When it comes to personal protection, women have unique needs and preferences for concealed carry firearms. The ideal handgun should be reliable, easy to operate, and comfortable to carry discreetly.
With an increasing number of women embracing concealed carry for self-defense, manufacturers have responded by developing pistols tailored to female shooters.
Here are the 12 concealed carry pistols gaining popularity among women in 2024.
1. Sig Sauer P365
The Sig Sauer P365 continues to dominate the micro-compact pistol market, and for good reason. This 9mm powerhouse packs 10+1 rounds into an incredibly slim frame, making it easy to conceal even under form-fitting clothing.
Women appreciate its ergonomic grip and smooth trigger pull, contributing to excellent shootability despite its small size. Its popularity among female shooters is evident, with the P365 considered one of the top-selling concealed carry pistols for women.
Sig has expanded the P365 line to include models like the XL and Macro, offering options for those who prefer a slightly larger grip or higher capacity. The standard P365 weighs just 17.8 ounces unloaded, striking an ideal balance between concealability and controllable recoil.
2. Smith & Wesson M&P Shield EZ 9mm
Smith & Wesson designed the M&P Shield EZ with ease of use in mind, addressing common concerns for shooters with limited hand strength. The EZ model features a slide that’s 35% easier to rack than other pistols, making it an excellent choice for women who struggle with manipulating stiffer slides.
This 9mm pistol holds 8+1 rounds and includes features like grip safety, reversible magazine release, and optional manual thumb safety. Weighing 23 ounces, it’s slightly heavier than some competitors but still manageable for everyday carry.
The Shield EZ has gained a strong following among female shooters, with many praising its comfortable grip and smooth operation.
3. Glock 43X
Glock’s answer to the demand for a slim 9mm with increased capacity, the 43X, has become a favorite among women seeking a reliable concealed carry option. With its 10+1 round capacity and single-stack width, the 43X offers a comfortable grip for smaller hands while maintaining Glock’s renowned reliability.
The 43X weighs just 18.7 ounces unloaded and features Glock’s safe action system, making it a user-friendly choice for new and experienced shooters. Its popularity has led to a thriving aftermarket with numerous holster options and accessories.
The 43X’s size, capacity, and shootability balance make it an ideal everyday carry pistol.
4. Ruger LCP II
For those prioritizing deep concealment, the Ruger LCP II in .380 ACP remains a top choice. Weighing a mere 10.6 ounces and measuring just 5.17 inches in overall length, this pocket pistol disappears easily in a purse or ankle holster.
The LCP II improves upon its predecessor with better ergonomics and a crisper trigger pull. While its 6+1 capacity is lower than some competitors, the LCP II’s extreme concealability makes it a popular backup gun or option when larger pistols aren’t practical.
Ruger has addressed concerns about the .380’s stopping power by offering the LCP Max, which increases capacity to 10+1 rounds while maintaining a similar footprint.
5. Walther PDP F-Series
Walther’s PDP F-Series, specifically designed for female shooters, has quickly gained traction since its introduction. This 9mm pistol features a grip optimized for smaller hands, with a reduced circumference and shorter trigger reach than the standard PDP.
The PDP F-Series boasts Walther’s excellent trigger system and comes optics-ready, appealing to women interested in red dot sights. With a 15+1 round capacity in a compact frame, it balances concealability and firepower.
It offers versatility for different carry styles and is available in 3.5″ and 4″ barrel lengths.
6. Springfield Armory Hellcat
The Springfield Armory Hellcat has emerged as a strong competitor in the micro-compact 9mm market. Offering an impressive 11+1 round capacity in its flush magazine (with extended 13-round options available), the Hellcat packs significant firepower into a highly concealable package.
Weighing just 18.3 ounces unloaded, the Hellcat is easy to carry all day. The OSP (Optical Sight Pistol) variant comes with a slide cut for mounting red dot sights, a feature increasingly popular among female shooters.
Its adaptive grip texture provides a secure hold without being overly aggressive. Many women find that the Hellcat’s balance of size, capacity, and shooting ability makes it an excellent choice for everyday carry.
7. Smith & Wesson Model 642 Airweight
Revolvers remain popular for concealed carry, and the Smith & Wesson Model 642 Airweight stands out as a top choice among women. Thanks to its aluminum alloy frame, this .38 Special +P-rated snub-nose revolver weighs only 14.4 ounces.
While limited to 5 rounds, the Model 642’s simplicity and reliability make it an attractive option for revolver enthusiasts. Its smooth double-action trigger and minimal recoil with standard .38 Special loads contribute to its popularity.
Its hammerless design prevents snagging when drawn from concealment. Many women appreciate the peace of mind of a revolver’s straightforward operation and dependability.
8. Kimber Micro 9
The Kimber Micro 9 appeals to women who prefer the 1911 platform but desire a more compact package. This single-action 9mm pistol measures just 6.1 inches in overall length and weighs 15.6 ounces, making it easy to conceal.
With a 7+1 round capacity, the Micro 9 offers a good balance of concealability and firepower. Kimber’s attention to detail is evident in the pistol’s fit and finish, with many women praising its accuracy and smooth operation.
Despite its small size, the Micro 9 retains classic 1911 controls and aesthetics. The variety of models available, including some with eye-catching color schemes, adds to its appeal among female shooters.
9. Sig Sauer P238
For those who prefer .380 ACP but want something a bit more substantial than pocket pistols, the Sig Sauer P238 remains a popular choice. Based on the 1911 design, this single-action pistol offers familiar controls in a package measuring just 5.5 inches in overall length.
Weighing 15.2 ounces unloaded, it’s substantial enough for comfortable shooting while remaining easy to conceal. Its reliability and ease of use make it a favorite for new and experienced shooters.
The P238’s 6+1 round capacity is on par with other pistols in its class. Women often praise its smooth trigger and low recoil, which contribute to excellent accuracy for its size. Sig offers the P238 in various finishes and grip options, allowing for personalization.
10. Ruger MAX-9
Ruger’s entry into the micro-compact 9mm market, the MAX-9, has quickly gained a following among female concealed carriers. Offering a 12+1 round capacity in a slim, lightweight package, the MAX-9 competes directly with popular models like the P365 and Hellcat.
Weighing just 18.4 ounces unloaded, the MAX-9 is easy to carry all day. It comes optics-ready, with a slide cut that accepts several popular red dot sights.
Its textured grip provides a secure hold without being overly aggressive, a feature many women appreciate. Ruger’s reputation for reliability and affordability makes the MAX-9 attractive for those seeking a high-capacity micro-compact on a budget.
11. Kahr PM9
The Kahr PM9 has long been a favorite among women who prioritize slim, lightweight 9mm pistols. Measuring just 0.90 inches wide, it’s one of the thinnest 9mm pistols available, making it exceptionally easy to conceal.
Despite its small size, the PM9 offers a 6+1 round capacity and weighs only 14 ounces unloaded. Kahr’s smooth double-action-only trigger and low bore axis contribute to the PM9’s excellent shootability.
Many women find its slim profile and lightweight make it comfortable for all-day carry, even in warm weather clothing. While its capacity is lower than that of some competitors, the PM9’s extreme concealability makes it a popular choice for deep concealment or as a backup gun.
12. Beretta Px4 Storm Subcompact
Rounding out our list is the Beretta Px4 Storm Subcompact, a pistol with high capacity in a compact package. This double/single-action 9mm holds 13+1 rounds, which is impressive for its size class.
The pistol’s decocking/safety lever and optional manual safety appeal to those who prioritize multiple safety features in their carry guns. Beretta’s rotating barrel system helps reduce felt recoil, making it comfortable to shoot despite its small frame.
Weighing 26.1 ounces unloaded, the Px4 Storm Subcompact is heavier than some competitors but still manageable for everyday carry. Many women appreciate its ergonomic design and customizable grip options.
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Martha A. Lavallie
Martha is a journalist with close to a decade of experience in uncovering and reporting on the most compelling stories of our time. Passionate about staying ahead of the curve, she specializes in shedding light on trending topics and captivating global narratives. Her insightful articles have garnered acclaim, making her a trusted voice in today's dynamic media landscape.
