The Best Gun for Women

In the realm of self-defense and personal protection, firearms are becoming a popular choice for women who are serious about their safety. But choosing the right gun can be a daunting task, particularly for those who are new to firearms or have specific needs. This blog post is tailored to provide a comprehensive guide for new shooters and safety-conscious women. We'll explore a range of handguns designed with women in mind and offer crucial insights into essential accessories that can enhance your safety and performance.

Our Top Picks for Women

Selecting a handgun is an intensely personal decision, with factors as varied as hand size and familiarity with firearms influencing the choice. Luckily, the market has responded to the demand with various handguns catering to women's specific needs. Here are our top picks and why they stand out:

Sig Sauer P365

The Sig Sauer P365 has earned a reputation as a game-changer for concealed carry. Its compact size and high magazine capacity (10+1) strike an impressive balance, making it both comfortable to carry and reassuringly capable. The P365's form factor is particularly suited to smaller hands, allowing for a secure grip and easy handling. For women with smaller frames, the slim design allows you to carry concealed with minimal changes to your wardrobe. In a self-defense scenario, the P365's consistent trigger pull and crisp reset enable accurate, rapid follow-up shots, which can be critical.

Walther PDP F Series

Walther's most recent offering, the Performance Duty Pistol (PDP) F series, is an ergonomic marvel. With customizable grip panels and a superlative trigger, the PDP F series is a standout choice for women seeking a balance of precision and comfort. Available in several sizes, including compact and full-size, the PDP F series can accommodate various carry styles and personal preferences, ensuring you never feel compromised in a threatening situation.

Glock 19

A fixture in the firearms world, the Glock 19 is a legendary blend of versatility and reliability. Known as the "Goldilocks" of handguns, it's often deemed just right — not too big, not too small. The Glock 19 is easy to operate, maintain, and shoot. Its ubiquity means you'll have no trouble finding accessories, magazines, and spare parts to customize and maintain your ideal setup. For women who appreciate a fuss-free experience with a side of rugged practicality, the Glock 19 is a strong contender.

Smith & Wesson Shield

For those desiring a single-stack profile that doesn't compromise on capacity or comfort, the Smith & Wesson Shield is a classic choice. Its slim frame and manageable recoil make extended-range sessions a pleasure, not a chore. The Shield's understated and refined design conceals well under a variety of clothing styles, ensuring your peace of mind matches your sartorial elegance.

The Night Sight Advantage

When it comes to personal defense, visibility can be the difference between life and death. Upgrading your handgun with night sights is a decision you'll never regret. Despite the name, these tritium inserts provide a clear sight picture in low-light conditions—not just at night. For women who statistically face a heightened risk of assault and home invasion, being able to aim accurately in all lighting is empowering. Night sights are a worthy investment that can enhance the effectiveness of any self-defense firearm. Depending on your color preference and handgun of choice, XS Sights has many easy-to-see options to ensure visibility on your new firearm.

Bearing Arms with Style and Comfort

The significance of a good holster cannot be overstated. A holster is more than a means of carrying your firearm; it's a foundation for comfortable, safe, and accessible carry. Michelle Waldran (XS-sponsored shooter and women's firearm instructor) has written a blog that covers holsters for expecting mothers. While you may not be pregnant, she showcases many great options for women with or without a baby on board.

Today's female gun owners have an overwhelming number of choices for holsters designed to accommodate the female form, carry location preferences (such as purse, waistband, or bra), and wardrobe. From Kydex to leather and even hybrid models, the material and style of your holster can significantly impact your comfort and, by extension, your likelihood of carrying consistently yet discreetly.

For an in-depth discussion on holster selection and comfort, read Michelle's guide here.

Safety Tailored to the Individual

There is no one-size-fits-all solution in the realm of firearms. Each woman's self-defense needs and shooting proficiency are as unique as her fingerprint. The key to making an informed choice is research, education, and hands-on experience.

Invest the time to handle and, if possible, shoot a variety of firearms. Familiarize yourself with safety and maintenance protocols, and engage with the broader gun community to gain insights. Remember, the 'best' gun for you is the one that you can wield confidently and competently.

Armed with the knowledge in this post, you're well on your way to selecting a firearm that suits you to a tee — or, more aptly, to a target.

About XS Sights

XS Sights is a 2nd generation, family owned, and majority women owned business that manufactures the fastest sights in any light. From concept and design to creation, XS utilizes tritium, photoluminescent materials, and 25+ years of sight manufacturing expertise to create highly visible and durable sights for personal defense, military, and hunting applications. Proudly made in the U.S.A.