An everyday carry firearm gives you peace of mind that you’ll be able to protect yourself if you ever encounter a threat. As the risk of harm is increased if you’re a woman, it’s becoming increasingly common for females to carry a gun. In fact, women are one of the fastest-growing demographics when it comes to gun ownership.

However, finding the right gun for your needs is essential. To make things easier, we’ve compiled a list of efficient pistols for older females to carry:

1. SIG P365

The award-winning SIG P365 is a sub-compact pistol, which means its small size is ideal as an EDC firearm. However, its extended capacity means its able to hold 10 rounds, which makes it a great choice for a female EDC carry weapon. An overall length of 5.8” and a 1” grip make the SIG P365 easy to carry and conceal, while its 17.8-ounce weight ensures it’s lightweight. Furthermore, the striker-fired action ensures the SIG P365 is accurate and comfortable to use.

2. KIMBER MICRO 9

A compact handgun, the KIMBER MICRO 9 is based on a 1911 frame and features a single action trigger. With a slim grip and mild recoil, it’s easy to shoot and offers an impressive level of accuracy. Measuring 6.1” and weighing just 15.6 ounces, it’s a great lightweight gun to use as an everyday carry.

3. GLOCK 43

Weighing in at just 16.23 ounces, the GLOCK 43 is another lightweight pistol that can be used as an EDC firearm. As you’d expect from this manufacturer, the GLOCK 43 is a 9mm gun you can rely on. 6.26” in length and just over 1” wide, it’s also easy to conceal and small enough to use comfortably.

4. S&W M&P BODYGUARD 380

With a 5.3” overall length, the dimensions of the S&W M&P BODYGUARD 380 make it a great option as an EDC firearm. However, it’s also a super light pistol, weighing just 12.3 ounces. This may mean it’s the ideal option as an EDC for older females, as the lighter weight ensures it’s easy to carry and use. However, it does have a 9.5-pound trigger pull, which could be tricky for some people. While it does help to protect against accidental firing, you’ll want to ensure you’re comfortable with the trigger pull before using the S&W M&P BODYGUARD 380 as an EDC firearm.

Choosing the Right EDC Firearm

We’ve highlighted four of the most popular EDC firearms for females but there are plenty more on offer. The S&W M&P SHIELD, RUGER LC9S, and SIG P320 are another three options worth considering, for example.

When you’re selecting a firearm for everyday carry, it’s important to find a lightweight, easily concealable model, that also offers accuracy, durability and a decent capacity. For older females, a lightweight gun with a slim grip may be preferable. As women tend to have smaller hands than men, a slip grip can mean enhanced comfort and better control over the gun.