When selecting a firearm for everyday carry (EDC), many people assume that women need a drastically different approach than men. Often, well-meaning friends, gun store salespeople, or online forums recommend ultra-compact pistols simply because the buyer is female.
However, the truth is that choosing a firearm as a woman is no different from choosing one as a man.
While there are some general physical differences and wardrobe considerations that can influence firearm selection, these are practical factors that apply to everyone, not gender-specific rules.
HAND SIZE AND FIT: THE REAL PRIORITIES
When choosing a handgun, the most crucial factor isn’t your gender – it’s how the gun fits your hand. Grip size, trigger reach, and overall ergonomics are essential for good performance. If a pistol doesn’t fit ergonomically in your hand, you won’t shoot it well, and you may be reluctant to practice with it.
While many women have smaller hands than men on average, this is not universally true. Additionally, most everyday carry guns are designed to accommodate a wide range of users, often featuring adjustable backstraps to suit different hand sizes. The key takeaway is that the size and shape of your hands – rather than your gender – should guide your choice of grip size and frame.
CONCEALMENT: A CHALLENGE FOR EVERYONE
It is often said that women face greater challenges with concealment due to fitted clothing and a lack of pockets. While this may be true, it’s essential to acknowledge that this issue is not exclusive to women. In South Africa, for example, our warm climate often leads men to wear fitted t-shirts and shorts, making concealment a challenge for them, too.
Concealment is a personal puzzle that everyone must solve, taking into account their body type, clothing choices, and lifestyle. Women may need to be more creative with their carry positions – such as appendix carry, off-body options, or specialised holsters – but this doesn’t justify relying solely on ultra-small handguns. It’s essential to find a balance between comfort, concealability, and shootability.
SMALL GUNS: NOT ALWAYS THE BEST CHOICE
One of the biggest myths surrounding firearms is that ultra-compact guns are “ideal” for women. While small pistols may be easier to conceal, they can often be more challenging to shoot. Here are a few reasons why:
1. Increased felt recoil: Ultra-compact guns tend to have more felt recoil, making them snappier and harder to control.
2. Smaller grips: These firearms often have smaller grips, which can make consistent hand placement difficult.
3. Shorter sight radius: A shorter sight radius requires more precise aiming, which can be challenging under stress.
These issues affect both men and women equally. A small gun that’s difficult to shoot well, especially in stressful situations, is not advantageous for anyone, regardless of gender.
CARRY WHAT YOU’LL ACTUALLY CARRY
The most important rule in choosing a firearm is this: The best carry gun is the one you will actually carry. If a firearm is too large to conceal comfortably or too heavy to wear all day, you’re more likely to leave it at home. Conversely, a gun that is comfortable, reliable, and inspires confidence – especially one you train with regularly – is much more valuable in the real world.
FINAL THOUGHTS
There’s no such thing as a “women’s gun”. There are only guns that fit you and your lifestyle. Every person – male or female – needs to consider:
- Ergonomics
- Concealability and clothing style
- Carry comfort
- Shootability
- Performance
Forget any preconceived notions about what you “should” carry based on your gender. Take the time to explore different brands and sizes. If possible, try shooting them to see which firearm fits your hand and lifestyle, but also, which one you shoot well! That’s the best gun for anyone.
If you need assistance in making your decision, visit the False Bay Firearm Training Academy. We offer the opportunity to try out several popular carry-gun options to see how each one feels and performs. Call (021) 300 1179 for more information.
