Thirty-two women ranked seven subcompacts for the best choices in concealed carry handguns for women to conceal carry.

How The Subcompacts Handguns For Women Ranked:

1. Sig P365 – Clear winner for gun hand strength.
2. Smith & Wesson Shield EZ
   • Selected by winner with hand strength issues or recoil concerns.
   • Ease of operation.
3. Glock G43x
4. Mossberg MC1-sc
5. Ruger LCP II – Rated based upon its size and weight
6. Smith & Wesson 340 PD – Safety and simplicity
7. Smith & Wesson Shield – The most popular concealed-carry pistol of the last 10 years—the Smith & Wesson Shield—garnered last place. It ranked low in ease of operation and recoil.

Women are one of the fastest growing segments in firearms. When it comes to selecting a handgun, especially when selecting a concealed-carry handgun, women have needs that are different from men. For men, their attire is pretty basic. Women’s clothing varies and is typically more fitted which makes it more challenging to conceal a firearm.

Many women prefer a smaller firearm that accommodates a variety of wardrobe choices. However, there are pros and cons to the smaller guns.

These factors create three issues that combine to make options in concealable handguns for women more difficult.  According to Gun Digest, the issues are as follows:

1. A small gun is preferred because it’s easier to conceal, but more difficult to operate than because of the smaller grip and perceived recoil resulting from its weight.
2. The recoil is intimidating and creates issues with flinch or recoil anticipation.
3. The short sight radius compounds the problem and makes them harder to shoot well.

The choices based on lightweight, concealability and ease of operation—and all this information is derived directly from working with the women in defensive pistol classes.  Women have a wide range of needs and capabilities; therefore, selections will vary.