Becoming a first-time gun owner can be intimidating. Becoming a first-time gun owner as a woman can be next-level intimidating.
“Will the guy at the gun counter be helpful or condescending?”
“What’s the difference between 9mm and .380?”
“Should I just stick with a revolver, or is a semi-automatic the better option?”
Questions like these go through the mind of any woman who’s only just picking up a gun for the first time. By the time you finish this article, you’ll feel much more confident about concealed carrying, buying, and maintaining a “power equalizer.”
How to Buy Your First Handgun
We’ll start with the basics: buying your first gun.
One of the most challenging aspects of buying a gun is figuring out which one is right for you. If your friends and family have already made suggestions, don’t let those substitute for hands-on experience. The best thing you can do is visit a range that rents guns and test out several various models.
After you’ve decided which model you’d like to purchase, familiarize yourself with Form 4473: Firearms Transaction Record. Every firearm purchased through a federal firearms licensee (FFL) requires a background check. Form 4473 is central to this process.
Note that exceptions may apply to those buying multiple guns at once or to those who already have a concealed carry weapon (CCW) license (depending on jurisdiction). Also, note that some states, such as Minnesota, require you to apply for a special permit before purchasing a handgun.
Understand the questions on Form 4473, know your state’s laws, and make certain to bring your state-issued ID when you apply to purchase your first firearm.
Best Handguns for Women
There’s no one perfect gun for every woman. Some of us like larger firearms with lower recoil. Others prefer more concealable guns, and learn to cope with their higher recoil.
Choosing a gun is an exciting process. Take care not to rush it. For example, you may initially feel enthusiastic about packing the ferocious power of an S&W Model 640, but quickly abandon the notion once you’ve witnessed the small .357 Magnum revolver’s recoil firsthand. Avoid a misstep like that by taking your time, deferring to others’ experience, and learning how different firearms are operated and maintained.
We can’t pick out a gun for you, but we can make recommendations based on our personal experiences.
Best Concealed Carry Guns for Women
Your ideal “everyday carry” (EDC; aka concealed carry gun) is your go-to firearm: the one you’re comfortable wearing, firing, and maintaining. Here are the best options for women:
SIG Sauer P365-XL ROSE - Best All Around (but Pricey)
We aren’t choosing this one because it’s pretty (that’s just a bonus, honestly). The P365-XL ROSE was explicitly designed for women by world champion shooter Lena Miculek. Its grip, compensator, and trigger are all upgraded from the standard (and cheaper) P365. Although it is the most expensive EDC option on this list, it comes with a lot of accessories and is well worth the price in light of its usability, comfort, and support.
This handgun is a 9mm handgun, but you can also pick up the P365 XL ROSE 380 if you prefer a smaller cartridge. Both cartridges share the same caliber (i.e., diameter) bullet. The 9mm is essentially the longer version of the .380 ACP: more powerful, albeit at the cost of having snappier recoil (i.e., “kick”). The 9mm model’s barrel is outfitted with an integral compensator for this very reason. True to its name, it helps compensate for the 9mm’s comparably robust recoil.
Smith & Wesson M&P Shield EZ - Affordable & Comfortable
The Smith & Wesson M&P Shield EZ is one of the most common firearms carried by women. It’s concealable, comfortable, and affordable.
Although it doesn’t come standard with a compensator like the P365-XL ROSE does, it also doesn’t have the same price tag. This is the firearm to try if you want quality but need to budget for accessories (by which I mean holsters and optics).
Smith & Wesson Equalizer - Concealment & Safety
The Equalizer is an excellent option for women who are concerned with firearm safety. Some semi-automatic firearms have a manual thumb safety, but the Equalizer takes it up a notch with its grip safety (you can’t squeeze the trigger without holding the gun properly).
This micro-compact firearm has snappier recoil than the P365-XL ROSE or the Shield EZ, but it’s easier to conceal and relatively affordable (about $600 MSRP as of early 2025).
Glock 19 Gen3
The Glock 19 Gen3 is comfortable to hold and fire, affordable (around $500), and easy to conceal. This semi-automatic firearm has magazine options ranging from 10 to 15 rounds or more (plus one in the chamber).
Glock is reputed for making quality firearms. The brand’s enormous popularity means many accessories are available, including a wide range of holsters. However, unlike other popular Glock models, this one is more compact and better for concealment with smaller hands. Of course, if you’re looking to go even more compact, the G26 is another excellent option.
Continue reading Arming Women in 2025: A Comprehensive Guide to Female Gun Ownership on Ammo.com
