The Well Armed Woman's Top 10 Guns of 2022

Women are still making a big dent in annual handgun purchases—but what are they buying? Here are 10 of the most purchased handguns by women in 2022.

by posted on March 20, 2023
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
Twaw Top 10 2022 Lede 3 (1)
Walther PDP-F image courtesy American Rifleman

It’s one of our favorite topics: Which guns are women buying? While it’s impossible to know what handgun each and every woman in the United States has purchased in the past year, we can be confident that surveys and samplings produce reliable information that give us a general idea. That’s why we got so excited when The Well Armed Woman announced the findings of its 6th Annual Survey of Women Gun Owners.    

In this year’s Top 10 list (based on purchases made in 2022) you’ll recognize many familiar models, as many are making encore appearances—and not necessarily in the same order as they’ve previously appeared. A few have even been on this list since the inaugural survey. Some models fell off; others climbed on board, like the made-for-women Walther PDP-F. There was also a three-way tie for seventh place which, interestingly, shows SIG Sauer's now-discontinued 1911-inspired micro-compact pistol is still a popular choice among women.

The Well Armed Woman founder Carrie Lightfoot also offers insight into this year’s survey results, pointing out that even though a few well-known brands didn’t have a gun appear in the top 10, they are making inroads with new models that are finding favor among women, including certain revolvers, and models in Taurus’ G Series. See more of Carrie’s analysis here. And after you're finished, avail yourself of the hundreds of gun reviews of some of the most popular brands and models, all posted by women who have purchased and used those particular handguns.

Without further ado, based on TWAW's survey, here are The Well Armed Woman’s Top 10 Handguns of 2022:

 

1. SIG Sauer P365 (9mm)

 

2. S&W M&P9 Shield EZ (9mm)

3. S&W M&P380 Shield EZ (.380 ACP)

4. Glock 43X (9mm)

5. Glock 19X (9mm)

 

6. Springfield Hellcat (9mm)

7. Three-way tie:  S&W M&P Shield 9 (9mm)/Walther PDP-F (9mm)/SIG Sauer P238 (.380 ACP) 

 

8. SIG Sauer P320 (9mm)

 

9. Ruger SR22 (22 LR)

10. Kimber Micro 9 (9mm)

 

 

 

 

Latest

Rao Off Season Rifle Getting Into Position Photo By Rao
Rao Off Season Rifle Getting Into Position Photo By Rao

It's Time for Your Rifle's Off-Season Check-Up

When fall hunting season is just around the corner, summer is time to make sure your guns and gear are in shape for shooting.

The Armed Citizen® Reload July 18, 2025

A spousal abuser and a registered sex offender met their fate while attempting to carry out their crimes. 

Want to Become an Outdoors Woman? Here's One Way to Start.

The successful BOW program (Becoming an Outdoors-Woman) began in 1990 in Wisconsin but its popularity as one of the leading programs for women has propelled its expansion into 38 states.

Winchester Safes Donating to Kerr County Flood Relief

Through July 31, 100 percent of its profits from online sales will go to the Kerr County Flood Relief Fund.

The Headrest Safe Company Introduces Compact Model

Take your firearm, cash, medications and more in your vehicle and relax knowing it will stay out of the hands of kids, valets or intruders.

What’s a Monolithic Bullet?

What do monolithic bullets do, and what are they good for?

Women's Interests



Get the best of NRA Women delivered to your inbox.