Carry Guard Expo Seminar: Ladies' Top Concealed-Carry Handguns

by
posted on August 23, 2017
** 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. **
cge_seminar_2.jpg

The Ladies Pistol Project (LPP) was American Rifleman’s first in-depth look at the types of handguns that women prefer to operate. Thirty-five women of various levels of shooting experience fired and evaluated 18 different guns of various size, weight, action type and caliber. The data revealed that women prefer semi-automatic pistols to revolvers—as well as other compelling insights that should be required learning for anyone looking to introduce a woman to handguns. The Ladies Pistol Project article can be found in the current (Sept. 2017) issue of American Rifleman, or you can read it here.

Just concluded, the Ladies Pistol Project II (LPPII) expands the study to include information regarding preferred specifications—by women—for a semi-automatic handgun intended for concealed carry. In LPPII, 55 women fired and evaluated 24 handguns. 

What did we learn and which pistols were the favorites in LPPII? The answers will be revealed for the first time this weekend at the NRA Carry Guard Expo Seminar: Women’s Preferences for Concealed-Carry Handguns. The seminar is hosted by AmericanRifleman.org's Sr. Executive Editor Ann Y. Smith, who authored the article, and guest speakers NRA Publications Firearms Manager/Armorer Karie Thomas, and Donna Worthy, a retired Baltimore police officer and owner of Worth-a-Shot gun store and firearm training center.

In this session we will present specific data not only on the chosen pistols, but other factors that were not looked at in LPP, factors like the shooter's age, how frequently they go to the range, whether they are right handed or left handed, the price of the gunas well as including a few guns that we took a lot of heat for not including in LPP (Hint: Glock 19). The presentation takes on a more scientific approach, with very revealing and extremely useful data for all womenand menwho are looking for the ideal concealed-carry pistol.

   

For the convenience of CGE attendees, the free one-hour seminar will be offered at three sessions:

  • Friday, 1:30 p.m. Room 101CD
  • Saturday, 10 a.m. Room 101CD
  • Sunday 1:30 p.m. Room 101CD

If you are unable to attend, results of the LPPII will be detailed in an upcoming issue American Rifleman magazine and AmericanRifleman.org.

The Ladies Pistol Project was the subject of an American Rifleman TV episode, which will re-air on Sept. 6 on the Outdoor Channel. Watch a preview here.



Latest

Gotw Tristar Arms Kr22 1
Gotw Tristar Arms Kr22 1

Gun of the Week: TriStar Arms KR.22

Semi-automatic .22 rifles have been a staple in the firearm marketplace for decades, and the TriStar Arms KR.22 brings yet another lightweight, affordable option that accepts Ruger 10/22 rotary magazines.

Political Report | Trump Reiterates National Right-to-Carry Support

I am repeatedly reminded of how critical it was that the NRA engaged early in supporting Donald Trump’s 2016 candidacy—and that he won. A recent example came in June, when President Trump spoke to American workers at a Mack Trucks facility in Macungie, Pa.

The Armed Citizen® Aug. 21, 2026

Read today's "The Armed Citizen" entry for real stories of law-abiding citizens, past and present, who used their firearms to save lives.

The Norinco TU-33/40: A Rimfire Mauser Lookalike from China

The Norinco TU-33/40 is, at a glance, a copy of a Mauser 98k with a few choice details that give away the fact that it’s not a big-bore World War II workhorse.

AI Tools Enter the Used-Gun Market

Companies that deal in the used-gun market are not shy about sharing the advantages their AI-driven tools and services.

Standing Guard | Standing on the Line for Freedom

This past August marks 46 years since I raised my right hand and was commissioned as an infantry officer in the United States Marine Corps. In the summer of 1980, I entered active duty with a firm sense of civic duty and a deep desire to serve our great nation. Like so many who wear the uniform, I was ready to contribute directly to the defense of freedom.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.