When you hear the term self-defense, you naturally think that only men must protect themselves. However, assaults and other dangers also concern women.

According to statistics, one out of every six women has been stalked, and one in three will be sexually assaulted in their lifetime. Individuals of color and LGBTQ individuals are at a higher risk for assault and abuse, so all persons must have a self-defense strategy.

It’s easy to assume that men are the only ones who must defend themselves. Although women are also vulnerable to violence and other dangers, here at SOFREP, we want to empower women to defend themselves. So, if you’re a woman, follow these guidelines when purchasing a gun for self-defense.

Handguns Are Why Women Need Self-defense

While women are more likely to become victims of sexual assault, abuse, and stalking, men are still at risk. Self-defense handguns may not always be carried by women, so they must have the plan to defend themselves if attacked. A self-defense handgun is one of the most efficient methods for doing so.

What are the steps to selecting a suitable self-defense handgun?

When Choosing a Self-defense Handgun, Consider the Following

• Always ensure that your self-defense handgun is in a safe and secure location.
• Having small children at home, looking for a handgun with a trigger guard or a fingerprint safe is a great option.
• It is imperative to keep your gun out of reach of children. A leather holster is the best option.
• It always surprises us how many people will try and buy poor ammunition rather than get the best available. It is a life-saving tool.
• Great glow-in-the-dark sights are suggested. In addition, we suggest Palmetto State Armory’s tactical sights, which can be used to point, aim, and shoot or simply to provide light.
• It is important to select the right handgun caliber for your needs (for example, if you need to defend yourself against bears, you should get a weapon more powerful than one you would use to defend yourself against humans).
• Certain accessories can protect you better than others (i.e., pepper spray, stun guns, high-powered pocket flashlights). Check out our Ultimate Guide to using tasers.

Handguns Are Available in Several Types

When choosing a handgun, make sure you find one that meets your requirements and is simple to operate.
There are three types of handguns: revolvers, semi-automatic handguns, and single-action handguns. Revolvers and semi-automatics can both hold multiple rounds, but revolvers require users to reload after each shot. Single-action handguns are limited to chambering one round at a time.

It is easier to operate a semi-automatic or single-action gun than a revolver because they cannot misfire. When selecting a handgun, consider how frequently you will need to use it and how long you will need to reload or fire it.

People who want portability and protection without drawing attention should use semi-automatic and single-action handguns. A revolver is a better choice if you want to keep a low profile but still want practical self-defense. Revolvers also provide a distinct advantage: you won’t have to worry about how many shots are left in your magazine.

Check out the wide variety of gun options at Palmetto State Armory.

A final thought.

When purchasing a self-defense handgun, consider your unique needs.

Women may feel uneasy carrying a gun in public or keeping one close to them at all times. The Ruger LCP II is an excellent option for women with small frames, as it is small and light. Some models, such as the Glock 43, are even pink, reducing their intimidation factor for women.

If you plan to keep your gun in your car or for home defense, you may want to opt for a lighter, less bulky gun like the Kel-Tec P3AT. The weapon can fit in your handbag and is light enough to carry around all day.

Before purchasing a gun, you should think about how simple it is to operate. It’s best to test out the gun at a local shooting range or rental store to see how simple it is to use the safety features and how accurate the gun is at different ranges.

Ask for references when seeking gun training because there are too many pseudo-experts out there (who claim to know what they are talking about but really don’t). Check out our “Beginner’s Guide to Choosing a Gun.”