Illustration of a tactical self-defense woman in action, swiftly disarming an opponent in an urban alleyway

Best Guns for Women

Double Down on Defense: Why Every Woman Needs Two Guns

Ladies, let’s cut to the chase. You are your first line of defense to prevent crime against yourself and those you love.

Even if you call the police it will usually take them from 5 to 10 minutes to get to you, according to the US Department of Justice [1].

In many cases, that’s too late to prevent you from becoming a victim. Your survival is your responsibility above all else.

That’s why you need not just one, but two guns: One for home defense, and one for personal defense when you’re away from home, especially if you’re by yourself.

  1. For home defense, you need a shotgun.
  2. For personal defense, you need a pistol.

Why Two? It’s All About Being Prepared

  • Versatility: One gun can’t do it all. Your at-home defender is too bulky for the streets, and your street-smart pistol may not pack the same punch for home invaders.
  • Back-Up Plan: Guns are machines; they can fail. Having a spare means you’re never caught off guard.
  • Skill Building: Different guns, different skills. Training with both hones your shooting sharper than a razor.

Let’s get into the why behind these two types of guns.

The Shotgun: Your Home Defense Weapon

At home, you want a gun that means business. A tool that says, “Not in my house,” loud and clear. A trusty shotgun is a simple powerful solution for protecting your home. Even the sound of a pump shotgun being cocked can be enough signal to bad guys that they should leave.

You’ve heard this sound in plenty of movies. When the hero is gearing up for a battle and they grab a shotgun that they “pump” by sliding their hand beneath the barrel back and forth in one motion creating a familiar “chuck-chunk” sound.

That warning sound let’s everybody within hearing distance know that there is someone close by with the power to kill anyone with one shot.

Recommended Shotguns for Women

The Mossberg 500 or Remington 870 are powerful but lightweight shotguns that will do the job. Get one that shoots 20-gauge ammo for less kick but still enough power to make someone leave or take a dirt nap. It’s like having a 24/7 on-demand bodyguard.

Shotgun ModelTypeKey Features
Mossberg 500/590Pump-actionLightweight, adjustable stock
Remington 870Pump-actionDurable, models with shorter stock
Beretta A400 XcelSemi-automaticLow recoil, sleek design
Winchester SXP FieldPump-actionLightweight, fast pump-action
Benelli MontefeltroSemi-automaticSlim design, light recoil
Weatherby SA-08 DeluxeSemi-automaticBalanced, smooth cycling
Stoeger CondorOver/UnderAffordable, balanced for easy handling
Franchi Affinity 3Semi-automaticErgonomic, minimal recoil
Browning BPSPump-actionBottom-eject, good for left/right-hand
Savage Stevens 320Pump-actionCompact, budget-friendly
  1. Mossberg 500/590 Series
    • Notable for its lightweight design and ease of handling.
    • Offers a variety of models with adjustable stocks to fit different body types.
  2. Remington 870
    • Known for its reliability and durability.
    • Comes in various models, including those with shorter barrels and stocks that are more manageable for women.
  3. Beretta A400 Xcel Sporting
    • A semi-automatic option known for its low recoil and smooth operation.
    • The sleek design and reduced weight make it easier for smaller-framed shooters to handle.
  4. Winchester SXP Field
    • Lightweight and easy to maneuver.
    • Known for its fast pump-action and ergonomic design, making it comfortable for extended use.
  5. Benelli Montefeltro
    • Another semi-automatic option that’s known for its reliability and ease of use.
    • Features a slim forend and light recoil, making it suitable for shooters with smaller frames.
  6. Weatherby SA-08 Deluxe
    • A versatile and reliable semi-automatic shotgun.
    • It offers a smooth cycling action with a balanced weight, ideal for women shooters.
  7. Stoeger Condor
    • An over/under shotgun that’s affordable yet reliable.
    • Its balance and manageable recoil make it a great choice for beginners and experienced shooters alike.
  8. Franchi Affinity 3
    • Designed with ergonomics in mind, this semi-automatic shotgun is comfortable for long shooting sessions.
    • Known for its easy handling and minimal recoil.
  9. Browning BPS
    • A unique bottom-eject pump action that works well for both right and left-handed shooters.
    • Its balance and manageable kick make it a suitable choice for a variety of shooters.
  10. Savage Stevens 320
    • An affordable option for those new to shotgunning.
    • Offers a compact design with a shorter stock, making it easier to shoulder and handle.

The Pistol: Your Personal Defense Weapon

When you’re out, you need something that blends in like a shadow, but strikes like a viper. That’s where compact handguns shine. When you carry a handgun hidden on your body it’s called “concealed carry”, because you are concealing a gun that you are carrying.

Recommended Pistols for Women

So what kind of pistol should you buy and train with? The Smith & Wesson M&P Shield is a slim, yet dependable option that can be your secret guard. Also, the Sig Sauer P365 is a tiny but mighty pistol that disappears into your purse or holster like a ghost.

Ideally, you can get training at a good gun range and they can recommend the right pistol for you. And that gives you an opportunity to feel the gun before you buy. Checkout this list of other pistols recommended for women.

Pistol ModelTypeKey Features
Smith & Wesson M&P ShieldSemi-automaticSlim, lightweight, ergonomic design
Glock 43Semi-automaticUltra-compact, reliable, durable
Sig Sauer P365Semi-automaticHigh capacity, ergonomic, smooth trigger
Ruger LCP IISemi-automaticVery lightweight, compact, easy to operate
Walther PPS M2Semi-automaticSlim, comfortable grip, smooth trigger
Kimber Micro 9Semi-automaticElegant 1911-style, smooth trigger, comfortable
Springfield Armory HellcatSemi-automaticHigh capacity, compact, easy-to-rack slide
Bersa Thunder 380Semi-automaticLightweight, affordable, low recoil
Kahr CW9Semi-automaticSlim, straightforward, smooth trigger
Colt MustangSemi-automaticSmall, lightweight, classic design
  1. Smith & Wesson M&P Shield
    • Slim, lightweight, and easy to conceal.
    • Known for its ergonomic design and manageable recoil.
  2. Glock 43
    • Ultra-compact and reliable.
    • A favorite due to its simplicity and durability.
  3. Sig Sauer P365
    • High capacity for its size, offering a good balance between firepower and concealability.
    • Ergonomic design with a smooth trigger pull.
  4. Ruger LCP II
    • Extremely lightweight and compact, ideal for very discreet carry.
    • Easy to operate with a comfortable grip.
  5. Walther PPS M2
    • Slim profile with a comfortable grip.
    • Known for its smooth trigger and ergonomics.
  6. Kimber Micro 9
    • A 1911-style, subcompact 9mm that is both elegant and functional.
    • Offers a smooth trigger pull and comfortable ergonomics.
  7. Springfield Armory Hellcat
    • High capacity and compact design.
    • Features an easy-to-rack slide and adaptive grip texture.
  8. Bersa Thunder 380
    • A lightweight and affordable option.
    • Known for its low recoil and comfortable grip.
  9. Kahr CW9
    • Slim, straightforward design, easy to handle.
    • Smooth trigger pull and good balance.
  10. Colt Mustang
    • Small, lightweight, and simple to operate.
    • A classic design with modern reliability.

Your Next Steps: Become more powerful through training

  • Train Like a Pro: Owning guns is step one. Knowing how to use them is where you become unstoppable.
  • Fit and Comfort: The gun’s gotta feel right. Test a few. It should fit your hand like it was made just for you.
  • Stay Informed: Know the laws, know your rights. Be the gun owner that others look up to.

Take Action: Be Your Own Hero

You’ve got the smarts. You’ve got the courage. Now, get the gear. Two guns – one for home, one for the road. It’s not just about owning guns. It’s about mastering them, about the confidence they bring, about knowing you can handle whatever life throws your way.

Your safety. Your rules. Are you ready to double down?

Guns are the Great Equalizers: Empowerment in Your Hands

Guns aren’t just tools; they’re the great equalizers. They level the playing field in a world where threats don’t care about fairness. This is especially true for women. Having a gun means your safety doesn’t depend on size or strength – it’s about skill, smarts, and the will to protect yourself.

Ronald Reagan: A Voice for Freedom

Ronald Reagan, a president known for his steadfast beliefs in freedom and individual rights, understood this deeply. He once said, “Self-defense is not only our right; it is our duty.” For Reagan, owning a firearm was more than a constitutional right; it was a fundamental piece of personal and national security. He championed the idea that when citizens are armed and trained, they form the bedrock of a free society.

Jeff Cooper: The Guru of Gun Wisdom

Jeff Cooper, a legend in the world of firearms, echoed similar sentiments. Known for his no-nonsense approach to gun training and safety, Cooper famously regarded the firearm as the ultimate tool of personal empowerment. His teachings go beyond handling a gun; they’re about embracing a mindset where you are never defenseless, never a victim. His principle of ‘hoplophily’ – the love of arms – highlights how firearms, when respected and mastered, serve as powerful protectors of liberty and equality.

Guns in Your Life: More than Metal and Mechanics

  • A Level Field: With a gun in hand, physical differences fade away. It’s about strategy, skill, and determination.
  • Confidence and Control: Knowing you can defend yourself, that you’re not reliant on others for your safety, brings a confidence that’s both empowering and liberating.
  • Responsibility and Respect: Owning and using guns responsibly is a testament to your character. It’s about respecting the power you hold and using it wisely.

Join the Legacy of Empowered Protectors

Now you understand why two guns. One for home. One for carry. Both for empowerment. Your decision to arm yourself is backed by the wisdom of some of the greatest minds in personal defense and freedom. You’re not just carrying a weapon; you’re upholding a tradition of empowerment and protection that icons like Reagan and Cooper have always advocated.

Stand Tall, Stand Ready

With this knowledge, your journey doesn’t just stop at owning guns. It’s about embracing a role – being a responsible, empowered, and prepared individual.

Reagan and Cooper aren’t just voices from the past; they’re reminders of what you can be. A symbol of strength. A beacon of safety. An embodiment of the equalizing power of firearms.

Your choice. Your empowerment.

 

Sources

  1. Response Time, Office of Justice Programs, Department of Justice