A Practical Guide to Concealed Carry Pistols for Women: Choosing, Carrying, and Confidence

Concealed carry for women is a growing movement, empowering women to protect themselves with confidence and responsibility. Selecting the right pistol, understanding carry methods tailored for women, and developing practical skills are key components to a successful concealed carry lifestyle.

Choosing the Right Concealed Carry Pistol

Women often seek pistols that balance concealability, comfort, and effectiveness. The best concealed carry pistols for women tend to be compact or subcompact models with ergonomic grips and manageable recoil.

Top Pistol Models Popular Among Women

  • Sig Sauer P365: Compact, double-stack magazine, customizable, available in 9mm or .380 caliber. Its small size makes it easy to conceal, though those with larger hands may find the grip short for shooting comfort.
  • Smith & Wesson M&P Shield Plus: Known for an excellent trigger and ergonomic grip texture. Available with manual safety options, though the extended magazine can sometimes pinch fingers.
  • Glock 43X: Highly reliable and affordable, with strong aftermarket support. Slightly lower magazine capacity and no accessory rail are minor drawbacks.
  • Glock 19: Offers higher magazine capacity and less felt recoil due to its size. It is heavier and less concealable than micro-compact pistols but remains one of the most popular pistols in America.

When selecting a pistol, women should consider hand size, grip comfort, recoil management, and ease of operation. Testing different models at a range can help identify the best fit.

Concealed Carry Positions Tailored for Women

Women’s clothing choices and body shapes influence the best carry positions. Here are some popular options:

Ankle Carry

Ankle carry involves holstering a lightweight firearm on the inside of the ankle. It is discreet and does not require changing clothing style, making it a good backup carry option. However, drawing from the ankle is slower and requires practice to master.

Thigh Holster Carry

Thigh holsters, often attached to a garter belt, are ideal for women who wear dresses or skirts. This position offers easy access and minimal imprinting but may require occasional adjustment and some hesitation when lifting clothing to draw.

Purse or Bag Carry

Specialized concealed carry purses provide compartments for larger firearms and quick access. This method requires heightened awareness to prevent theft and consistent practice to access the firearm efficiently under stress.

Essential Gear: Holsters and Accessories

A good holster is crucial for comfort, safety, and quick access. Women should look for holsters designed specifically for their carry position and body type. Options include inside-the-waistband (IWB), outside-the-waistband (OWB), ankle holsters, and purse holsters.

Additional accessories like laser sights or weapon lights can enhance accuracy and usability but may add bulk, so compatibility with the chosen pistol and holster is important.

Training and Confidence Building

Carrying a concealed pistol responsibly requires more than just owning a gun. Training tailored for women, such as courses led by experienced female instructors, can build essential skills in firearm handling, situational awareness, and self-defense tactics.

"Find a gun you can be confident and comfortable carrying every day as a woman. Then arm yourself with the situational awareness skills you need to keep yourself and your family safe and out of harm’s way." — Beth Alcazar, USCCA Certified Instructor

Regular practice at the range and scenario-based training help reduce recoil anticipation and improve shooting accuracy, especially with smaller pistols that can be more challenging to operate.

Legal Considerations and Licensing

Before carrying concealed, women must understand their state’s licensing requirements, which often include training and background checks. Staying informed about local laws ensures responsible and legal carry.

Practical Tips for Women New to Concealed Carry

  1. Start with Training: Enroll in a women-focused concealed carry course to learn fundamentals and build confidence.
  2. Test Different Pistols: Visit shooting ranges to try various models and find one that fits your hand and shooting style.
  3. Choose a Comfortable Carry Method: Experiment with holsters and positions to find what works best with your wardrobe and daily activities.
  4. Practice Drawing: Regularly practice drawing your pistol from concealment to improve speed and fluidity.
  5. Stay Aware: Situational awareness is a key part of personal protection; always be mindful of your surroundings.

Additional Resources

For more detailed guidance, consider resources such as:

Image: Woman practicing concealed carry draw technique at a shooting range.

Woman practicing concealed carry at shooting range