8 Best Guns For Women Living Alone
Last updated: April 25, 2026 · Originally published: January 29, 2018
Women, particularly women who live alone, must make self-defense a top priority—while facing a unique set of self-defense challenges. One important thing a woman can do to protect herself is to own a gun, and learn how to use it safely. However, purchasing a gun should involve time and research – every gun is a unique investment, and requires an informed decision-making process.
Some of the best guns for women living alone are listed below.
Ruger LC 93s
Compact size, slender body and light weight make this 9 mm pistol a popular choice for women. This sidearm is easy to use and very concealable, with a low profile and weighing in just over a pound. Its magazine capacity holds seven cartridges, so with one in the chamber you’ll have eight shots.
Ruger LCR
This lightweight, polymer-framed revolver offers rounded edges to enhance your ability to conceal it. Available in a range of calibers from .22 LR to the powerful .357 Magnum, Ruger’s LCR offers a chambering for every skill level. Depending on the caliber, the Ruger LCR’s cylinder capacity is from five to eight cartridges, and the weight varies from 13 ounces to a pound. Beginning shooters should be aware that lightweight revolvers do tend to offer greater perceived recoil than semi-automatics and heavier-framed revolvers.
Kahr CW9
Kahr’s CW9 is a terrific gun for women, not only because of its user–friendliness, but also for its concealability. Its slender grips and single-stack magazine make it easy for small hands to grasp. Additionally, the magazine capacity is seven rounds with the option to carry another in the chamber.
Glock 43
This is one of the smallest handguns that Glock has introduced, so it fits perfectly into the generally smaller hands of women, and is easily concealable. This small handgun is a 9 mm and has a six-round magazine capacity.
Sig Sauer P238
At about 15 ounces, this semi-automatic dynamo chambered in .380 ACP offers both convenience of carry and a remarkably comfortable shooting experience for such a light weight. With a six-round magazine capacity, it offers one fewer shot than some of the options we’ve listed, but for many shooters this gun’s supreme concealability more than makes up for that.
S&W M&P Bodyguard
The Bodyguard revolver has a synthetic grip, which reduces perceived recoil considerably. Moreover, it provides ease when aiming in reduced lighting situations, making it one of the best guns for women living alone.
KEL-TEC PMR-30
The KEL-TEC PMR-30 is a dream come true for beginners, as it provides ease and accuracy in a compact, lightweight package. It has everything you need to be a perfect shot.
Smith & Wesson M&P Shield
This 9 mm delivers craftsmanship and reliability in abundance. It is small enough to be easily concealed yet provides a good grip. It has a 7- to 8-round capacity and is also available chambered in .40 caliber.
Piece of Advice
The good news is that there are so many firearms perfect for women’s self-defense…but the “bad” news is that not all women want or need the same thing. When you’re looking for a gun, you’ll need to consider your own skill set, budget and interest. What’s most critical is that you find a firearm that you’re comfortable using to train and practice to ensure that you can deploy it safely and effectively should you ever need to. Lastly, make sure that you are aware of all the laws pertaining to defensive firearm use in your state or district.
This is really sexist. Women, as well as men, should shoot, carry, or conceal whatever works for them. There are plenty of petite and older women who will shoot men under the table (literally!) with any gun there is.
Thank you Rock Crowles! I’m way more comfortable carrying my Springfield XD Mod.2 9mm than I am my Glock 42 or Glock 43! I also carry my Springfield 40mm from time to time! Both are double stack magzines and both are extremely reliable!
I’ve personally owned the Kel-Tek, Ruger LC9, LCP380, and Sig P238 and can recommend them all. The LCP380 is the lightest and easiest to conceal of the guns in the article, and both the LC9 and LCP380 are very accurate. My personal preference is my Sig P238 because it’s not only very accurate for a .380, it shoots very smoothly – very little kick – due to it’s all metal construction, ergo heavier weight. But all of the pocket rockets in the article are excellent guns for ladies – or men – who want to carry discreetly.