Girls with guns is a moniker for well-armed women who are confident in their firearm skills.
According to The New York Times, "Women's participation in shooting sports has surged over the last decade, increasing by 51.5 percent for target shooting from 2001 to 2011, to just over 5 million women, and by 41.8 percent for hunting."
The firearm industry has taken into account the rise of women shooters and is marketing guns and accessories specifically targeted to "girls with guns." Women's generally smaller hand size, the right amount of firepower, amount of recoil, reliability and ease of concealed carry are all important factors women take into consideration before choosing a gun.
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Here are five guns that have been bestsellers among women:
1. Kahr CW9 9mm Luger: This pistol weighs 15.8 ounces, has an adjustable white bar-dot combat rear sight and pinned in polymer front sight. It has a 3.6-inch barrel, 7 +1 capacity and a textured polymer grip. "I love my husband's 1911 and I can fire it like a champ ... but when I got to fire my Kahr for the first time, I truly felt like I purchased an extension of myself. I am confident that this weapon is one of the best purchases I have ever made. A+++++," writes a reviewer on Impact Guns.
2. Sig Sauer P238: This pistol is just 5.5 inches in length and weighs 15.2 ounces. Capacity is 6 +1, it comes in a variety of grips and the manufacturer claims it is as accurate and reliable as full-size Sig Sauer pistols. "In my opinion, this gun is perfect for women who have trouble with semi-automatic handguns. It's small, has a very easy slide, light trigger pull, and low recoil. I will be recommending this gun to any of my female students, or any man who asks me what handgun is best for women,"
writes Women With Firepower.
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3. Smith and Wesson M&P Shield: This compact 9mm with striker fire action weighs 19 ounces and has an overall length of 6.1 inches. It ships with two magazines, eight and seven rounds, and is billed by the manufacturer as slim, concealable and lightweight. "I am 5'1" female, small hands, and absolutely love mine! I carry in a flash bang holster and have no issue with the rib jab! I am sure that if I need it, the person on the other end will be sorry!" reads a comment on
Shooting Illustrated.
4. Springfield XD-S 3.3: According to the manufacturer, "Choosing a handgun for concealed carry doesn't have to be a series of compromises anymore." This pistol weighs 23 ounces, is 6.3 inches long and it holds seven and eight rounds.
According to a report in The Daily Caller, "The XD-S 3.3 .45 ACP pretty much rewrote the book on what defines large-caliber pocket pistols by becoming the smallest .45 ACP semi-auto ever produced."
5. Smith & Wesson 642: This revolver weighs 14.5 ounces, has an overall length of 6.31 inches and holds five rounds. "Smith & Wesson, the first and most respected manufacturer for womens' handguns has designed LadySmith™ small frame revolvers because we believe that women should have the power to defend themselves ... and that power is best found in a Smith & Wesson," reports the manufacturer.
This article does not constitute legal advice. Check the current gun laws before purchasing or traveling with a firearm.
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