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The Best 380 Gun for Women

What Is The Best 380 Gun for Women

You have read my article on the pros and cons of carrying a 380 and have decided that yes, you would like to carry one. Now you are wondering, “What’s the best 380 gun for women”. The good news is there are a number of really great 380 pistols to choose from. The bad news is there are a number of really great 380 pistols to choose from! You really are going to want to have a clear idea of what your priorities are for you. Is it the guns overall size, what the trigger press is like, how many rounds of ammunition it carries, or how easy is it to rack the side?

Below, I will share some of the most popular 380 guns with women. These results come from data from our annual survey as well, our holster sales data and what our followers share.

Here at The Well Armed Woman, we also have hundreds and hundreds of gun reviews, written by women like you. I strongly encourage you to view those of any of the gun models listed below that you would consider. Of course, we each have our own personal preferences but it can be helpful to hear what other women like and/or dislike about a particular model. I have included a link to these reviews for each model below.

These models are not listed in any type of ranking order – they are all good and all very popular.

Glock 42

Specifications

  • Caliber: .380 Auto
  • Mag. Capacity: Standard 6
  • Overall Length: 5.94 inches
  • Width (Overall): .98 inches
  • Weight with loaded magazine: 15.87 oz
  • Price: Approximately $470

Read women’s reviews of the Glock 42 here

Glock 42 Gun Review

S&W Shield EZ

Specifications

  • Caliber: 380 Auto
  • Overall Length: 6.7 inches
  • Height: 4.9 inches
  • Width (Overall): 1.15 inches
  • Weight: 18.5 oz. with empty magazine
  • Capacity: 8
  • Price: Approximately $450

Read women’s reviews of the S&W Shield EZ .380 here

S&W M&P Shield EZ

Ruger LCP Models

Ruger LCP MAX

Specifications

  • Caliber: .380 Auto
  • Length: 5.17 inches
  • Width: Slide width: .81 (Overall width not provided on manufacturers specifications)
  • Weight: 10.6 oz – with empty magazine
  • Capacity: 10 rounds – optional 12 round extended magazine available
  • Price: Approximately $470

There are multiple versions of the LCP available, the LCP, which holds 6 rounds, LCP II which carries 10 rounds and the LCP Max which carries 10 rounds.

Read women’s reviews of the Ruger LCP’s here

Sig P238

Specifications

  • Caliber: .380 Auto
  • Length: 5.5 inches
  • Width: 1.1 inches
  • Weight: 15.2 oz – with empty magazine
  • Capacity: 6 rounds
  • Price: Approximately $700

Read women’s reviews of the Sig P238 here

Gun Reviews Women Sig P238

Kimber Micro

Specifications

  • Caliber: .380 Auto
  • Length: 5.6 inches
  • Width: 1.08 inches
  • Weight: 13.4 oz – with empty magazine
  • Capacity: 7 rounds
  • Cost: Approximately $675

Read women’s reviews of the Kimber Micro here

Sig Sauer P365 .380

Specifications

  • Caliber: 380 Auto
  • Overall Length: 5.8 inches
  • Height: 4.2 inches
  • Width (Overall): 1.1 inches
  • Weight: 15.7 oz. with empty magazine
  • Capacity: 10
  • Price: Approximately $490

Read women’s reviews of the Sig P365 here  note: because this is a new gun – the review link is to the 9mm version

Sig P365

Finding The Best 380 Gun For You

All of the above are excellent guns. Each has its own unique features and each manufacturer may offer them in different configurations. Most offer them with added features such as spare magazines, extended magazines, safety features, and color options.

If you’re looking for the best 380 handgun, you really can’t go wrong with any of these. Of course, I encourage you to rent and try your top 3 if possible to finalize your decision.

As I shared in my Is a 380 Gun Good For Women? article, capacity is key issue for me. With some newer 380 pistol options offering greater capacity, and the excellent defensive ammo options available, the “cons” of carrying a .380 lessen, but still some remain.

However, honestly, I would have to say that if you are able to shoot a 9mm (or larger) effectively and safely and find one you can carry concealed, I would recommend that you go with a 9mm concealed carry gun. Why? The stopping power, accuracy, and yes, capacity. Three key factors when selecting a self-defense gun. If you are just not comfortable or unable to safely shoot and carry a 9mm (or larger) handgun, then don’t. Carry a great 380 like the ones mentioned here. There is, and should never be any judgment of the decision you make. It is yours, and yours alone.

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5 thoughts on “The Best 380 Gun for Women

  1. mike carvalho says:

    bersa 380 , for 271.00 dollars is a great choice.

  2. DelaWen302 says:

    Barretta Pico is small and flat enough to carry. Not my favorite gun but my favorite conceal gun in summer as I’m super petite.

  3. Melanie Mowery says:

    Walther CCP M2 is hands down the BEST .380 I have ever used. This one should be topping the list. I found it to be better than the S&W EZ for me.

  4. Loretta Erickson says:

    I have a walther poke
    Disappointed to see it didn’t make your list. It’s always been my concealed carry weapon of choice. It was my first pistol . I have small hands. I’ve had it 35-40 years

    1. Loretta Erickson says:

      Walther ppks not a poke. Lol

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