WOULD YOU BE ABLE TO PROTECT YOU & YOUR LOVED ONES FROM AN INTRUDER?

WE PICK OUR TOP 5 HANDGUNS FOR WOMEN

(feature in Home Defender for Beretta)

According to FBI statistics, a burglary occurs every 30 seconds. Now marry that to the average 911 response time of 10 minutes, and what you have is a nightmare in the making. Now the question remains, “In the event of a home burglary would you be prepared to protect yourself or your loved ones?”

While some debate the necessity of gun ownership, our belief it is better to have it and not need i, than need it and not have it. We are also firm believers that the foundation of any solid home defense plan requires a firearm. It’s a necessary tool that can protect the lives of you and your loved ones, and when seconds count, a firearm, along with a self-defense mindset and proper training, can ultimately be the difference between life and death.

That being said, we put together a list of our top five handguns for women and be sure to follow us online to download our HOME DEFENSE STRATEGY GUIDE.

OUR TOP PICK

Beretta 92FS

Arguably one of the cornerstones of the handgun world, the Beretta 92FS is nothing short of an icon. Its curved barrel and slender grip echo its Italian heritage and remind us what it would look like if Sophia Loren designed a pistol. The classic black finish is understated yet elegant and is timeless. The slender barrel and thinner handgrip makes the 92FS a joy to shoot and one of the best in its class.

Looks aside, the 92FS boasts an impressive reputation as the go-to handgun for militaries and government agencies worldwide. Even after thousands of rounds, the 9mm round feeds effortlessly – and without a thorough cleaning – performs with unparalleled accuracy. When it comes time to do routine maintenance, the Beretta is a joy to fieldstrip and makes cleaning a pleasurable experience. Throw in an ambidextrous magazine release and safety – and it’s clear that the 92FS is perfect for just about anyone.

The lack of a grip safety may be a relief for those of us with smaller hands, as the constant depression of the grip safety can become tiresome after long shooting expeditions. The 92FS is an excellent choice for anyone looking to buy a handgun that they won’t grow tired of and can rely on in any situation.

Model: 92FS

Website: www.Beretta.com

Caliber: 9mm Luger

Capacity: 15

Barrel Length: 4.9 inches

Length: 8.5 inches

Unloaded Weight: 33.3 Ounces

COMING IN A CLOSE SECOND

Colt lightweight commander

The 1911 is a staple in any gun collector’s repertoire. Its slender lines and classic silhouette are decidedly sculptural in nature, and their performance is usually second to none. However, for some women, the classic 1911 can be a bit on the heavier side, and a full-length barrel can often be too much for women looking to carry a concealed weapon. For women who appreciate the aesthetics of a 1911 but are looking for an excellent concealed carry contender, the Colt Lightweight Commander is a great choice.

Weighing in under 30 ounces, the Lightweight Commander is a gun that you can fire all day at the range without worrying about hand or arm fatigue – yet still get excellent accuracy thanks to the Dual Spring Recoil System. The upswept beavertail further compliments the slender handgrip to allow for a variety of hand sizes and hand positions which further help minimize upper body strain.

Available in both a .45 ACP and 9mm option, the Lightweight Commander is a great choice for those looking to up the ante during target practice with the increased accuracy of a .45 round or for home protection with a reliable 9mm. Complemented by custom Colt G10 grips in a Black Cherrywood finish, the Lightweight Commander’s look is decidedly refined yet tactical – just like its owner.

Model: O4842XE

Website: www.Colt.com

Caliber: 9mm Luger

Capacity: 9

Barrel Length: 4.25 inches

Length: 7.75 inches

Unloaded Weight: 29.4 Ounces

Springfield Armory EMP 4" CHAMPION

Our heavyweight contender in this ladies-only battle is the Springfield Armory EMP 4″ Champion. With a name like that, there’s no wonder why it’s on our list, even if it may wear us out a little faster than its rivals.

Another excellent option in the world of downsized 1911s, the EMP 4″ Champion is a descendant of the original Springfield Armory EMP. With an optimal size and fantastic ergonomics to be a daily concealed carry handgun, the EMP 4″ Champion is available in both 9mm and .40SW, depending on the job at hand.

Its two-toned body and etched wood grips set off the gun’s beautiful lines, including an artfully drilled trigger. The sights on the Springfield are some of the best that we’ve tried and provide excellent target accuracy even in low-light situations, which is an incredible plus for home defense situations. While the weight of the EMP 4″ Champion might be greater than the other handguns on this list, it doesn’t hinder any of the shooting enjoyment, even after countless rounds.

For the woman looking for a modern pistol that will serve reliably for years to come and fit nicely in a purse or holster, the EMP 4″ Champion is a great choice. Like the Colt Lightweight Commander, this gun features a dovetail grip safety – as well as textured panels on the front and rear of the grip, which can become taxing on those with smaller hands or a lack of calluses. That being said, there’s no shortage of aftermarket accessories that can lessen hand discomfort.

Model: EMP 4″ Champion

Website: www.Springfield-Armory.com

Caliber: .40SW

Capacity: 9

Barrel Length: 4 inches

Length: 7.5 inches

Unloaded Weight: 37 Ounces

KIMBER AMETHYST ULTRA II

If you’re looking for a bit of glitz and glamour in your life, and you’re not afraid to turn some heads at the range, then we’ve got your gun. New to the Kimber lineup for 2016 is the Amethyst Ultra II, and it’s not pulling any punches when it comes to a decidedly feminine aesthetic. Of course, all that glitz is going to cost a pretty penny. Setting yourself apart from the pack will cost you more than the other offerings on our list, but who can complain when there’s a purple metallic finish involved?

Since it’s a Kimber, the Amethyst Ultra II is also one hell of a handgun and features a dizzying array of performance features. Tactical Wedge tritium night sights paired with a short but sturdy 3-inch barrel make the Amethyst Ultra II an excellent concealed carry option for women who travel at night or are looking for a stylish home defense alternative.

The dovetail grip safety is a bit less cumbersome than others and is complemented by a smooth finish handle accented with slender G10 grips. Rounding out the list of impressive adds are the ambidextrous thumb safety, as well as the gorgeous custom-cut scroll engraving along with the stainless-steel slide. If you’re looking for a showstopper, which is also an intruder stopper – Annie, get your gun.

Model: Glock 27 Gen4

Website: www.KimberAmerica.com

Caliber: 9mm Luger

Capacity: 7

Barrel Length: 3 inches

Length: 6.8 inches

Unloaded Weight: 25 Ounces

Glock 27 GEN 4

For ladies who would like to a bit more incognito or fancy themselves as being “one of the boys,” the Glock 27 Gen4 is as much a contender for lady’s night as it is for any gun enthusiast. Those who love Glocks really love Glocks, and when handling the 27 Gen4, it’s easy to see why. With a sturdy frame and aggressive look, the Glock is backed up by an impressively light feel yet impressive performance thanks to the use of a .40 caliber round.

With the ability to immediately adjust to any shooter’s hand size, the days of wearing out before your pistol did are now obsolete. An adjustable modular backstrap paired with the lightest pre-loaded weight in our roundup makes for a handgun that can be fired all day at the range and be an excellent backup weapon for home defense or concealed carry.

If there are multiple shooters in your household, the use of a reversible magazine catch comes in handy for right or left-handed shooters. The lack of a grip safety slightly lessens the hand-wear from the rough-textured grips, which can easily be remedied with a grip cover if they prove too bothersome – although many will appreciate the grip they give when faced with sweaty hands in a home invasion scenario.

Model: Glock 27 Gen4

Website: us.Glock.com

Caliber: .40

Capacity: 9

Barrel Length: 3.42 inches

Length: 6.41 inches

Unloaded Weight: 21.89 Ounces