The number one question I am asked hands down is, "What is the best firearm for a woman?" I grit my teeth, warmly smile, and simply reply, "All of them!" I am a firm believer that caliber doesn't matter. In my opinion, and from years of experience, I can tell you that the perfect firearm for a woman comes down to comfort and control. I have shot everything from a Smith & Wesson 500 .50 caliber
, that felt amazing to shoot, to a .22 Derringer Revolver
that hurt like heck. It's all about the fit, ability to control your firearm, and shot placement. You should be able to quickly recover after each shot and be prepared for the next accurate shot.

Smith & Wesson 500 Revolver

Women are exceptional shooters. We have excellent hand-eye coordination, and what our minds process, our hands do in quick succession. However, ladies (including myself) are guilty of anticipating the first shot and snapping the trigger back. This does not help for an accurate shot, especially considering how quickly we can get over the initial shot and can continue with well-placed subsequent shots. Take a breath and focus on your trigger pull. Make it fluid throughout the arc of the pull and avoid snapping. I always shoot with the trigger on my fingerprint rather than in the crease of my forefinger. Ladies have a softer touch, and using your fingerprint instead of the crease allows for quicker recovery. Using your fingerprint placement also helps with making your firearm a more comfortable fit overall. Again, this is just my opinion from experience, and you know what they say about opinions...   A little advice that I offer ladies to improve accuracy is using the trigger reset technique. I am well aware that there are two schools of thought on this, but please don't knock it until you have tried it! The trigger reset technique is designed to improve accuracy. The trigger reset happens when you hold the trigger to the rear after firing, then slowly releasing until you feel or hear an audible "click." This click lets you know that you are ready to shoot again, reducing trigger pull distance and improving accuracy. This technique requires time to build muscle memory and to learn where your trigger reset is. Once you become familiar with where the trigger resets, you will begin to release your trigger faster and faster. This technique will make you a star at the range, and it is a fun way to shoot, however in an adrenaline-filled, combative, or defensive situation, go back to basics. I would not recommend the trigger reset technique for situations like this. Just aim and shoot instinctively then.   I wanted to share some of my favorite firearms with you. As a female shooter, a few firearms have stuck out to me. That is important because these are the same firearms that I recommend to my daughters.  

1 - Bersa Thunder

Mo' money does not mean Mo' better with the purchase of a Bersa Thunder. The Bersa Thunder, chambered in .380 ACP, has all of the features of an expensive defensive pistol, but with a lower price point. This blowback-operated .380 pistol is fun to shoot, comfortable for concealment and is a reliable defender. At just 20 ounces unloaded weight, the Bersa is good to go right out of the box. Some of the smaller .380's come with a magazine with a 6 or 7 round capacity. The Bersa Thunder comes with an 8 round magazine with an extended finger rest, which makes the whole assembly fit comfortably, firm, and secure in the hand. Safety features mean that your first pull will be double action with an incredibly light trigger pull of just 8lbs. 10oz, compared with some double-action trigger pulls around 12 to 15 pounds. The pull is smooth and consistent throughout. After your first shot, the hammer is cocked and ready to operate in single-action mode. In single-action mode, the arc of travel is reduced, and the trigger pull drops to only 3lbs. 12oz. The slide is designed to reduce glare, and with a three-dot sight system, your target will yield tight grouping. The takedown is simple and easy. I highly recommend this pistol for a few reasons; It is comfortable, clean, smooth, accurate, and reliable with a great price point. Accessories
and ammunition
for the Bersa Thunder are available at an equally low price point.

Bersa Thunder .380 ACP

2 - Springfield XD Mod.2

If you are looking for something a little more substantial that is still a great concealed carry pistol, I would recommend the Springfield XD Mod.2 in your choice of 9mm or .40S&W. Springfield's claim to fame is Point and Shoot Ergonomics, and I have to say that Springfield got it right with the XD Mod.2. I can sum it up in two words - "effortless shooting." This pistol is a great daily carry. This sub-compact design has a grip system that enhances control. GripZone technology creates advantages that you can truly feel. This pistol is naturally comfortable and feels more like an extension of your hand rather than an object that you are holding. This pistol gives you the sensation that it was made specifically for you. When aiming, you are in solid and comfortable contact with this pistol. It nestles in your hand and stays comfortably positioned, keeping you on target in a defensive situation or while sending rapid-fire downrange. The High Hand grip relief and High Hand beavertail that Springfield incorporates into this subcompact design to keep the hand as high as possible toward the bore. This feature reduces the recoil that you will feel and helps improve accuracy. A low profile rear combat sight and fiber optic front sights allow for quick target acquisition and accuracy. The safety features on this firearm go above and beyond the industry standard. A loaded chamber indicator and striker status indicator give you an immediate indication of if the gun is ready to fire. The Ultra Safety Assurance (USA) trigger system also includes a firing pin block and a grip safety that make the XD's easy and safe to use. If you are in the market for a comfortable shooting experience, this hands down, the one for you.

Springfield Armory XD Mod-2 9mm

3- Sig Sauer SP2022 40 S&W

If you like the feel and carry of a full-sized firearm as I do, I have a secret to share with you!! I have never heard anything bad about the Sig Sauer P226
, and I enjoy a day at the range with my P226 as well. I debated the purchase for a while, but I knew the quality and reliability that I would get from this firearm. After all, the entire Sig Sauer line is geared toward military and law enforcement use. I made the purchase and have been happy with it ever since. My secret is that manufacturers frequently market their more expensive firearms, and that's what has made the well-deserving P226 as popular as it is. I have recently been introduced to the Sig Sauer SP2022 in 40 S&W. It actually looks very similar to the P226, and just like the P226, it has a 1911 style shooting system. However, I found the SP2022 to be a smaller and more lightweight pistol than the famous P226. As a lady, I can tell you that the grip was incredibly comfortable. It wasn't too small or too bulky, and it honestly felt just right! The firing action was smooth and consistent. The SP2022 instantly felt durable and reliable in my hands. That feeling added to my confidence in firing this gun. My arms did not get tired after running about 100 rounds through it. My first shot felt just as good as my last shot. So what's the difference between the famous P226 and the SP2022? The short answer is.... several hundred dollars! This model is one of Sig Sauer's more inexpensive guns to purchase. In the $500.00 price range, there is not another gun on the market that compares to all of the features, reliability, quality, durability, and comfort that this excellent piece of firearm engineering offers at this price point. The Model SP2022 is perfect for open carry, home, and personal defense, or a day at the range.

Sig Sauer SP2022 40 S&W

4- Smith and Wesson Bodyguard

Let's add a couple of revolvers into our list. For a small frame self-defense revolver, you could easily make this gun your go-to concealed carry firearm. At only 6.6 inches and with an empty weight of 14.2 ounces, you can comfortably carry this revolver and know that you have Smith & Wesson reliability by your side. The Bodyguard is a simple five-shot revolver with a 1.875-inch barrel that is capable of firing .38 Special + P ammunition. It has a hammerless presentation that prevents snags and external cocking. With the knockdown power of a full-size revolver, what's not to love about this piece? Even so, if that was not enough to convince you to take a look at this fantastic little revolver, check this out - Classic Firearms offers an entire kit focused on your total protection. The Everyday Carry Kit
model includes one revolver, S&W Oasis liner lock folding knife, M&P Delta Force CS LED Flashlight, and a Smith & Wesson branded discreet gun portfolio. This is the complete concealed carry kit! You have got to see it to believe it, and all of it is under $500.00.

Smith & Wesson EDC Kit

5- Enough with practicality

If you want to dress to impress, try a Dan Wesson
on for size! Well, not actually, as these are all rather large firearms. But this is the Prada of Firearms! If you're a collector or are just looking to add "THE piece" to your gallery of beautiful firearms, you will definitely be all the talk at the range with a Dan Wesson! This manufactured piece of art and heritage will be your conversation piece for many years to come. Dan Wesson only produces a few thousand firearms a year. They use only the best components and finishes that the industry has to offer. They even painstakingly hand fit and polish each and every single part. The care and craftsmanship that goes into these firearms create the best possible product in the 1911 style pistol and their line of revolvers. It doesn't matter which model or caliber, Dan Wesson firearms function, and fire as smooth as butter. Don't let the beauty of these firearms be mistaken for "just for show." These firearms are top-notch, world-class, shooting arms that will not disappoint you with their flawless performance.

Dan Wesson Pointman .45 ACP

So that's my two cents on the best firearms for women. My opinion is based on actual hands-on firing time with thousands of firearms during my career, not by reading articles and advertisements. You have to find your sweet spot for comfort and control, and I have given you a solid foundation and a great place to start. Ready to buy a firearm? Shop all of our Long Guns
and Handguns
.