Choosing a concealed carry handgun is a personal decision that hinges on comfort, ease of use, and reliability—especially for women. With that in mind, we’ve rounded up the top eight pistols designed with female shooters in mind. Each model here brings unique features that make it stand out for concealed carry, from easy-to-handle grips to user-friendly safety mechanisms. Let’s break down the top picks to help you find the right fit.
8. Glock 43X: Reliable and Compact for Everyday Carry
The Glock 43X has earned a solid reputation as a reliable, easy-to-use option for concealed carry. With its 10-round capacity and slim grip, this model feels comfortable for smaller hands and offers accessible trigger reach without adjusting your hold. Known for its reliability, the 43X is a popular pick for both beginners and seasoned shooters. Plus, it’s versatile, allowing for add-ons like red dot sights and lasers, so you can easily tailor it to your needs. With straightforward maintenance and high marks for comfort, it’s a dependable choice for women looking for an everyday carry.
7. IWI Masada Slim: Comfort Meets Control
The IWI Masada Slim combines a slim, comfortable grip with a high 13-round capacity, making it a go-to for women seeking both comfort and firepower. Its flat trigger design enhances control and accuracy, while the optics-ready feature means you can easily add a sight for better targeting. Known for its performance and ease of use, the Masada Slim is a top choice for women who want a concealed carry pistol that’s comfortable to shoot and easy to control.
6. Canik Mete MC9: Flexible and Safe
The Canik Mete MC9 offers versatility with two magazine options—one with 12 rounds and a larger 15-round version—so you can choose the best fit for your carry needs. It’s equipped with a trigger shoe safety, meaning the pistol won’t fire unless the trigger is fully engaged, adding an extra layer of security. Its ergonomic design and optics-ready capabilities make it a solid pick for women looking for a reliable, easy-to-handle pistol for concealed carry.
5. Walther PDP: Comfort and Capacity in One Package
With a 15-round capacity, the Walther PDP is designed with female shooters in mind. Available with a 3.5-inch barrel option that’s great for concealed carry, the PDP’s slim grip and comfortable trigger access make it a natural choice. Walther has also made it optics-ready with a tactical rail for accessories, so you can truly make it your own. With a reputation for accuracy and comfort, the PDP is a fantastic option for women serious about personal defense.
4. Glock 19: A Versatile Classic
The Glock 19 is known worldwide for its reliability and versatility, offering a solid choice for both duty and concealed carry with its 15-round capacity. Balancing size and firepower, it’s durable and designed to withstand tough environments. Although its grip may feel slightly large for some, it includes a modular backstrap for easy adjustment. The Glock 19’s low maintenance and proven reliability make it a popular choice among law enforcement and civilian carriers alike.
3. Smith & Wesson M&P Shield EZ 380: Perfect for Newer Shooters
The Smith & Wesson M&P Shield EZ 380 is designed for ease of use, particularly for those who may struggle with racking the slide on traditional pistols. Its easy-to-rack slide and ergonomic grip make it ideal for women with limited hand strength, while safety features like the grip safety and loaded chamber indicator add peace of mind. Although its .380 caliber offers less stopping power than 9mm options, the Shield EZ 380 remains a fantastic choice for beginners or anyone looking for a simple, user-friendly carry pistol.
2. Springfield Hellcat RDP: Compact with Advanced Features
The Springfield Hellcat RDP is a high-performance micro-compact designed for self-defense. It boasts a compensator to reduce muzzle rise and a pre-installed red dot sight for accuracy, offering an 11+1 or 13+1 capacity, impressive for its size. The adaptive grip texture makes it comfortable for daily carry, though the added features come at a slightly higher price point. For those wanting a feature-rich, compact carry pistol, the Hellcat RDP is hard to beat.
1. Sig Sauer P365: The Standard for Micro-Compacts
The Sig Sauer P365 set the benchmark for micro-compacts with its 10-round capacity (expandable to 12 or 15 with extended magazines), high ergonomics, and all-day carry comfort. Its day-and-night X-ray 3 sights are a plus for visibility in low light, and the compact design is perfect for discreet carry. While it comes at a premium, the P365 is well worth it for those who prioritize performance and reliability in a small frame.
