and that’s completely unacceptable. Here are our picks for the best handguns for women to use for self-defense.

Ruger LC9s (9mm Luger)

This Ruger uses a 7 round single stack magazine, making it very slim and compact. For this reason, the LC9s is well suited for small framed shooters and those wishing to carry it concealed.

Kahr CW9 (9mm Luger)

The design is a very simple without a lot of the bells and whistles, the CW9 is still a formidable choice as a handgun for women. With such a slim design - its good for people with smaller hands.

S&W M&P Bodyguard (.38 Special)

The Bodyguard revolver is the latest in a line of excellent quality revolvers produced by Smith & Wesson. The synthetic grip makes the revolver easy to hold and noticeably reduces recoil. Weighs in just over 14 ounces, the S&W Bodyguard is the lightest handgun on this list of the best self-defense handguns for women. What other handguns would you refer women to?, for women out there, what do you prefer to pack with? that we didn't mention here. See and read the rest of the full description of 6 good self defense handguns for women here.

[NorthMountain]

Take her to a range. Let her try a number of guns. Let HER pick.

Correct.

She doesn't tell me what gun fits my hand. I show her the same courtesy.

[ImJustAnotherOkie]

Exactly like a revolver. Racking a slide and clicking off a safety are both non-starters, especially with the gentler sex. Most of them tolerate guns but don't like them and they don't get as much practice time. That is the key point I always liked about revolvers is just pull the trigger. I believe Glock's safety system may be safer than a simple revolver.

[TXnMA]

My wife tried over a dozen. Then the put the S&W M&P Shield 9 in her mitt, and said, "That's it!"

I've done a bit of trigger smoothing on it, and now it's a really nice shooter.

I must admit that, when making a quick run into town and don't feel like toting my HK P7 M8 in its Alessi OWB holster, I slip her Shield in its IWB holster on -- and almost forget it's there...

Tempted to get me one for backup when I have the P7 in its Bianchi shoulder rig...

[Magnum44]

Not at all like a revolver sir. A Glock is single action with relatively light trigger pull. A revolver with the hammer down is double action with heavy trigger pull. The whole reason revolvers have no safety is because it takes very deliberate actions to make the gun fire. Either you cock the hammer, or you have a very long double action trigger pull. A Glock has only the single action trigger. So in a pocket or purse is much riskier. About 60 % of police forces in the US use glocks today, but the early years included many police self inflicted wounds because officers trained with revolvers switched to glocks and did not train properly. They were in the habit of putting finger on trigger while extracting from the holster.

[MileHi]

I believe Glock's safety system may be safer than a simple revolver.

I don't.

[GRRRRR]

Lady Jean is a slight and slim lady...and has some carpal tunnel issues.

She does just fine with revolvers and is an accomplished marksman with a long gun.