Pocket Gun For A Woman

ninjatoth

Moderator
My mother knows a woman who wants to get a CCW gun.All the woman has now is a .22,but is about to get her CCW,and wants a gun that she can just put in her pocket.She has mentioned a .38,but I think an auto might be more like what she would want for a pocket,but I don't know.I know there are very light .38 frames out there now,and I have suggested a light .22 mag,since .38 bullets are pretty heavy and would make an airlite gun alot heavier,and .22 mags are light.But maybe I should lean tword autos only,I don't know,what do you think would be a good pocket gun?
 
I would lean more toward a revolver just for simplicity and ease of use. I was looking at the Ruger LCR the other day. I really like the feel of that. I also shot my brother's S&W Airweight(don't remember the model). That was a really nice shooting gun too.
 
A Ruger LCP .380 is light and would probably fit in almost any pocket but it also has a decent recoil as a trade off for it's small size and weight.

Almost impossible to give any kind of good advice without knowing how much experience the woman has (has she handled and shot both revolvers and semi automatics) and how big / small she is (what will fit her hand). The best thing is for her to go to a range that rents guns, look at some that she appeal to her, and actually shoot them. Then make a decision.
 
I vote for the LCP or LCR, with the edge going to the LCR. Revolvers are simple, and I have heard that the LCR has a good trigger pull, and does not kick too bad all things considered. Going to shoot one tomorrow for the first time, so let you all know the details...watch for updates!!
 
I wouldn't recomment the LCP, pretty nasty to shoot. My wife carries a Glock 19, has shot my 38 +P, 357 mag, 44 mag, 45 acp, .40 S&W, but when she shot a mag through the LCP, she said never again, I like the PPK, but I won't ever shoot that nasty little gun again.
 
I'm not a woman ;) but my 340pd goes everywhere I do! Before the 340pd I carried a 642-2. You just can't beat those lightweight SW wheelguns. They're functional, durable, and there are plenty on the market.
 
Hey, how come no one has mentioned the Seecamp??!! :)

(All the guns everyone has mentioned are good though IMHO.)
 
+1 to revolver - especialy if she doesn't shoot much. Let her try several options if possible. Consider .22Mag or a steel frame .38spl with mild loads.

I carry a NAA Guardian in .32ACP daily but do NOT recommend ANY pocket semi-auto for someone who is not willing to practice shooting and jam-clearing drills regularly. (Feeding problems are common due to limp-wristing -especially with beginners).
 
The S&W J-Frame Airweights are very comfortable to carry loaded in your pocket. The bigger issue w/ these is that they have relatively heavy DA triggers. So they can be difficult to shoot well for someone with weak hands.

I've heard good things about the LCR in this regard, but haven't had the opportunity to shoot one yet.
 
Okay, back on topic. As far as a woman's CCW goes, depends on what she is comfortable with. The Cornered Cat site is a great resource, and if I could sum it all up in one sentence I'd say: Let her pick what's right for her, don't presume to do it for her.

For the female shooters I know, they go anywhere from Kel-Tec P-32 (absolutely tiny, featherweight, soft recoil) to LCP (same size, slightly larger weight, considerably heavier recoil) to J-frame (not nearly as tiny, and weight/recoil are variables) on up the ladder to K/L frame revolvers and compact semis.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
I like my Ruger LCP for conceal carry. I carry it in a DeSantis Pocket Holster - it's in my front pocket now.

My wife carries her LCP all the time too, but in her purse.

What ever you and she decide on, be sure to get her a lot of training - training is key.

Then she needs to go to the range and shoot a minimum of 3 to 4 times per year. She may grow to like it
 
Last edited:
www.corneredcat.com

Please get the woman considering buying a self-defense handgun to read all of Kathy Jackson's writings at the above link. It is a great place to start getting information for her to make an informed decision.

Selecting the right personal defense gun has a great deal to do with personal preferences. Until the woman you reference knows what the various parameters involved are she can not decide about all the variables.

Training is also important. Not just training in safe gun handling, but also the proper mental attitude. Has she considered that she may be placing herself in a position of taking a human life to prevent herself from being a victim? Also, training in the laws of her jurisdiction which regulate how and where she may possess her gun; as well as, how she may use it and shall not use it.

I am not advocating that the government require training for people to get a gun to be able to defend themselves. I'm advocating that people get a minimum education in the above so that they do not do something which will get them prosecuted because they did not know better.
 
Gun for a woman

Being an NRA and Glock certified instructor and armorer, I am asked fairly often (What gun do I recommend for a woman). My answer is always the Smith and Wesson airweight bodyguard. It is safe,lightweight and all they have to remember, is to point and pull the trigger. The shrouded hammer will prevent it from getting hung up in a pocket or purse. Dont be to concerned on trigger pull on this type weapon and concentrate practice double action and close.
 
Back
Top