Introduction:

Choosing the right small handgun can be a challenging task, especially for women who are new to the world of firearms. With a vast array of options available, it’s essential to consider factors such as size, caliber, and ease of use. This guide aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the top-rated small handguns specifically designed for women, ensuring a comfortable and confident shooting experience.
Top-Rated Small Handguns for Women:

1. Smith & Wesson M&P Shield EZ 9mm

- The Smith & Wesson M&P Shield EZ is a popular choice for women due to its ease of use and lightweight design.
- It features a simple, reliable design with an easy-to-rack slide, making it ideal for those new to shooting.
- The 9mm caliber offers a good balance between power and controllability.
2. SIG Sauer P365 9mm

- The SIG Sauer P365 is a compact and concealable handgun, perfect for everyday carry.
- With its high capacity and comfortable grip, it provides excellent performance in a small package.
- This handgun is known for its accuracy and reliability, making it a top choice for self-defense.
3. Springfield Armory Hellcat 9mm

- The Springfield Armory Hellcat is renowned for its slim profile and high capacity.
- It offers a flat-footed grip and a low bore axis, resulting in minimal recoil and a smooth shooting experience.
- The Hellcat’s compact size makes it an excellent option for concealed carry.
4. Glock 43 9mm

- The Glock 43 is a slim and lightweight pistol, often considered one of the best concealable handguns on the market.
- It provides excellent accuracy and reliability, making it a trusted choice for personal protection.
- The Glock 43’s simple design and low recoil make it an accessible option for women.
5. Ruger LCP II .380 ACP

- The Ruger LCP II is a lightweight and compact handgun, perfect for concealed carry.
- With its improved trigger and enhanced grip texture, it offers a more comfortable shooting experience.
- The .380 ACP caliber provides sufficient power for self-defense while maintaining a manageable recoil.
6. Beretta Nano 9mm

- The Beretta Nano is known for its slim profile and ambidextrous design, making it suitable for both right and left-handed shooters.
- It features a textured grip and a fiber-optic front sight, enhancing accuracy and control.
- The Nano’s compact size and lightweight construction make it an excellent choice for concealed carry.
7. Springfield Armory XD-S 9mm

- The Springfield Armory XD-S is a single-stack 9mm pistol, offering a slim profile and excellent concealability.
- It boasts a crisp trigger and a reliable design, making it a popular choice for personal defense.
- The XD-S’s ergonomic grip and low bore axis contribute to reduced muzzle flip.
8. Taurus G2C 9mm

- The Taurus G2C is an affordable and reliable option for those on a budget.
- It features a polymer frame and a corrosion-resistant finish, ensuring durability.
- With its aggressive texture and easy-to-rack slide, the G2C provides a comfortable shooting experience.
9. Ruger EC9s 9mm

- The Ruger EC9s is known for its affordability and ease of use.
- It has a simple, reliable design with a comfortable grip and an integrated trigger safety.
- The EC9s offers good accuracy and low recoil, making it suitable for beginners.
10. Walther PPS M2 9mm

- The Walther PPS M2 is a slim and lightweight pistol, offering excellent concealability.
- It features an ergonomic grip and a smooth trigger pull, resulting in a comfortable shooting experience.
- The PPS M2’s high capacity and reliable performance make it a top choice for self-defense.
11. Smith & Wesson Bodyguard 380 ACP
- The Smith & Wesson Bodyguard is a compact and lightweight handgun, perfect for everyday carry.
- It comes with an integrated laser sight, enhancing accuracy and providing an additional layer of defense.
- The Bodyguard’s simple design and low recoil make it an accessible option for women.
12. Kimber Micro 9mm
- The Kimber Micro is a sleek and stylish pistol, offering a unique design and excellent performance.
- It features a smooth trigger and a lightweight aluminum frame, contributing to its ease of use.
- The Micro’s compact size and high capacity make it an ideal choice for concealed carry.
13. Sig Sauer P238 .380 ACP
- The Sig Sauer P238 is a classic and reliable handgun, known for its precision and accuracy.
- It boasts a smooth single-action trigger and a comfortable grip, providing a pleasant shooting experience.
- The P238’s compact size and lightweight construction make it a popular choice for concealed carry.
14. Glock 26 9mm
- The Glock 26 is a subcompact pistol, offering a good balance between size and capacity.
- It is known for its reliability and durability, making it a trusted choice for self-defense.
- The Glock 26’s slim profile and lightweight design make it easy to conceal.
15. SIG Sauer P320 Compact 9mm
- The SIG Sauer P320 Compact is a modular pistol, allowing for customizable grip sizes.
- It features a crisp trigger and a high capacity, providing excellent performance.
- The P320 Compact’s ergonomic design and low recoil make it suitable for various shooting scenarios.
Comparison Table:

Handgun | Caliber | Capacity | Weight | Length |
---|---|---|---|---|
Smith & Wesson M&P Shield EZ | 9mm | 8+1 | 17.7 oz | 6.1" |
SIG Sauer P365 | 9mm | 10+1 | 17.9 oz | 5.8" |
Springfield Armory Hellcat | 9mm | 11+1 | 17.9 oz | 6.4" |
Glock 43 | 9mm | 6+1 | 16.2 oz | 6.0" |
Ruger LCP II | .380 ACP | 7+1 | 10.6 oz | 5.1" |
Beretta Nano | 9mm | 6+1 | 17.6 oz | 5.6" |
Springfield Armory XD-S | 9mm | 7+1 | 21.6 oz | 6.3" |
Taurus G2C | 9mm | 12+1 | 23.2 oz | 6.2" |
Ruger EC9s | 9mm | 7+1 | 17.1 oz | 6.0" |
Walther PPS M2 | 9mm | 6+1 | 19.4 oz | 5.9" |
Smith & Wesson Bodyguard | .380 ACP | 6+1 | 12.0 oz | 5.5" |
Kimber Micro | 9mm | 6+1 | 17.0 oz | 6.1" |
Sig Sauer P238 | .380 ACP | 6+1 | 15.2 oz | 5.0" |
Glock 26 | 9mm | 10+1 | 20.5 oz | 6.4" |
SIG Sauer P320 Compact | 9mm | 15+1 | 24.9 oz | 7.2" |

Conclusion:

When choosing a small handgun, it’s crucial to consider factors such as caliber, capacity, weight, and overall comfort. This guide has highlighted some of the top-rated options available, catering to women’s specific needs and preferences. Remember to always prioritize safety, seek proper training, and practice regularly to become proficient with your chosen firearm. With the right small handgun, you can feel confident and secure in any situation.
FAQ:

What is the best caliber for a small handgun for women?
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The 9mm caliber is generally considered a good choice for small handguns as it offers a balance between power and controllability. However, .380 ACP and .32 ACP are also popular options for those seeking a lighter recoil.
Are there any specific handguns designed for left-handed shooters?
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Yes, several handguns on this list, such as the Beretta Nano and SIG Sauer P365, feature ambidextrous designs, making them suitable for both right and left-handed shooters.
What are the benefits of a single-stack pistol like the Springfield Armory XD-S?
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Single-stack pistols, like the XD-S, offer a slim profile and excellent concealability. They are often lighter and easier to carry, making them a popular choice for everyday carry.
Is it necessary to choose a lightweight handgun for women?
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While lightweight handguns can be beneficial for carry and ease of use, the most important factor is finding a firearm that fits your hand comfortably and provides a manageable recoil. Weight is just one consideration among many.
What safety features should I look for in a small handgun?
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Important safety features to consider include a manual safety, a trigger safety, and a grip safety. These additional safeguards can provide an extra layer of protection, especially for those new to firearms.