Forty-seven women sent more than 5,000 rounds of FMJ Winchester ammunition downrange during the 5th Annual NRA Women Ladies Pistol Project (LPP5), held Oct. 22, 2023, in conjunction with the incomparable staff of Worth-a-Shot Firearms & Training based in Millersville, Maryland. The highly anticipated event took place at the 12th Precinct Pistol & Archery Club in nearby Harwood, Maryland.
In this fifth edition—the second largest LPP to date—participants were invited to survey 19 models of semi-automatic pistols, 10 of which were chambered in 9 mm; 9 were in .380 ACP caliber. As in previous LPPs, women were asked to fire five rounds from each firearm, then complete an 18-question true/false survey about each model. The LPP surveys are designed to ascertain which features on the pistols that the ladies prefer, with the goal of helping each woman decide which gun is “right for her.” The guns were not rated for accuracy, rather on the form and function of each and how well each woman could perform the mandatory functions such as manipulating the slide; locking back the slide; releasing the magazine; loading the magazine, and more.
In LPP5 our goal and methodology remained consistent with the four earlier LPPs—to continue to help women find the “right gun for them” by firing multiple handguns and completing an 18-question survey. But with four LPPs in our rearview mirror, we were able to refine our model by dividing the project into 9 mm pistols and .380 caliber pistols. While 9 mm has largely been the go-to self-defense caliber of recent years for both men and women, the .380-cal. pistol, thanks in part to advancements in defensive ammunition manufacturing, has been making a comeback, especially among women who want to carry concealed.
LPP5 participants comprised women from all walks of life and age ranges. The most junior participant was 21; the most senior was 78. Their experience level ranged from lifelong shooters to first-time shooters—all of whom were required to participate in a preliminary 2-hour handgun operation and safety course.
Pistols were selected from some of today's newest models such as the EAA Girsan MC 24 T (tip-up), the Taurus GX4 Carry, and the Walther PDP-F—which had been awarded the NRA Women Golden Bullseye for Handgun of the Year in 2023, as well as perennial favorites like the Glock 19, SIG Sauer P365XL among others. In the .380 category, we brought in a selection of new and classic models such as the Ruger Security-380 Lite Rack, the P365-380 Rose, the Beretta Cheetah, the Browning 1911-380, and a few fan favorites of LPPs past like the Glock 42. Of course, we could never leave out the Smith & Wesson M&P380 Shield EZ which has become universally one of the women’s top handguns (and the winner of LPP3). At the end of the day which pistols did the ladies prefer to shoot most?
Below are the rankings in order of popularity for each category, from highest to lowest:
.380 ACP
- Ruger Security-380 Lite Rack
- Smith & Wesson M&P 380 Shield EZ
- Browning 1911-380
- SIG Sauer Rose 380
- Walther PD380
- Glock 42
- Girsan MC 14T Tip-Up
- Ruger LCP Max
- Beretta Cheetah
9 mm
- Smith & Wesson Equalizer
- Glock 43X
- Walther PDP-F
- Taurus GX4 Carry
- Glock 19
- SIG P365XL
- Ruger Max 9
- Springfield Hellcat
- FN Reflex
- CZ P10C
LPP5 participants comprised women from all walks of life and age ranges. The most junior participant was 21; the most senior was 78. Their experience level ranged from lifelong shooters to first-time shooters—all of whom were required to participate in a preliminary 2-hour handgun operation and safety course.
NRA Women would like to extend its more sincere appreciation to the companies and firearm manufacturers who believe in the Ladies Pistol Project enough to help sponsor one of the most enjoyable and educational events of the year:
Worth-a-Shot Firearms
Winchester Ammunition
EAA/Girsan
Browning
Walker’s
CrossBreed Holsters
12th Precinct Pistol & Archery Club
HOIST
To get a better understanding of how the LPP works, check out the reports on previous LPPs here:
The American Rifleman Ladies Pistol Project
Results: American Rifleman Ladies Pistol Project II—Concealed Carry Pistols
Right for You: Ladies Pistol Project 3 Results
NRA Ladies Pistol Project 4—Houston Edition
