Concealed Carry CHOOSING A

Firearm For Women

Among

by Mia Anstine

"Which handgun should I purchase?” is the primary question asked by women new to concealed carry. A lot goes into choosing a firearm, so the answer isn't always easy. Below you'll find the criteria to help your female customers make a wise handgun purchase.

As the journey to find the ideal concealed-carry gun begins, you must know that these customers coming into your store are not alone. According to the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF), at least 5.4 million firsttimers purchased firearms in 2021. Something to contemplate: “how many of those new gun owners are satisfied with their purchases and training with the tool?” So, let's work to make sure they'll be happy with their investment.

Options Aplenty

When choosing a first CCW handgun, there are many considerations. The most basic of these is that of mechanics.

REVOLVER VS. SEMI-AUTOMATIC

Experienced firearms owners will tell you that they like revolvers because there’s less chance of malfunction compared to semi-autos; however, don't get caught up on that point. Those who prefer semi-automatic handguns will tell you that they like them because of their capability to hold more ammunition than revolvers (depending on the make of the gun). Note that highercapacity magazines fit into larger grips, thus affecting concealability.

Grip

Revolvers with smaller grips take a lot of practice to attain a confident handhold. Users also need to practice intently with the semi-automatic to maneuver the slide proficiently. You’ll be doing the customer a big favor by telling them to take at least a basic handgun class before making the big decision about their concealed carry gun. Then, have them test the grip in your shop to see how it feels in their hand.

Operation

Have the customer test the operation of the revolver's cylinder or the pistol’s slide and hold-open capabilities. If your shop allows, ask them to dry-fire the gun. Show them how to do this properly: make sure the muzzle is pointed in a safe direction before placing a finger on the trigger. Tell them to squeeze the trigger. Ask them to feel slack, feel the weight of the pull when it breaks over, and feel when it reaches the back end. Then tell them to slowly release and feel it reset. Go through this process with multiple handguns, so they have a point of comparison.

Due to variations in the size and strengths of women's hands, some like a long trigger pull, larger grip, or lighter springs in the slide.

“Comfort, fit, and the ability to shoot consistently are essential considerations,” says Laura Evans, a concealed carry and home defense fundamentals instructor for the United States Concealed Carry Association (USCCA). Capacity is less of an issue for her, as her state's laws are restrictive.

Caliber And Controllability

Choosing a larger caliber will increase stopping power when shooting a threat; smaller-caliber guns won't create as much ballistic damage when they hit the target. On the other hand, larger calibers may mean greater recoil and larger magazines. As you see, your customer needs to realize there will be trade-offs. They'll need to decide what is important: size, stopping power, recoil management, and the ability to conceal the gun.

If possible, they should find a way to “test drive” the handgun so they can feel the recoil and mechanics before making their investment. If your store has a shooting range where they can test fire a likely candidate, you'll find that’s a great way to seal the deal. If not, the next best thing is an arrangement with a local range to do this.

 The most common holsters for concealed carry are designed to be worn inside or outside the waistband. Generally, most users will choose to orient the holster on their strong (dominant) side, but some, depending on the clothing they are wearing, will choose to locate the holster in the small of the back as shown here.

Comfort

“Comfort is my number one consideration,” says concealed carry holder Katie Riley. “Being comfortable with it in my hand, comfortable with my ability to shoot it, comfortable with the trade-off between physical size and the capacity it provides, and comfortable with how it sits on my body.”

This is important. If they aren't comfortable with their gun, they won't train with it; and if they won't train with it, they won't gain the necessary expertise to be a confident, competent, and safe shooter.

Concealability

When looking for concealed carry guns, most people try to find something small, so it's easier to hide. But as we've just learned, petite isn't always the best option. After they've decided on the gun, look to see what holsters are available for their pick. Like shoes, find the one that fits them perfectly.

Another big consideration: the laws in your state that govern firearms and concealed carry may ultimately dictate the particular choice.

Final Thoughts

There’s a lot of truth in the old saying, “you don't know what you don't know.” So, encour- age the customer to ask a lot of questions. According to Armed and Feminine founder Kelly Ann Pidgeon, women who are new to concealed carry present “more questions about carrying rather than about the actual gun itself.”

I am often asked, “What gun do you carry?” I have several handguns that I carry based on my outfit. A few of my favorites are the Kimber K6s (.357 Magnum), SIG Sauer P365 (9mm Luger), Remington RM380 (.380 Auto), and Kimber Ultra Carry II (.45 ACP), to name four. Of course, I have others as well.

As you can see by now, there is no one best answer when it comes to choosing a concealed carry gun for a woman. Factors to consider include action (revolver or semi-auto), size, caliber, and grip. Above all, it’s important to help this customer find a gun that fits them best, one that they will be comfortable using.

HOW DO I SAFELY CARRY MY HANDGUN?

New concealed carry gun owners need to take a concealed carry class to learn how to draw from their favorite holster or handbag safely. If they carry in an off-body handbag, remind them that they need to be aware of where it is at all times.

Concealed carry options will vary depending on body size, shape, and seasons as clothing layers change. Carry options are affected by the customer's particular activity—work, social, workouts, etc. Regardless of the body type, there is a holster that will fit them. For many, the best way to see which one works is to give it a try.

OPEN THE DOOR TO NEW SHOOTERS AND GREATER REVENUE FOR YOUR RANGE.

SIGN UP TO BECOME A PARTICIPATING FIRST SHOTS ® HOST RANGE. VISIT FIRSTSHOTS.ORG TO GET STARTED NOW.

Put the combined support of the firearms industry and the outreach power of the National Shooting Sports Foundation ® to work for you. It’s simple, easy, and — when studies show 92% of new shooters return for more — it’s a powerful way to deliver a steady stream of new customers to your range. Sign up at FirstShots.org today.