10 Best Concealed Carry Weapons for Women
Concealed carry is personal, and, for many women, the right setup comes down to finding a firearm that fits her hand, suits her wardrobe, and supports the way she actually moves through her day.
A narrower grip and smaller footprint can make CCW concealment easier under form-fitting clothing, but fit matters more. The best carry gun is the one you’ll actually carry.
The right handgun should fit your hands nicely and be versatile enough to align with your lifestyle. Choosing the right caliber matters, too.
With dozens of solid options on the market, narrowing the field can feel overwhelming. The list below is a starting point, not a verdict. Fortunately, you can narrow down your choices to 10 high-quality options. The list includes something for everyone, no matter what your priorities are as a gun owner. You’ll also learn how to get your concealed carry permit under NAC 202.
What Makes a Good Concealed Carry Handgun for Women?
The best women concealed carry handgun is the one you can shoot accurately, carry comfortably, and operate confidently. Checking all these boxes can be a tall order, especially if you don’t know where to begin.
Here’s what you should prioritize:
- Size and weight: Smaller pistols disappear under clothing more easily, but lighter slides and shorter grips also tend to produce sharper felt recoil. There’s a trade-off between concealability and shootability.
- Grip: Proper ergonomics improve control and accuracy.
- Recoil: Manageable recoil helps with faster follow-up shots.
- Capacity: Strike a balance between a slim design and enough rounds.
- Ease of Use: Slide operation and controls matter.
You’ll also need to learn Nevada concealed carry laws so you can lawfully carry your firearm. This means attending an approved 8-hour training course and submitting an application to your local law enforcement agency. You will also have to submit to fingerprinting and pay the application fee.
The 10 Best Concealed Carry Weapons for Women
The best concealed carry pistols for women include a variety of options.
1. Sig Sauer P365
The Sig Sauer P365 quickly became one of the top micro-compact pistols on the market. It offers a small footprint and a high capacity for its size. There are several different variations of the weapon, including the “XL” and an optics-ready version.
If you have larger hands, the short grip may feel a bit cramped. In that case, check out the 365XL or explore other handguns on the list. While a micro compact pistol will be on the small side, there should be enough grip for you to maintain adequate control over the firearm.
2. Smith & Wesson M&P Shield Plus
The S&W M&P Shield Plus is a refined version of a classic carry gun. The weapon offers improved capacity and trigger performance. Many people appreciate the firearm’s comfortable grip texture. You can purchase the weapon with or without a manual safety.
The Shield Plus is a micro-compact with a 10-round or 13-round capacity. At just over 1” wide, the gun is narrow enough for most shooters. It is just over 6” long and 4.6” tall. There are a few different variations of the Shield Plus, including an optics-ready option if you are interested in installing a red dot sight.
3. Glock 43X
The Glock 43X is an exceptionally durable and user-friendly concealed carry pistol. It is technically a sub-compact, rather than a “micro.” However, the pistol is just 6.5” long and just over 5” tall. It has an overall width of 1.1”.
This handgun is available in a standard configuration, as well as an optics-ready setup with a removable slide plate. It exhibits the sort of durability that Glock is known for and requires very little learning curves.
The large magazine release and slide lock are easy for left and right-handed shooters to engage.
4. Ruger LCR (9mm)
The Ruger LCR is one of two revolvers on our list. It’s one of the few revolvers out there that are chambered in 9mm. While common revolver calibers are pretty easy to find at most gun stores, 9mm is by far the most widely available cartridge in the world.
Since the Ruger LCR does not have an external hammer, there is nothing to get hung up on your clothing. It’s extremely easy to operate and maintain. You don’t have to manipulate a slide to rack a round. The downsides are that it has a lower capacity and takes longer to reload.
5. Smith & Wesson Shield EZ
The S&W Shield EZ is very popular among female shooters and smaller individuals who may struggle to rack the traditional Shield handgun. It is equipped with a lighter recoil spring and an internal hammer-fired system. The slide requires roughly 10 pounds less force to rack compared to the traditional Shield.
The Shield EZ is available in a few different calibers. You can also choose between a thumb safety and no manual safety.
The firearm only holds eight rounds of ammunition, but it is a good all-around option, especially if you want something that’s easier to rack.
6. CZ P-10 C
The CZ P-10 C is a larger pistol that is easy to shoot. The weapon features great ergonomics, and a reduced muzzle rise due to the added weight. If you want a gun that offers good controllability, this is an excellent place to start. The CZ P-10C is also priced competitively.
The biggest downside is that this compact pistol is harder to conceal. It has a larger footprint compared to most of the other weapons on this list.
7. Smith & Wesson Model 642
The S&W Model 642 is part of the J-Frame Series, a line of hammerless revolvers. Technically, the hammers are simply inside the pistol, so there is nothing to get hung up on, as the J-Frame Series has a smooth curve behind the cylinder.
Like the other revolver on this list, this model only holds five rounds. It is chambered in .38 Special, which is a popular revolver caliber with manageable recoil.
8. Smith & Wesson CSX
The CSX is S&W’s micro-compact pistol. It is available in an optics-ready format with a capacity of 12, 15, or 17 rounds, depending on the magazine. It’s just 1.12” wide and features a thumb safety.
If you like S&W’s ergonomics and want a small, concealable handgun, the CSX is a great option.
9. Walther PDP F-Series
The Walther PDP F-Series is a compact pistol that shoots like a full-sized handgun. It features great ergonomics and has a manageable width of 1.3”. Walther offers 10-round and 18-round capacity options. While it is a bit on the pricier side, the Walther PDP F-Series is a great concealed carry gun.
10. Springfield Hellcat Pro
The Springfield Hellcat is touted as the “highest capacity micro compact 9mm in the world.” The Hellcat Pro features a 15+1 magazine capacity or an extended magazine that provides an extra two rounds of ammunition.
The weapon is just 1” wide, and it features a reversible magazine release for left-handed shooters, along with tons of other add-ons that provide a great shooting experience.
How to Choose the Right CCW Pistol
When comparing the options outlined above and other concealed carry pistols for women, focus on how the firearm feels in your hands.
Ask yourself:
- Can I comfortably reach the trigger, slide lock, and mag release?
- How manageable is the recoil?
- Can I conceal the firearm with my typical clothing?
- Am I confident operating it under stress?
The answer to that last question is quite possibly “no” until you spend some time on the range and invest in quality training. Still, you should be comfortable physically handling and manipulating the weapon.
If it is too large for your hands or simply doesn’t feel quite right, it’s likely not the right firearm for you.
Concealment Tips for Women
If your firearm doesn’t feel secure or is uncomfortable to carry, you are more likely to leave it at home.
Here are a few ways you can try carrying it:
- Appendix carry
- Inside-the-waistband (IWB) holsters
- Concealed carry purses
- Belly bands
The type of holster you choose will vary depending on your attire. For example, belly band holsters can be a good choice if you frequently wear athletic clothing. A belly band fits like a waist trimmer. Regardless of which carry approach you choose, make sure you invest in a high-quality holster.
Getting Your Nevada CCW Permit
According to the LVMPD, you must complete an 8-hour qualification class with a live-fire component to obtain your initial permit. Churchill County clarifies that the course can be one 8-hour session or two 4-hour sessions, as long as the two courses are within 15 days of one another.
The Range 702 offers a Las Vegas CCW permit class. You can sign up for a one-day 8-hour course or a two-day class that consists of two four-hour blocks of instruction. Contact us or book online.
Try CCW Pistols for Women at The Range 702
Explore our shooting experiences or book private firearms training in Las Vegas at The Range 702. Our experienced instructors will provide a safe shooting environment and ensure you have a great time!
