I’m Kayla, and yes, I carry. I also teach myself slowly, take classes, and keep a lock box by my bed. I’ve got small hands (women’s small glove). My wrists get sore. And I’m picky about comfort because I chase kids, walk the dog, and wear leggings more than jeans. So “best” isn’t one gun. It’s what fits your hand, your life, and your nerves on a long day.
If you want every gritty detail of the trial-and-error journey that brought me to these conclusions, you can read the full story in this detailed breakdown.
Here’s the thing: before I bought anything, I booked range time and tried a few rentals. I also asked a female instructor to watch my grip. That saved me money and stress. I still think that hour was the best part of the whole process.
Now, real talk. Here are the handguns I used, loved, or passed on—and why.
Safety and Fit Come First (No Skipping This Part)
- Take a class. Live fire if you can. Dry fire only with a cleared gun and safe routine.
- Use a holster that covers the trigger. No loose guns in bags.
- Store it locked. Follow your state laws.
- Check fit: Can you reach the trigger without shifting your grip? Can you rack the slide without straining? How’s the recoil for your wrists?
I know, it sounds strict. But once you nail these, shooting feels calm. And calm is the goal.
Smith & Wesson M&P 380 Shield EZ – The “I Can Actually Rack This” Gun
This was my first “wow” moment. The slide felt light. Like, finally. I could rack it without weird faces or bracing on a table. The grip safety looked odd at first, but it never bugged me.
- What I liked: Easy slide. Soft recoil. Big, friendly grip. I got tight groups fast. My mom liked it too, and she’s got arthritis.
- What I didn’t: It’s a .380, not 9mm. I’m fine with that now, but I did want more later. Also, the mags were a tad stiff the first week.
For authoritative specifications and dimensions straight from the source, check the official Smith & Wesson M&P 380 Shield EZ page.
If you’re brand new or your hands ache, this gun feels kind.
Sig Sauer P365 (9mm) – My Tiny Powerhouse
I carried a P365 for a year. Summer, too. It hid well under a loose tee and a simple, safe holster. The grip felt slim in my small hands, and the front sight popped for my eyes. I could shoot it fast, but I had to focus on my grip or it got snappy.
- What I liked: Great size. Great capacity for how small it is. Trigger felt crisp.
- What I didn’t: That snap. After 150 rounds in one day, my wrists wanted a nap. The slide was fine, but stiffer than the EZ.
If you wear light clothes a lot, this one plays nice. But plan on practice.
Walther PDP F-Series – The “Small Hands, Big Control” Surprise
I tried this at a women’s range day. The cuts on the slide gave me grip. The trigger felt clean. The front strap texture hugged my hand without chewing it up. I ran a full class with it and didn’t feel beat up.
- What I liked: Slide action felt smooth. Controls fit my reach. Recoil felt flat for me.
- What I didn’t: It’s bigger. Harder to hide in summer. Great for home and range, though.
For a deeper dive into how this pistol stacks up in real-world use, check out the comprehensive review of the Walther PDP F-Series from American Firearms.
If home defense and classes matter more than deep concealment, this one rocks.
Glock 19 Gen5 – Boring, Tough, Still Here
I’ll be real. The Glock 19 looked plain to me. Then I shot 500 rounds in a weekend course. It just ran. No fuss. The grip felt a little chunky in my hand, but I adapted with some dry practice.
- What I liked: Reliable. Easy to find parts and mags. Sights were clear once I swapped them.
- What I didn’t: The grip shape. Not my favorite for my small hands. But it wasn’t a deal breaker.
If you want one gun for range, class, and home, this is the trusty pickup truck.
Ruger LCP Max (.380) – Pocketable, With a Price
I carried the LCP Max on a short trip when I needed something tiny. It vanished under a sundress. But it was a handful to shoot—light guns kick more, and the slide was a touch sharp for me.
- What I liked: So small. Easy to stash in a safe at home or in a travel lock box.
- What I didn’t: Recoil felt jumpy. Not a gun I enjoy for long sessions. My accuracy dropped past 10 yards when I got tired.
As a backup or a quick carry, sure. As your only gun? I’d pick the EZ or P365 first.
A Quick Match Guide (If You’re Like Me)
- New shooter or low hand strength: S&W Shield EZ in .380 or 9mm EZ. It builds confidence fast.
- Everyday carry in light clothes: Sig P365 or S&W Shield Plus. Small, but plan for practice.
- Home and range fun with great control: Walther PDP F-Series or Glock 19.
The Stuff No One Told Me
- Magazine loading: My thumbs complained at first. A simple loader saved the day.
- Slide feel changes: Some guns “break in.” Mine felt smoother after two range trips.
- Sights matter: Bright front sights help more than I expected. My eyes pick up green fast.
- Holsters: A safe holster with a firm shell made the P365 feel stable in soft waistbands. Don’t skimp here.
- Confidence comes slow: I felt nervous in my first class. Then I learned a better grip, and the fear eased.
- Extra boost: For an encouraging deep-dive on building confidence before my first solo range trip, I devoured the tips over at HowMuchJoy.com.
- Digital confidence: Once I started feeling capable on the range, I noticed my self-assurance spilling into other parts of life; if putting that confidence in front of a camera has ever crossed your mind, the candid walkthrough at Send Nudes shows step-by-step how to handle lighting, privacy, and consent so you can share photos on your own terms.
- Level-up lifestyle: If your growing confidence has you thinking about upscale dating or networking in Los Angeles, this quick guide to Sugar Daddy Beverly Hills explains how to stay safe, spot genuine arrangements, and decide whether the scene is right for you.
You know what? It’s okay to pick comfort over cool. I did.
How I Chose, For Real
I spent one month renting. I shot 50 to 100 rounds each time. I brought a friend who shoots well, and I asked her to watch my hands. I wore the holster at home (empty gun) to check hot spots. I checked my state laws on transport and storage. Then I bought the gun that I shot best, not the one that looked cute on the shelf.
Final Take
The “best handgun for women” fits your hand, your day, and your safety plan. For many new shooters, the Shield EZ makes it easy to start. For everyday carry in warm weather, the Sig P365 works hard if you keep up with practice. For home defense and classes, the Walther PDP F-Series or a Glock 19 brings control and calm.
Whatever you choose:
- Get training.
- Use a real holster that covers the trigger.
- Store it locked.
- Follow your local laws.
I’m still learning too. But now, when I head to the range, I feel steady. And that’s what I wanted from the start—steady, safe, and ready to go home for tacos after.