Best Concealed Carry Handguns For Women

I was a law enforcement officer for over 25 years, working in different divisions and specialized units. I retired a few years ago and took a break from anything that reminded me of policing. But don’t get me wrong, the career was exciting, dangerous, and rewarding all at the same time. Women often asked me what the best concealed carry handguns for women were.

Types of Handguns for Women

Nevertheless, one of the things that were very important to the Police Department was the kind of handgun the Officers carried on duty. I remember starting out carrying a semi-automatic 9mm Beretta and then switching over to a .40 caliber Smith & Wesson and then Glock 22 handguns. These were good firearms and each weapon had its advantages and disadvantages.

For example, the Beretta 9mm was the heaviest of them all with a longer barrel and a 15-round capacity magazine. The longer barrel was great because it allowed you to be more accurate at the range and had minimum recoil. However, the weight (34.2 oz) of this weapon was a nightmare for your waistline. It weighed the gun belt down causing you to walk with a limp and eventually causing severe back pain.

The Glock .40 caliber Smith & Wesson weighed approximately 22.9 oz. and had a shorter barrel than the Beretta 9mm. It had almost no recoil but a shorter barrel. It has superior stopping power with a (15) round-capacity magazine. This weapon was really lightweight and still provided Officers with accurate targeting practice at the shooting range.

Then came the semi-automatic Glock 22. It became standard by 60-70% of law enforcement. This handgun is full-size with proven stopping power. It can be loaded with the S&W .40 caliber round and it weighs approximately 22.9 ounces with a similar size barrel of the Glock .40 caliber.

As of now, I know you are asking yourself so why did the department change weapons? As usual, budget restraints, so when one gun company gives you a better overall price it’s time to play let’s make a deal.

The Best Handguns For Women

Well while working as a law enforcement officer women often asked, ” What are the best concealed handguns for women, and do I need a permit?” This is a great question considering more women are purchasing handguns than ever before. So let’s see what (2) handguns I recommend that can fit in a purse. But really some other handguns are just heavier and require someone with a medium to larger size hand.

Normally, female hands are smaller than the typical male and you may not secure the pistol grip firmly during a shooting situation. After all, ladies I mean no disrespect because there are men with smaller hands than yours. However, my main point is you should feel comfortable and confident with the size of the handgun while practicing at the shooting range.

Then after purchasing your handgun, you must practice at the range enough to become proficient with hitting the target. And this is a must if you plan on carrying a concealed weapon. That’s because, during a confrontation with an assailant, you’re shooting average naturally decreases due to the adrenaline in your body. So let’s think about this for a second, at the range it’s quiet and no one is trying to hurt you. But in a real-life situation, it will be the opposite and practice makes perfect. My advice is for you to visit the range at least every six months or once a year.

Glock 23 and Glock 26

Alright then, let’s talk more about your handguns. Personally, for women, I recommend the Glock 23 and Glock 26. These are sufficient to be concealed weapons and have plenty of stopping power. Both are compact weapons with a shorter barrel with minimum weight. The Glock 23 weighs approximately 21.16 ounces and the Glock 26 weighs about 21.17 ounces. Both have less recoil and each has a (10) 9mm caliber round capacity magazine.

Safety Of Handguns

As far as safety, all Glocks have no manual safety mechanism but consist of three internal safeties that assist in preventing accidental discharge. But remember, guns don’t shoot themselves we do. Both can be used as concealed carry handguns and can be placed inside a purse or larger pocket. Although, both weapons should be kept inside a holster for additional safety precautions.

And on a more serious note. Please keep all firearms and handguns away from children. If at home, lock your handguns in a locked gun safe or locked pistol box. Believe me, if there is an intrusion of your home by a suspect there will be ample time to unlock your small pistol safe. We love our children and don’t want them to find and play with handguns.

Carrying A Concealed Handgun

Police officers frequently address questions about the legality of carrying weapons in a vehicle. Individuals often inquire whether they can store them in their glove compartment, center console, on the front seat, or on their person. Allow me to clarify this in straightforward terms.    Check with your state laws and statutes. Believe it or not, this varies from state to state.

In certain states, it is permissible to keep a loaded or unloaded handgun in the glove compartment or center console without a permit. However, in other states, having a loaded magazine in a handgun stored in the glove compartment or center console may be considered carrying a concealed weapon.

Whereas, women who carry a handgun in their purse and men who conceal a handgun on their person, it is considered carrying a concealed weapon and you do need a valid permit. This is non-negotiable and a conviction can result in a fine, a few days in jail, and up to (5) years in jail. Therefore, follow your state laws!

However, if you’re just keeping your handgun at home for emergencies, then you need to purchase a pistol safe with a combination lock. And this is non-negotiable, in order to keep handguns away from all children for safety reasons.

Furthermore, regarding open carry, it’s crucial to consult your state’s laws. Open carry refers to the act of carrying a firearm openly in public. While most states permit carrying a loaded handgun in a side holster, some do not. For instance, this practice is prohibited in New York City. Therefore, attempting to open carry in NYC is not advisable.

Conclusion

Finally, if you have a firearm in your vehicle and are stopped by the police, inform them immediately as the officer approaches your window. This precaution ensures the safety of both you and your passengers. Refrain from attempting to retrieve the handgun from the glove compartment or center console. Comply with the officer’s instructions and ensure your hands are visible at all times.

Additionally, if you possess a valid permit, always carry it with you. Officers understand that most individuals are law-abiding citizens seeking protection. Conversely, they are aware that criminals will not disclose the presence of a firearm in the vehicle, compelling officers to respond in accordance with state laws and department policies.

Thank you to everyone, particularly the women, for reading my article on the top concealed carry handguns for women. I invite you to leave a comment below and subscribe to this site. If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact me at any time.

In addition, take a look at my other website for other important information. Also, please read my other article about the importance of Amazon Video Ring Cameras.

Thank you for your time!

W. McCain