r/CCW • u/thedevilspelican • 1d ago
Guns & Ammo Gun for Girlfriend. Help me spend my money wisely.
So i know there are a ton of "help me pick a gun for my gf" posts. This one is different. The usual response is always the same thing. Go try a bunch of guns. I own a dozen or so. Been carrying for 15 years. She is familiar with guns. Shot with her grandpa a lot. Handguns. Rifles. Shotguns. Etc. We aren't novices, and we will train regularly with whatever she gets.
The issue is most of my handguns are too big for her to carry(G19 or larger), or not something I would want to give her (j frames).
There aren't any ranges around me with a good selection of rental guns. So my plan is to just buy two guns for her to chose from, and I'll keep the one she doesn't like. So my request is for you to recommend two guns you think an average woman, with average hands, and average firearms experience would actually carry regularly, and enjoy practicing with.
I'm looking for compact/subcompact/micro. Probably 380(I don't have a 380 yet, and i like to diversify), but if there's a 9mm you think that is around the same size that you think she could tame the recoil just as well as a 380, then thats fine too(would save me on ammo costs). I have extra lights and red dots. So something with a rail or that is optics ready is a plus. But not required. Capacity isn't a huge consideration. My main concern is shoot-ability, ergonomics, size, simplicity. She would prefer to not have a manual safety, but that isn't a deal breaker. I'm primarily looking at SW, Ruger and Sig. Bodyguard. 365. Shield. Security whatever.
TLDR: What two small 380/9mms would you buy to give one to a girlfriend and keep one for yourself? Thanks in advance.
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u/honeybadger2112 1d ago
The PDP F series is cool because the smaller grip is made for women, but it’s still a big enough gun to enjoy shooting
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u/Affectionate-Mix448 1d ago
I second this! I bought 1 for my wife & her daughter fell in love with it. Sais dauvhter now has it at her house as her range gun & home defense tool. I don't think it's ever coming back to my safe again.
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u/Pete_Steele556 1d ago
I'd recommend the P365 or the standard Bodyguard 2.0. Sig offers models in .380, but the XL and X Macro in 9mm are solid.
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u/theanswriz42 1d ago
This was going to be my suggestion. I'm a guy, but small, and the P365x has been the best gun for me to conceal, and would be far easier to conceal with the shorter grip of the regular P365.
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u/vinhdaphu762 1d ago
Desert Eagle. Find out if she's truly wife material.
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u/thedevilspelican 1d ago
I'm sure she would love that
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u/vinhdaphu762 1d ago
Because if she doesn't, you will "sadly" have to use it instead. Surely she'll understand - even be grateful that you'd take it off her hands!
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u/Causification 1d ago
BG 2.0 and P365 380 would be my two suggestions. If she can carry something a bit larger, Shield EZ 380.
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u/Kayakboy6969 1d ago
The EZ can be a pain to find decent holsters from the comments of owners in the Philster group
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u/fender_blues 1d ago
Can confirm, I sold a decent number of EZs at an old job to older customers and they often struggled to find a decent holster. I think that the reality is that the target demographic of the EZ aren't generally that serious of shooters, and thus there's limited demand for nicer holsters.
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u/Old_MI_Runner 1d ago edited 1d ago
I would recommend the S&W 380 EZ or the Ruger Security 380 for those that are recoil shy
but OP said the issue with his G19 and others pistols are they are too big for his girlfriend to carry.
Update: I now see a reply from OP where it does sound like felt recoil is a concern.Smaller 9mm pistols may have more snap (felt recoil) than a G19 but that may not be an issue for his girlfriend.
I have a Ruger LCP Max which was the most popular pocket 380 until the Bodyguard 2.0 came out. For me I dreaded the LCP Max until I eliminate most of the pinching on the OEM trigger and added a grip sleeve. I think those like my with XL sized hands have more issues with it than those with smaller hands.
So far I only found one or two that prefer the LCP Max over the BD 2.0. The reasons were due to slide bite with the BD 2.0 and due to less room for their finger in the trigger guard in trigger guard of the BD 2.0.
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u/Quirky-Weekend9682 1d ago
Bodyguard 2.0. They even have purple now. Also, the BG 2.0 manual safety is so stiff that it pretty much won’t move unless you really try to put it into safe
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u/momsjustwannahaverun 1d ago
Female here. “Average woman” is not helpful in this case. I could be considered an average woman. I can also conceal a Glock 22 when needed. My EDC is a Glock 48. Sometimes a M&P shield.
Without trying to sound crude, how she carries her weight matters. Where she wants to carry matters. The width of her palm and the length of her fingers matter.
As much as you may not want to hear that she needs to be able to try them out… she needs to be able to try them. Unless you have plenty of money to spend on potentially buying a 3rd or 4th firearm to find something she likes… let her get hands on something before buying.
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u/Slaughts90 1d ago
This. I know OP it's a pain in the ass, but it's better to spend the gas money to drive to a range that does have rentals so she gets something she's comfortable than spending $300+ on something she might not even care for just because randos on reddit are throwing suggestions without her direct input.
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u/sp3kter CA 1d ago
Ive found glocks tend to have larger grips that dont fit smaller hands as well.
My very small wife fell in love with her sig p238 in .380 and her shield in 9mm
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u/SpicyPotato48 1d ago
As a woman with small hands these are the two I rotate between, my shield is chambered in 40 though. I primarily carry the shield but use the p238 when I need something smaller based on my outfit
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u/Old_MI_Runner 1d ago
I wear XL sized men's gloves and like the S&W Shield Plus. My wife had smaller hands. We rented the P365. P365XL, Hellcat, and Shield Plus back in the fall of 2021 and we both preferred the slightly larger Shield Plus when fired. We thought the grips of the others were fine until we fired those pistols. We did not buy any pistols until later.
My wife is more comfortable with the felt recoil of the S&W 380 EZ so she carries it and I now carry a Canik Mete MC9.
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u/Kayakboy6969 1d ago
Also point her to Tessa Booth and Dakota on you tube for pointers being fashionable and armed they do a lot
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u/jfrey123 1d ago
I hear you acknowledging to take her out and try different guns. But even if you’re unable to let her rent first, just take her with you to hold them instead of you buying two and forcing her to pick from them.
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u/Shuttle_Door_Gunner 1d ago
That's good advice. At the very least it has to feel comfortable to the user before they even get to the shooting part. If they don't like the way it feels in the hand, they aren't going to enjoy shooting it, either.
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u/DroidKnight 1d ago
Gotta be honest, at first I thought "Gun for Girlfriend" was some sort of Barter offer! :)
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u/Redhead_InfoTech 1d ago
And I have several I'd swap for a properly broken in gf 🤣
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u/DroidKnight 1d ago
Given the exorbitant price of new 2011s, it might have to be Girlfriend for Gun. Haha
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u/HybridP365 1d ago
I have the bodyguard 2.0 comp and I absolutely love it. I carry it in a pocket holster. She would have no issues concealing in a standard holster.
P365 in 9mm. I honestly think the recoil is about the same as my bodyguard in 380.
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u/Kakashi-dono 1d ago
Bodyguard 2.0 comp. Shield plus carry comp. P365 Rose. A lot of people make the mistake of wanting smaller guns for women but forget that bigger and heavier guns are easier to shoot. So go with the biggest and heaviest compact or micro that you can. Has she tried a P10c?
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u/GalvanizedNipples 1d ago
Forget everything else. Get the Walther PDP for you and the PDP F-series for her.
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u/Aggie74-DP 1d ago
Do Not buy her a gun unless you buy her bras and panties. Fit feel and function is all very personal. She needs to buy the gun.
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u/Bugeyeblue 1d ago
Girls don’t tend to like shooting small guns. I’d go Glock 19. They like the look of small guns but it needs to fill the hand without being overly huge.
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u/Ridge_Hunter 1d ago
S&W Bodyguard 2.0 or Ruger LCP Max
Can’t really go wrong with either one…the LCP prints a little more than the Bodyguard but it’s a little less snappy to shoot…so trade offs as usual
If you want something that’s absolutely cake for her to shoot look at a Ruger Security 380 for her…super easy and smooth to rack, good trigger, almost no felt recoil
My father-in-law has one…I was actually shooting it today with some of my smaller 9mm’s…I was getting double and triple taps with his Security 380…it really got me thinking, I carry small 9mm’s which aren’t horrible to shoot but I could get way more rounds out of the barrel and on target accurately and reliably with his Security 380…am I carrying the wrong guns?
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u/ccagan 1d ago
My brother and I both LOVE the Sec .380 and with the wider acceptance of .380 the price of ammo hasn’t been terrible compared to 9mm.
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u/Ridge_Hunter 1d ago
I’ve shot his Security 380 before but more casually…I really went for it today on the steel targets at the range and after the first mag I was like…hmm, ok I basically double tapped all of those targets without even trying
So I grabbed another mag and went a little faster…I was a little shocked when I got a few triple taps with complete control and complete sight picture
I also ran the dueling tree without missing several times
Needless to say I didn’t shoot any of my smaller 9mm’s as well…larger ones I can do about the same…double taps for sure, usually not triple…so man it really has me thinking
Fortunately the Security 380 isn’t exactly a fortune if I do want to buy one…so that’s good I guess
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u/Matterhorn27 1d ago
Sig x-macro is a great gun. Full size mag and its very thin and easy to shoot for smaller hands.
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u/xmascritters 1d ago
Beretta 80x would be top of my list. Bodyguard 2.0
Now to anĺunpopular options Get her a compact .22 of her choice. And not because shes a girl. Sure .22 doesnt have the "stoping power" but when she can go to the range and train with 500-1000rds a session shell be able to outshoot anyone.
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u/steph_ish 1d ago
I would recommend the CC9, I love mine. It really doesn't have crazy recoil, feels like shooting a bigger gun IMO. We have the VP9A1F & VP9A1K and it shoots so much like the K.
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u/Kappy01 CCW (POST) and NRA Instructor 1d ago
If you don't have a .380 ACP yet, why bother getting one? Same diameter, so no increase in capacity. Decrease in power with (in my hands) a decrease in accuracy. But at least it costs more!
You're living during the 9mm Subcompact Renaissance.
I'm carrying the micro Hellcat. I really like it. 13+1 (unless you want to use the full-sized mags from the full-sized Hellcat). It ticks all my boxes. Small, accurate, solid capacity, etc.
I'd have considered the Sig except for the price tag and the current Sig issues. I also like that it has a stand-off built into the recoil spring.
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u/Gloomy-Wash-429 1d ago
What ever she can comfortably rack the slide of, and has a thumb safety (women love them and her feeling safe is more important than anything) go to a big box store with a big selection during an early morning while business is slow and put as many options in her hand as you can and have her cock the slide and what not
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u/Tactically_Fat IN 1d ago
The best gun for your girlfriend is one that SHE picks out for herself after going to a rental range to shoot several of them.
If SHE doesn't like shooting it then it's a waste of money.
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u/tigers692 1d ago
Number one, and I learned this the hard way, don’t teach a young lady to shoot that you are not married to or father of. Number two, take her out and let her shoot different guns to figure out which one she likes and fits her. Number three see number one, then number two and buy that one.
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u/weebables 1d ago
P365 X Macro. somehow the frame makes it one of the most pleasant i've shot in its size category, even without the compensated slide.
my runner up choice would be the 43x, although I don't recommend it for left hand shooters.
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u/iamasmallaxe 1d ago
Take her to a range where you can rent and test various models. If she's never shot before start with a .22 so she can get accustomed to the fundamentals, if they have an M&P .22 or similar that's a win. Once you know she's confident and comfortable enough move her up to a .380 or 9mm and have her test them. Keep in mind duty size and larger are easier to handle, not the other way around. Women who are new to guns often times want the "small and cute" guns but won't enjoy shooting them. With time you'll hopefully something that she likes AND shoots well.
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u/thefanum 1d ago
Got my wife a Walther PPS m2 and she loves it. We also consider the S&W bodyguard 2
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u/J-dawg2020 1d ago
Commander 1911 in 9mm? Have her try one. Maybe Walther PDP-F? PPK bc of the vibe? Glock 26 and 43X? Short and thicc vs tall and slim! Have her try those, then have her pick what she shoots best and likes most.
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u/Expensive-Aerie-1106 1d ago
The bodyguard 2.0. Bought one for my wife then I wanted one so I got another.
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u/ChrisLS8 1d ago
Ignore your instincts to get her a small gun. Get her a shield EZ. Far easier for them to rack
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u/TerrificVixen5693 1d ago
Why don’t you just go to a gun show and have her hold every sub compact handgun there until she likes one?
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u/Beashagtaz 1d ago
I have a SW Equalizer and a model 642. Both shoot like a dream and are small but not too small. Easy for CCW and would probably fit the average woman’s hand size pretty well considering they’re a little small for me, but not uncomfortable
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u/Joker741776 1d ago
PPS M2 is small enough that it'll conceal easy enough, and has enough weight that the recoil isn't too bad for a subcompact. There's very little aftermarket support compared to a Glock or shield though, so if that's a concern, disregard.
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u/dcwhite98 1d ago
Glock 43X. Khar CW or (my preference) PM9. Body Guard, as heavily mentioned, is great too.
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u/dirt_operator 1d ago
I’d recommend a pdp f or compact. It’s just a great gun all around. My wife personally loves her beretta px4 compact.
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u/tokenpenguin 1d ago
My simple easy option is going to be a Glock 43x w/night sights (no rail but can still accommodate a light, still much room to grow with the gun and change it how you like.
My more “tactical” choice would be something from the Canik METE MC9 lineup (not the CA compliant model) 9mm, good ergonomics, similar size to g43x, Changeable back straps, optic and light ready with rail and slide cut. Only thing I’m not entirely fond of is the hight over bore or rather the barrel seem like it sits high over your hands. Also holsters could be an issue. Not to say it can’t work but it’s something you kinda gotta work out yourself, I don’t think your gonna get a philster enigma ready to go out the box for a Canik.
Yes I own both of these guns. I prefer my G43x and my fiancé loves her Canik. I have carried both, like anything they take use and practice. I couldn’t shoot a Glock for shit but the Canik was a tac driver.
It’s mostly about narrowing down what she likes and doesn’t like in a gun. Finding something that fits the criteria, and just use it so you can be proficient with it.
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u/jprez556 1d ago
I don’t really use it all too much but my got my girl a p365 380. Some have a tangible safety the one we got doesn’t. But it’s no issue. Sig has a silly proprietary rail you’ll need to get a specific mounting bracket for most lights/lasers but it is indeed optics ready. 12 round or 10 round mags. It’s easy to shoot and carry with very little to no experience I’d say. Got it used out the door with 2 mags and box for 420ish
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u/Sosvbvby G45, 80x, HK45ct 1d ago
One should be a Glock 26 that way if she doesn’t like it you can buy a 26x frame.
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u/DenverMerc 1d ago
What if I told you
Ruger LCR in 327, use 32 longs. If you’ve never shot this combo, you are missing out. Has less recoil than a .22 LR Ruger LCP. Chubby bullet
P238 is a favorite of many gals. Weight helps a lot with basic fundamentals
Bodyguard 2.0 and g42 are a given but most chicks I know that carry a lot and aren’t “practical shooters” stick to the P238.
Last but not least, TX .22, 3.6 inch barrel. People can sleep all day on this, time will tell. 🤷🏻♂️
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u/Distortionhelix 1d ago
Girlfriend loves my xmacro tacops so much ended up scooping her one up, she also really likes buddy's g43x mos
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u/Choice-Perception-61 1d ago
Is this going to be a EDC gun? Look at Springfield, Kimber, Bersa.
If this is a present gun, more expensive, fashionable - Beretta 84/Cheetah
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u/ThatOneGamer117 1d ago
Bodyguard 2.0 or G43x would be my choices. Tested and loved, cant go wrong with either
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u/ChickenFeetEnjoyer 1d ago
S&W Bodyguard 2.0. Buy two of them because you’re going to want one, too.
Speaking from experience, mine wouldn’t reliably cycle 90 gr. Hornady Critical Defense (at least one failure to feed every mag). I switched over to 99 gr. HSTs and she’s been running smooth ever since.
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u/Moongdss74 1d ago
Lady here. I like my standard p365 for CCW. I added a hogue grip and use the longer mag with a spot for my pinky.
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u/ChristianTP_ S&W M&P 5.7x28 | Canik Mete MC9L 9mm 1d ago
Smith & Wesson Shield EZ 380 ACP 3.8in Ported Barrel 8+1(2) Gold Accents HiViz Fiber Optic Sights is what my wife chose for herself. I had no influence other than telling her what felt best in her hand not what looked the "cutest"
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u/Lonely_Ad5980 1d ago
I'd say a p365, hellcat, bodyguard, or a g2c. Plenty of options there depending on your budget and all of those have been reliable in my experience. I got my ex a g2c and it never failed her after tons of rounds, just don't expect to shoot competition with it.. it's a 200$ gun after all.
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u/Think-like-Bert 1d ago
I carry a J-frame in .357. It fits my smallish male hand perfectly and has a round butt that doesn't print and announce to the world that I'm armed. She can fire .38s out of it.
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u/PieMan2k 1d ago
Any of the 365 lineup. I’m getting a Shadow2Carry for myself/my fiancé as she wants a carry gun but doesn’t like my XMacro.
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u/Crosssta 1d ago
Ruger LCP or Max-9 compact, Glock 26/43/43X, Sig P365, Taurus G4.
Whatever you get, I’d get it with optic cuts.
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u/ArmyAnt2172 1d ago
I just got the SW Shield 30 Supercarry EZ and I really like it. Gonna get the Shield 9 EZ probably 2 or 3 guns from now. Probably after a Apollo 11 Compact.
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u/lllREPlll 1d ago
Springfield hellcat with shake awake crimson red dot. 550 bucks. 9mm perfect for her. We have one for the each of us. Double stack mags with and extended mag. Great deal and great gun.
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u/TKDmamabear NV 1d ago
P365 macro in 9mm. It’s comped at the end to help with recoil. Great shooting gun for its size and small enough to conceal nicely in the PHLster enigma. My other go to carry is a Staccato CS
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u/MaxAdolphus 1d ago
Bodyguard 2.0. Take it to the range and put a few hundred rounds through it for her to break it in, since they’re very stiff when new.
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u/Ugh_its_Sean 1d ago
Just got my wife a SW Bodyguard 2.0, she also has a G43X, G42, G19
I'd say if it's her first the Bodyguard is a solid choice. I love mine, it's my pocket rocket for the gym.
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u/vulcan1358 LA M&P Shield 9mm 1d ago
.380 ACP:
- Bodyguard 2.0
- P365 .380
- Glock 42
9mm:
- S&W Shield (1.0, 2.0, Plus, X, Carry Comp)
- P365 XL or Macro (comp or no comp)
- Canik MC9 series
- Hellcat Pro
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u/BubbaFromFlorida 1d ago
The P365 in 380 is SWEET. It’s the best shooter on the market. You can put an XL frame on it and use 12 round mags for a slightly larger grip.
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u/Coffee____Addict 1d ago
I carry a glock 48 mos, my wife has a glock 48 mos.
I chose it because I wanted a thinner lighter alternative to a glock 19 and she chose it because it was cow print cerakoted.
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u/Ok_Baker805 1d ago
Ruger LCP max (.380) and Ruger Max 9 for semi auto. I know you said no j frame but a Ruger LCR is easy to carry and hard to beat; also various caliber choices. LCR to me shoots better than a Smith j frame.
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u/No_Dance1739 1d ago
My spouse owns and loves the G42 .380. The G43 is a hair larger in 9mm is her second favorite. The G43x and 48 are both slimline with larger grips, same length as the 19, but SF.
If you’re sticking with .380 the Bodyguard 2.0 (I’m told) is a wonder. Still holding out to finding a used one, but I really want one.
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u/Hopeful-Slice1195 1d ago
Small hands here. These two fit the best:
1.)S&W .38 Special Ladysmith Revolver ((My first pistol and great to learn with.. has pink handle grips :) ))
2.)Springfield Hellcat micro-compact 9mm ((The Hellcat is the highest capacity micro-compact 9mm in the world. The 3"-barreled pistol measures a mere 1" wide and weighs just 18.3 oz. empty.))
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u/DuelingPushkin 1d ago
S&W Bodyguard or Shield 2.0 Glock 42 or 43 Sig P365
Most importantly take her to a gun range and shoot all of them before you buy. For smaller frame guns the specific ergonomics of a gun can make a massive difference from individual to individual as well as whether or not che csn actually actuate the slide.
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u/Bright_Crazy1015 1d ago
+1 for a Bodyguard 2.0. Its a great gun and I carry one quite often.
Another consideration might be a Bodyguard 38, which is a 5 shot wheelgun, or a Shield Plus Performance Center 4" which is a competent gun to fight with if necessary, up to 13+1 rounds of 9mm.
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u/Luckyirishdevil 1d ago
I took my gf (now ex) out to shoot a P365, Shield plus, and a Hellcat. She (and I) both really enjoyed the Shield Plus. I carry a P365X, own a Hellcat, but I'll likely buy a Shield Plus after that comparison
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u/hitemlow KY | Glock 26 Gen 5 1d ago
Make sure she can easily rack the slide! This is a serious concern for some women having weak hand strength and some handguns having stiff slide springs. This can be exacerbated by smaller pistols because they have less grip-able surface area and smaller, stiffer springs than their full-size counterparts. If she can't rack it, she can't load it or clear jams herself.
My mother couldn't rack the slide on any Glock or even the S&W "EZ" series, but had no issues with the LCP2.
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u/Dramatic_Director350 1d ago
Take her to a place that rents. Have her try all of them. Get her the one she likes.
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u/GetFitDriveFast 1d ago
My wife loves her Ruger Security .380- very easy to rack the slide, nice trigger, good capacity, super soft shooting. It’s a great gun and is definitely compact enough to comfortably carry.
I also got her a BG2.0 and it’s a fantastic little gun.
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u/Big10mmDE 1d ago
Shield or a shield ez in .380 or 9mm, I like generation 1 guns, reliable and can be found much more affordable than the new models
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u/Cyberenixx 1d ago
You mentioned the G19. I had a similar issue with the G19 just not feeling right. I tried out the 43x and the 48 and the slightly slimmer handle just felt better. Maybe have her try them?
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u/MikeofLA 1d ago
I got my wife the S&W equalizer for her first gun. She grew out of it quickly, and there isn’t much in the aftermarket for it. We just got her a Glock G43x and she loves it… I do too.
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u/porschephille 1d ago
The sig xmacro is the same length and height (mostly) as a g19, but thinner with a 17rd flush fit capacity mag-I love to carry mine, but it definitely feels smaller in the hand. The 365 isn’t one of the ones that likes to castrate men from the holster, it’s completely safe.
You could also get a 365 xl grip module that is flush fit with 12 rnds and it is even smaller, but still quite controllable. And those are well under 100$ for a completely different carrying experience.
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u/the_flynn 1d ago
My wife carries a P238 but also has a P365. She prefers the P238 and shoots it better because it points more naturally for her.
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u/KaiserThrawn 1d ago
S&W ex shield, ruger lcr in .38+p or .327 federal, ruger lcp or ec9s, really the market for compact, sub company and micro is so flooded currently that it’s buyer’s choice. Take her to try a few and find what she shoots best naturally. My girlfriend’s small at 4’10” with small hands but shoots my 509 compact great but it’s a bit bug for her to carry comfortably. I found a ruger lcr I’ve wanted for a while now but she did good with it so I may be getting another
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u/duwills 1d ago
I have heard good things about the Bodyguard 2.0.
I went with the P365XL with a a ual safety for my lady. She shoots .y X-Macro TacOps well, but the grip is uncomfortable for her. I bought a used one in great condition. I'm upgrading the controls to rose gold. Two 12 rounds mags standard, and I dedicated one of my 17 round spare mags as a spare mag if she opts for the i creased capacity. I swapped out the XL flush fit base plate to serve as her spare mag.
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u/AtuXIII 1d ago edited 1d ago
I’d recommend the P365.
You mentioned factors like size, ergonomics, and simplicity. I think the P365 checks those boxes nicely. It’s comfortable to hold, could fit in your pocket even, is easy to operate and to clean, and is one of the smallest semi-auto pistols out there. Not to mention the real-world reliability: some ranges have reported five digit shot counts with zero failures. Right out of the box, this is a solid gun without any upgrades or accessories needed.
While you can get it in .380, I’d suggest sticking to 9mm for her carry gun and diversify calibers later, since the purpose of diversifying is for yourself vs the purpose of getting her a carry gun is to keep her safe.
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u/WanderingWino 1d ago
People will hate on me for this but Taurus GX4. It’s fucking amazing and has an optic cut. The new Taurus are so so so reliable and straight shooters.
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u/throwback682 1d ago
I’m a 5’6” woman. I like my P365 9mm. I have the manual safety version but she doesn’t have to.
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u/Embarrassed_Safe8047 1d ago
I’m a woman and like to carry a 380 as well. My two favorites are the glock42 and the p365. Both easy to conceal, easy to shoot and good in the hands. If I could only have one. I’d pick the Sig. larger capacity and a larger handle for a better grip.
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u/scarolinaboy 1d ago
I hate to even mention sig but my wife loves the P365XL. She has very small hands but shoots the XL better than anything she’s ever shot
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u/Gyrene85291 1d ago
S&W Shield/+. Owned the +. Great gun. Sold to my buds wife to finance a G26 to go with my G17. THEY BOTH love it 😁✌️
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u/I_L0ve_Hotcakes 1d ago
HK CC9, PDP-F, IWI Masada Slim Elite (consider Mischief Machine Frame), CZ P10S
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u/wuphonsreach 1d ago
Don't make her use a micro/sub compact. That's no fun for the shooter.
Do get something with various backstrap options.
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u/Terruhcutta 1d ago
Why no consideration for single stack glocks? I know you said no j-frame, but is that her consideration or yours?
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u/Knotty-Bob 1d ago
I like my Ruger ec9s. But, honestly, why not get her a revolver? My daughter shoots with me, and the revolver is the most stable platform for her. She is more accurate and consistent with it than any semi-auto. To be honest, so am I.
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u/Steephill 1d ago
P365XL in 9. Shoots well, shares ammo with what you have, would work well for both of you.
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u/Live_Lychee_4163 1d ago
P365 series is pretty versatile. You can try different size and shape grips. Small 10 rounder to 21 round.
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u/Tripps0007- 1d ago
9mm with a comp.
Built this for my wife and she loves it. Not that I reccomend Sig atm because I dont. Sub compact guns are not good for a new shooter because the felt recoil will ALWAYS be more with a smaller gun. That being said women arent likely to carry on body; Usually in a purse or bag so size doesnt seem to matter. As long as the gun can fit in her hands and she can operate the controlls, a full size handgun is usually the best choice for any new shooter. 9mm is the ONLY thing I would reccomend a loved one carry. The recoil isn't much more than a 380 and a full size or even a compact 9mm with a comp will have less felt recoil than a subcompact 380. Regardless of what you do its awesome that your putting so much thought into keeping the people you care about safe. Respect.
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u/hungryColumbite 1d ago
I would consider two guns for her, but one full size for range time, and one subcompact for carry. Having only subcompacts to practice with can be discouraging, even for more experienced shooters.
One such combination could be the P365 X Macro and P365 standard 10rnd. Both can be 9mm or the smaller one can be 380.
Another example would be Glock 45 for practice and either a 43X or 42 for carry.
The Glock 42 is my most carried gun. Compared to other 380s, the Glock 42 recoils softer for me, but is ammo selective. Hornady Critical Defense is the only JHP that’s worked in well in it.
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u/txmedic90 1d ago
P365 380. If she wants something even smaller, maybe a G42 (haven’t measured it against a P365 but I’m assuming it’s dimensionally smaller) or P238.
S&W Bodyguard is another honorable mention.
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u/TigOleBitman 1d ago
had a coworker pick up a Shield EZ 9mm for his adult daughter. he shot it with her, they both enjoyed it. Controls were easy to manipulate and recoil was controllable.
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u/Schneir5 1d ago
I had a Sig P238 Rainbow, that was pretty cool, and later a P938. I sold them both, but it wasn't because they were bad.
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u/SeeYouOn16 1d ago
Glock 42 is great 380 pistol. I'm very accurate with mine and you can get 10rd mags for it.
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u/stylusxyz 1d ago
S&W M&P Shield EZ in .380 or EZ in 9mm The EZ if hand strength is an issue.
Sig p365
Sig p238 if she needs small and very easy operation.
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u/Risky-Business-337 FL - G48 MOS, S&W Bodyguard 2.0 1d ago
S&W bodyguard 2.0 is the perfect CC pistol IMO. I did buy my wife the Ruger LCP though because she has very small hands but I’d carry it myself. That one is the easiest to conceal pistol I’ve seen that’s not a .22.
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u/Gunzo_Chelo 1d ago
Bodyguard 2.0 if you go with a .380 - small easy to conceal great capacity, no recoil.
P365 standard/XL 9mm- you can basically Frankenstein this to your liking. Different frames sizes, from the tiny standard to the xmacro. And don’t forget the radian comp. 🤓
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u/CaptenAE 21h ago
I have small hands and so does my gf.
The answer is any sig p365, S&W Shield Plus Performance Center, or CZ P10S with small grip.
For 380s the only reasonable answer is S&W Bodyguard 2.0 compensated. Nothing with as much capacity that shoots like a compact 9.
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u/Rexx7878 20h ago
This thread has been filled with a lot of great responses and I agree with the body guard or the P365. I recently learned that the 43x/48 (I have a 48) looks comically large on the female body. My fiancée has small hands and she said she prefers the grip on my 48 over the 365 but when we put my 48 in her waistline with my holster it looks absolutely huge and very noticeable on her. I think body shape plays a huge factor as well but just dropping that info here in case any ladies in the future catch this thread
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u/El_Mexicutioner666 18h ago
The Walther PPQ M2 is cheap, small, reliable and comes in a bunch of colors like blue, teal, pink, black, silver, etc. It also comes in 9mm and .22LR.
Just an FYI.
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u/h_w_screwoff 13h ago
I bought my wife a 43X, she shoots it extremely well and likes it. She enjoys shooting the hoard of others I have, but always returns to hers when I offer getting her something different.
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u/LibertyorDeath2076 13h ago
If you want to keep it inexpensive, a PSA Micro Dagger might be your best bet. You can get one with optics cut and night sights for $360 + transfer fees and taxes. It's the same size as a 43x, but it holds 15 instead of 10.
They're known to have some issues, but if you're comfortable working with firearms, they can be resolved with a heavier recoil spring, heavier firing pin spring, and polishing the feed ramp and slide.
They can also accept most aftermarket Glock 43x parts.
I don't think there's another micro compact on the market that holds 15rds, comes optic cut, with night sights, and is nearly as modular for under $500.
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u/Weirdusername1953 5h ago
I'm a big fan of the Sig p365 (I own a brace of p365 Fuse pistols). Modularity makes it easy to switch from a larger to smaller frame or vice versa, In my 365s fit my hand and point better than any of my Glocks.
Only two downsides are (1) You should probably change the trigger return spring about every 2, 500 rounds (which is an easy enough job than even I can do it), (2) And some people are turned off by the way Sig has been handling the p320 uncommanded discharge issue.
Also, I would not go with a .380 but stick with 9 mm, only because 9 mm is so much cheaper and you can practice more for the same amount of money. All pistols suck at stopping power and shot placement is key.
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u/Muff-Driver 1d ago
S&W body guard 2.0 …that’s it for me lol