Ultimately, only a woman can decide what the top handgun might be for her. Every woman is different, with differing size hands and preferences. The only way to truly know what the best handgun might be for you is to hit the range with a few different types, and experience what feels best to you.
With that said, here are five key thoughts to consider.
1. What is the largest caliber that can be handled well and comfortably? Ideally, something larger than .38 Special is typically good.
2. What is the platform that the shooter can best operate accurately when under stress (if being used for self defense or protection). Can you easily correct malfunctions?
3. What size (grips) fits best for the individual shooter? Small hands often require smaller grip sizes, and vice versa.
3. What is the purpose of the handgun? If the gun is for home defense and is not going to be carried concealed, then more options are available. You can consider a larger-sized gun that doesn’t conceal as well.
4. If you’re using it as a concealed carry, how do you plan to carry the gun?
5. Finally, what’s the best quality gun you can afford that meets all of the criteria above?
Fit should not be underestimated. If the caliber and gun type are such that recoil during firing is painful, then it’s likely you won’t want to practice with the gun.
A Ruger GP-100 series pistol in .357 is a great model to try, preferably 3″. The GP-100 is also well liked.
The Bersa Thunder 380 is compact, light, controllable, reliable, effective, and cheap.
Please bear in mind that anyone who is going to own, handle or shoot a gun, male or female, to use it for hunting or self-defense or for any reason, should get training not only on gun safety but on the firearms skill set as well. Proper gun-handling, marksmanship and mindset are key to successful gun ownership and usage.
Please let us know below what you like and use for a handgun! Are you using a new model? We’d love to know that, too!
