Which Glocks work well for women?

Written by Mark Buff , GunZee founder and CEO.

Female concealed carriers need handguns that offer shootability, concealability, and reliability. Many of the Glock pistols check all of these boxes. Sized for women's hands, certain models also offer the right balance between accuracy and discreetness.

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Let’s explore some of the best Glocks for women and highlight important features to consider.

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Why should you choose Glock?

While there may not be a universally best handgun for women, Glocks offer a proven track record of performance and reliability. Some of the main features that make Glock a great choice include:

Grip size. Glock’s slim profile frame and interchangeable backstraps suit varying body types and upper body strength levels while accommodating smaller hands. A customizable, comfortable grip boosts accuracy and control.
Controlled recoil. Glock’s polymer construction absorbs recoil sharply. Reduced muzzle flip helps ensure faster recovery for follow-up shots.
Concealability. Lightweight and compact models disappear under clothing. Easy to carry for quick access when in need.
Simplicity. Glock’s simple operation builds confidence. Easy use under pressure can save critical seconds when protection matters most.
Durability. Glock’s ruggedness delivers unrelenting reliability. Peace of mind comes from having a pistol you can trust in a confrontation.
Affordability. Glock quality is offered at accessible price points. Get a well-made pistol without breaking the budget.

This reliable pistol platform offers a range of models from duty-size to compact and concealable. Female shooters can find their perfect fit among Glock’s comprehensive range of pistols.

The top Glocks for women

When exploring the best CCW pistols for women shooters, Glock pistols are almost always at the top of the list. However, some Glocks are simply better suited for women than others.

The following models balance shootability, concealability, reliability, and accuracy.

Glock 26 Subcompact

Glock 26 Subcompact

Features	Details
Barrel length	3.42”
Overall length	6.41”
Weight	19.75 oz
Capacity	10+1
Caliber	9 x 19mm Parabellum
Action	Striker fired

The Glock 26, also known as “Baby Glock,” is a great concealed carry pistol for women seeking accessible firepower in a petite pistol. A double-stack magazine alongside a crisp trigger pull with a clean break offers plenty of capacity and helps reinforce proper trigger finger fundamentals.

The frame incorporates tactical texturing and finger grooves suited for a confident grasp.

The reversible, console-style magazine release enables smooth reloads. Weighing less than 20 ounces, the matte black finished G26 carries all day without burden.

Glock dependability offers simple maintenance of the cold hammer forged barrel and internal components. For self-defense in purses, holsters, and waistbands, the Glock G26 fulfills concealed carry needs for women who value concealability over firepower.

“I have a large palm with short fingers. I had trouble until I got the extended magazine [for G26] which helps a lot. The grip is short and thick. Smaller hands would have a hard time getting a firm grip and still reach around to the trigger. Everything else is easy to use.” —Jenifer, Well Armed Women

Glock 43X

Glock 43x. Image source: https://us.glock.com/en/pistols/g43x-us

Features	Details
Barrel length	3.41”
Overall length	6.50”
Weight	18.35 oz
Capacity	10+1
Caliber	9 x 19mm Parabellum
Action	Striker fired

The G43X offers shootability and reliability in a concealed carry package that is perfect for small-framed shooters. The slightly extended grip accommodates small to medium-sized female hands to improve shooting control and accuracy.

The mild stippling grants secure purchase without feeling sharp or abrasive against bare skin. The low bore axis helps female shooters manage recoil, while a smooth, consistent trigger pull builds confidence and precision.

By stretching ammunition capacity to 10+1 rounds of 9mm, this striker-fired pistol provides more accessible stopping power without drastically sacrificing portability.

“Love that my whole hand fits. The 43 was just too short no room for my pinky with the 43x is just the perfect size for me. I also love the size of this gun. It’s easy to conceal.” —Donna, Well Armed Women

Glock 19 Compact

Features	Details
Barrel length	4.02”
Overall length	7.28”
Weight	21.16 oz
Capacity	15+1
Caliber	9 x 19mm Parabellum
Action	Striker fired

The compact Glock 19 has a 15-round magazine capacity and hexagonal rifling in the 4.02-inch barrel. The striker-fired trigger has a 5.5 lb pull.

With its slim profile and integrated design, the Glock 19 easily slips into a waistband or hides in everyday accessories, providing women with discreet protective carry without compromising style or comfort.

The polymer frame features finger grooves and interchangeable backstraps for a custom fit. A Picatinny rail allows the addition of tactical lights or lasers. The snappy recoil and ergonomic grip make it accurate and controllable.

With only 34 parts, the G19 is easy to maintain. The cold hammer forged barrel ensures durability, while multiple safeties provide security. The Glock 19 is a comfortable, controllable concealed carry option for women that provides accessible firepower in a durable handgun.

Glock 42

Glock 42. Image source: https://us.glock.com/en/pistols/g42

Features	Details
Barrel length	3.25”
Overall length	5.94”
Weight	13.76 oz
Capacity	6+1
Caliber	.380 ACP
Action	Striker fired

The G42 advances .380 ACP performance in a platform well-suited for female concealed carry. This slim striker-fired pistol tucks discreetly under lightweight clothing without burdening the wearer.

The slim grip design allows even those with smaller hands to get a firm, controlled grasp. Mild checkering grants positive purchase without causing abrasion concerns that must be considered when opting for body carry.

The 3.25-inch barrel leverages the .380 round's kinetic energy effectively. The striker-fired trigger delivers a smooth, consistent 5.5-pound pull for deliberate, controlled firing. The G42 comes with optics suited for small-framed female shooters who prefer a red dot sight picture.

A modest .380 recoil impulse prevents excessive muzzle rise, while the 6+1 capacity is respectable amongst other compact pistols.

“Even though it is a small caliber, the thing is that your accuracy with it is pretty damn good,” says Kelly on her YouTube channel “Her View of The Pew.”

Glock 43 Subcompact

Features	Details
Barrel length	3.41”
Overall length	6.26”
Weight	16.23 oz
Capacity	6+1
Caliber	9 x 19mm Parabellum
Action	Stiker fired

The G43 delivers 9mm performance in a platform well-suited for female concealed carry. This svelte subcompact tucks discreetly and comfortably under lightweight clothing, making it perfect for everyday carry.

The minimal dimensions and smooth contours of the G43 sit naturally and comfortably in a woman's hand. Texturing provides a secure grip without any abrasion concerns against bare skin.

The 3.39-inch barrel leverages the 9mm round's kinetic energy effectively. The G43's 6+1 capacity, optics-ready design, and smooth trigger allow it to outperform most other small pistols.

The G43 has mild recoil that makes it easier to fire accurate follow-up shots quickly, while its compact size allows for seamless discreet carry.

For women who carry using an IWB holster, check out our memory foam pad. You will appreciate the extra level of comfort!

How do I choose the right Glock?

With many excellent options available for female shooters, consider what factors matter most for your carry purposes when choosing a Glock.

For everyday concealed carry, evaluate lighter, slimmer pistols that allow for comfortable all-day carry while offering good accuracy and control.
Opt for models with scaled-down grips and slides suited for small to medium hands. This improves comfort and shootability.
If you want extra ammunition capacity for home defense, consider a compact model that balances easy handling with sufficient firepower.
Seek out grip backstraps and grip angles that fit female hands well without the need for customization.
Test different Glocks firsthand before deciding when possible. Pay attention to the trigger pull, recoil impulse, and overall fit in your hand.

Glocks for women FAQ

What is the easiest gun for women to rack?

The easiest gun for women to rack is subjective and depends on factors like hand strength and experience. Semi-automatic pistols with lighter recoil, such as the Smith & Wesson M&P Shield, often suit women well. Slide design and spring tension are important for ease of racking, making it essential to try various models to find the best fit.

Why does everyone love G19?

The Glock 19 is so popular among concealed carriers because it strikes an ideal balance of size, capacity, shootability, and reliability. Its compact frame allows for discreet concealed carry, yet still enables a comfortable, full grip for accurate shooting. All of this packaged with signature Glock durability makes the G19 one of the most popular handguns used by law enforcement.

What is the best Glock for women with small hands?

For women with small hands, the Glock 43 or Glock 43X is often recommended. These single-stack 9mm pistols provide a narrower grip, accommodating smaller hands. The slim profile enhances control, and the lighter weight makes them suitable for concealed carry.

What is the best handgun for elderly women?

The best handgun for elderly women is the Smith & Wesson M&P9 Shield EZ M2.0. This handgun is specifically designed with ease of use in mind, which is crucial for those with potentially limited hand strength or dexterity due to age. It features an easy-to-rack slide, a good trigger, and is known for its accuracy, making it a reliable option for self-defense situations.

Which Glock has the least recoil?

The Glock 34 tends to have the least amount of recoil due to its longer barrel, which helps distribute the recoil force more evenly. The added weight in the slide aids in recoil mitigation, making it a favorable choice for those who are looking for a low-recoil Glock.

Is a .380 ACP a good caliber for women?

The .380 ACP caliber can be a reasonable option for women, although it has its limitations. The relatively light recoil makes it a good caliber for women who are sensitive to recoil or are smaller in stature. Compact .380 firearms are widely available at moderate prices. However, the smaller caliber lacks ideal stopping power, so accurate shot placement is especially critical.

Is a 9mm good for beginners?

A 9mm is an excellent choice for beginners. It combines manageable recoil with sufficient stopping power. The availability and cost-effectiveness of 9mm ammunition make practice more accessible and cost-effective. Additionally, many firearms designed for beginners, like the Glock 19, use 9mm, providing a balanced introduction to shooting.

Are hammer-fired pistols good for female shooters?

Yes, hammer-fired pistols can be advantageous for many female shooters. The longer, lighter trigger pull of a double-action hammer system allows for increased precision. The decreased slide forces also mitigate recoil while providing the option for safe, single-action operation once cocked.

What safety features should a handgun for women have?

Multiple internal and external safeties provide security against accidental firing while easy operation builds confidence for both experienced and beginner shooters. Here are key concealed carry gun safety features in a nutshell:

Manual safety to block firing mechanism
Grip safety requires firm hold to fire
Drop safety to prevent discharge if dropped
Loaded chamber indicator to visually check status
Internal safeties like firing pin blocks
High-quality components for reliability
Secure the CCW holster covering the trigger guard

About the Author

Mark Buff is the founder and CEO of GunZee. He is an ardent firearms enthusiast and has been carrying concealed for more than 15 years. He created GunZee to solve his own problem: that of uncomfortable KYDEX holsters. His patented GunZee memory foam holster pad makes inside-the-waistband carry super comfortable.