Best Concealed Carry Handguns for Women

By: Karen Hunter

What is the best concealed carry handgun for a woman? Answer – A reliable gun she can shoot confidently. Gone are the days of limiting women to anything small, light, and seemingly simplistic. Firearms are hand specific, period. I know petite women who can shoot and conceal carry Glock 19’s, and larger men who struggle to do the same. 

A common misconception is that a smaller, lighter firearm is easier to shoot and conceal. This is why a .380 ACP is often recommended to women. In truth, these firearms can feel “snappier” to shoot with more felt recoil. I will refrain from getting into a .380 ACP vs. 9mm debate, but the truth is that smaller guns can prove to be more difficult to manage.  A lightweight pistol might be easier to conceal, but it can be significantly harder to shoot well.

Another misconception is the “stop giving women revolvers” mentality. Is it better to have a semi-automatic 9mm that holds more rounds? Theoretically, yes. However, if someone is not going to train and learn semi-auto fundamentals, malfunction clearances, proper gun and magazine maintenance, and everything required to operate that platform, they need something else. Revolvers are effective and offer a straightforward platform to learn.

Firearm choice goes beyond the ability to conceal it. If a person cannot handle and shoot the firearm proficiently, its use becomes ineffective and creates a potential liability. Firearm training is imperative for both shooting and concealing. How to draw, clear garments, utilize proper trigger guard protection, and more need to be learned when concealing a firearm. 

 One area where women do face different challenges than men is concealment. Women tend to have broader wardrobe options and more choices that include non-traditional carry methods. From concealed carry leggings to undergarments with built-in holsters, the industry has responded with a wide range of innovative designs and concealed carry options seem limitless. It can be overwhelming trying to find the right gun and deciding how to conceal it. To find what works best, I recommend going with a trained professional to fire a variety of guns from reliable manufacturers. This is a terrific way to figure out what feels most natural for each individual. From there they can decide what form(s) of concealed carry work best for them and their firearm.

There are many excellent concealed carry options on the market, but a few stand out for their quality and reliability. For instance, Nighthawk’s Counselor is a precision-crafted 9mm compact handgun with an 8+1 capacity. It features a 3.5-inch match-grade barrel, lightweight aluminum frame, mainspring housing, and grip safety. Its bobbed-concealment beavertail and hammer, paired with a flush-fit magwell, make it ideal for low-profile carry without sacrificing performance.

Anything worth doing is worth doing well. Firearms and concealed carry can seem overwhelming and at times frustrating. This is a personal journey, not a race. Take the time to research, educate yourself, and train. Your life and the lives of your loved ones are well worth the effort.