Firearms for Women. Self Defense & Best Hunting Calibers. Here's our top picks!

Posted by Robert P. on 20th Apr 2023

As more women choose to exercise their right to bear arms, the demand for firearms designed for women continues to grow. While there are no "women's guns," certain firearms may be more comfortable and suitable for women's smaller hands and frames. Here we will review the best self defense handguns and hunting calibers for women.

Best Self Defense Handguns for Women

When it comes to self-defense, choosing the right handgun is crucial, especially for women who statistically are often more likely to be first time users. The perfect handgun should be easy to operate, comfortable to carry, and reliable in high-stress situations. With so many options available on the market, selecting the right firearm can be overwhelming. It is important to consider factors such as size, weight, accuracy, and recoil when choosing a firearm for self-defense purposes. In this article, we will explore the top 11 self-defense handguns for women, including the Smith & Wesson EZ Shield, Glock 43X, Sig Sauer P365, Smith & Wesson J Frame revolvers, Ruger LCP Max, Ruger LCR9, Kimber Micro 9, Springfield Hellcat, Taurus GX4, Taurus 856, and Taurus 605.

Smith & Wesson EZ Shield:

  • The Smith & Wesson EZ Shield is a lightweight and easy-to-use handgun designed for those who are new to firearms. It features a low recoil, making it comfortable to shoot, and has a slide that's easy to operate, even for those with weak hands. Its size also makes it an ideal choice for concealed carry and a great choice for women who may have difficulty racking the slide of a traditional semi-automatic handgun.

Glock 43X:

  • The Glock 43X is a slim and compact handgun that's perfect for concealed carry. It features a 10-round magazine capacity, making it an excellent choice for self-defense situations. Its design allows for easy handling and accuracy, and its reliability is unmatched.

Sig Sauer P365:

  • The Sig Sauer P365 is another popular choice for women's self defense. The Sig P365 is a lightweight and compact handgun that's perfect for concealed carry. It features a 10-round magazine capacity and a smooth trigger pull, making it easy to use and accurate. Its small size makes it an excellent choice for women who prefer to carry their firearm discreetly.

Smith & Wesson J Frame Revolvers:

  • Smith & Wesson J Frame revolvers are known for their reliability and accuracy which make them a classic option for women’s self defense. They are easy to operate and have a low recoil, making them ideal for women who are new to firearms. They are also lightweight and easy to carry, making them an excellent choice for self-defense.

Ruger LCP Max:

  • The Ruger LCP Max is a compact and lightweight handgun that's perfect for concealed carry. It features a 10-round magazine capacity and a smooth trigger pull, making it easy to use and accurate. Its small size makes it an excellent choice for women who prefer to carry their firearm discreetly.

Ruger LCR9:

  • The Ruger LCR9 is a lightweight and easy-to-use handgun that's perfect for self-defense. It features a low recoil, making it comfortable to shoot, and has a smooth trigger pull, making it easy to operate. Its compact size also makes it an ideal choice for concealed carry.

Kimber Micro 9:

  • The Kimber Micro 9 is a sleek, single-action 9mm pistol that's perfect for concealed carry. It features a 7-round magazine capacity and a smooth trigger pull, making it easy to use and accurate. Its small size makes it an excellent choice for women who prefer to carry their firearm discreetly.

Springfield Hellcat:

  • The Springfield Hellcat is a small handgun that's perfect for self-defense. It features a 13-round magazine capacity and a smooth trigger pull, making it easy to operate and accurate. Its compact size also makes it an ideal choice for concealed carry.

Taurus GX4:

  • The Taurus GX4 is an easy-to-use handgun that's perfect for self-defense. It features a low recoil, making it comfortable to shoot, and has a smooth trigger pull, making it easy to operate. Its size also makes it an excellent choice for concealed carry.

Taurus 605:

  • The Taurus 605 is a small and lightweight revolver that is ideal for concealed carry. It is chambered in .357 Magnum and holds 5 rounds in the cylinder. Its small size makes it easy to carry in a purse or holster. The Taurus 605 has a double-action trigger and fixed sights. Its compact design, lightweight construction, and powerful .357 Magnum cartridge make it a great option for women who want a reliable and powerful self-defense firearm.

Taurus 856:

  • The Taurus 856 is another great option for women who are looking for a reliable and easy-to-use self-defense handgun. This revolver has a six-shot cylinder and is chambered in .38 Special. It features a soft rubber grip that is comfortable to hold and helps to reduce recoil. Its lightweight design and small size make it easy to carry and conceal, while its high-visibility front sight helps with quick and accurate target acquisition.

There are many great options for women looking for a self-defense handgun. Each of the firearms mentioned has its own unique benefits, such as ease of use, reliability, accuracy, and stopping power. It is important to choose a firearm that is comfortable to shoot and carry, fits your hand properly, and suits your personal preferences and needs. By doing so, you can ensure that you are well-equipped to defend yourself in any situation.

Best Hunting Rifle Caliber for Women

Hunting is a popular activity that is enjoyed by many people, including women. With the increasing interest in hunting, there has been a growing need for firearms that are specifically designed for women. For women, it is important to consider calibers that offer low recoil and flat trajectory to ensure a comfortable shooting experience. In this article, we will explore the best rifle calibers for women hunters, organized into three categories: varmint hunting, medium game hunting, and large game hunting.

Varmint Hunting

  • The 22-250 and 223 Remington are a popular varmint hunting caliber that offers low recoil and flat trajectory. It is ideal for hunting small game and varmints at long ranges. One great budget varmint hunting rifle is the Savage Axis. The Savage Axis is both available in 22-250 and 223 Remington. It has a synthetic stock with a comfortable grip and a crisp trigger pull. The rifle also features a detachable box magazine for easy reloading.

Medium Game Hunting

  • The 243 Winchester and 7mm-08 Remington are both excellent options for women hunters that are well-suited for medium game hunting. Their low recoil and flat trajectory make it an excellent choice for women. The Christensen Ridgeline FFT are all great options for rifles chambered in 243 Win and 7mm-08 Remington. The rifle is a high-end bolt-action rifle that is designed to be lightweight and accurate. It has a carbon fiber-wrapped barrel and a composite stock with an adjustable comb. The rifle also features a match-grade trigger and a fluted bolt.

Large Game Hunting

  • The 6.5 Creedmoor has gained popularity in recent years due to its excellent long-range performance and low recoil. It is a versatile cartridge that is suitable for hunting medium to large game. The 6.5 Grendel is a relatively new cartridge that is gaining popularity among hunters and target shooters. The Ruger American is available for both calibers that has a lightweight synthetic stock and a smooth trigger pull. The rifle is also easy to disassemble, making it simple to clean and maintain.

Selecting the right rifle caliber is crucial for women hunters, as it can affect the accuracy, range, and recoil of the firearm. Varmint hunting requires a caliber that can deliver a high velocity and flat trajectory, while medium game hunting demands a balance of power and accuracy. For large game hunting, a powerful caliber is necessary to ensure a clean and ethical kill. By considering the specific needs and preferences of each individual hunter, and selecting the appropriate rifle caliber, women hunters can enjoy a successful and rewarding hunting experience.