Smith & Wesson Bodyguard 2.0 Micro-Pistol
Of course we must start with the main requirement for concealed carry: a firearm designed for the task at hand. One of the most talked-about new firearms in late 2024 is the new Smith & Wesson Bodyguard. Check out our review here by NRA Women contributor Holly Marcus. A few of the features influencing her decision include a more ergonomic grip profile than previous models; a flat-face trigger; an aggressive slide design; a black U-notch rear sight, a bright dot front sight, and more. An available extended 12-round magazine was also a strong selling point. MSRP is $449. Need to know how to give a gun as a gift? Go here. Meantime, visit smith-wesson.com for more on this pistol.
Self-Defense Ammunition
Buy her a box of ammo—or three! With the 2022 Supreme Court Bruen decision solidifying concealed carry in all 50 states, the firearm industry has responding resoundingly to a demand for concealed-carry pistols. The .380 ACP continues to be a favorite chambering among women, thanks in part to the introduction of female-friendly models like the new S&W Bodyguard 2.0, and previous NRA Golden Bullseye “Handgun of the Year” and “Ladies Pistol Project” winners, the M&P 380EZ and the Ruger Security 380 Lite Rack—both of which are notable for their easy-to-manipulate slides. All of the main ammunition makers have kept us well-served in defensive ammo for these pistols. She is sure to find one her pistol likes best from Winchester, Hornady and Federal.
GTM Original’s Concealed Carry Purses
If the woman on your gift list is inclined to off-body carry, Gun Tote’n Mamas (GTM Original) boasts one of the largest collection of purses, packs, slings, clutches and more, in a wide array of colors, textures and leathers. Some of their most popular are back in stock soon and are now available for pre-order, including the cowhide and lambskin Clutch Purses; lambskin Hobo; and lambskin Slim Crossbody. New products, available now, include the Slim Crossbody cowhide; and the Crossbody Organizer, USA Cowhide in a fun blue paisley print. To see offerings in all the Gun Tote’n Mamas collections, visit GTMOriginal.com.
EDC Holsters
If she is able to carry on-body, she no doubt already knows there is an endless array of holsters for every make and model of handgun on the market. How she carries will be entirely up to her preference based on physique and comfort with each type of holster, whether IWB, OWB or alternatives to these standard positions, like a bellyband or concealed-carry leggings/shorts. Choose a holster designed to coordinate with her pistol—like the CrossBreed’s ROSE by SIG Sauer for her P365; or opt for a simple but extremely effective style like the perennially favorite Sticky Holster, made of non-slip material that, with a little pressure, adheres to just about anything. Many women have turned to bellybands, like this one from Mission First Tactical; and for days when she is on the go—even out for a run—let her try these concealed carry leggings. Many companies are now making such garments, but we like these from Dene Adams.
Concealment in Her Car
Our 2024 NRA Women Golden Bullseye winner for Accessory of the Year was The Headrest Safe, which offers an incredibly discreet vehicle storage system that is defined in the company name—a safe built into a car's headrest. When she absolutely must leave her handgun in the car, this aftermarket universal headrest solves a big dilemma. Contents are quickly accessed via a biometric lock reader and keypad. And while gun owners naturally default to the safe as an unlikely place to stash a firearm (it will securely hold a full-size 1911 pistol), think cash, medications and other items you need to keep out of sight of would-be intruders, or the hands of kids or valets when she parks her car. Check it out in use it here.
