Numerous factors come into play when choosing which handgun to purchase including grip, trigger guard fit in relation to hand size, reliability and, for those with a concealed carry permit, how easily the gun can be carried. The phrase "girls with guns" may sound fluffy but in truth, girls take their gun selection just as seriously as men, with the knowledge that one day, their life may depend on it.
According to a 2015 report by the National Shooting Sports Foundation, the number of women who own firearms is steadily increasing. In fact, 73% of retailers reported more women frequented their stores in 2013 than did in 2012. In a "Girl Power" infographic, NSSF lists the three most popular firearms purchased by women as semi-auto pistols, revolvers and shotguns.
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Here are seven handguns that are considered easy for women to conceal:
1.
Glock G42: This subcompact pistol is 5.94 inches long and is the smallest pistol Glock has ever produced. According to Glock, this makes it "ideal for pocket carry and shooters with smaller hands." Considered "super-concealable" this slim line, subcompact pistol weighs 13.76 ounces.
2.
Compact Colt .380 Mustang Pocketlite: This handgun features "a small, lightweight design, along with increased durability, reliability and accuracy." It weighs less than a pound, measures 5.5 inches and carries six rounds.
3.
Beretta Pico .380: "At only 18mm wide, the Pico is the thinnest .380 semiauto handgun on the market, making it a best in class for concealed carry and home defense." This pistol weighs 11.5 ounces, and has a flat, snag-free profile.
4.
Springfield XDS 3.3: Springfield asks and answers "yes" to the question, "Can a pistol small enough to carry every day have all the features, performance and power you would find in a full size handgun?” This short sub-compact 9mm pistol has a 3.3-inch barrel and weighs 21.5 ounces.
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5.
Smith & Wesson M&P9 Shield: Available in both 9mm and .40 S&W, this pistol is "slim, concealable and lightweight." It features a 3.1-inch barrel, a full length of 6.1 inches, and weighs 19 ounces.
6.
Ruger LCRx .38 Special: This lightweight, small-frame revolver has a "uniquely smooth trigger and highly manageable recoil." It is available with a 3-inch barrel, adjustable sight and weighs 15.70 ounces.
7.
Glock 26 Gen4: This 9mm pistol's "Modular Back Strap design lets you instantly customize its grip to adapt to an individual shooter's hand size" which makes it especially convenient for women's smaller hands. The gun is 6.41 inches in length and weighs 21.71 ounces.