Bras and Guns: Choosing the Right Fit Matters

By Dana Cerbone, Prepared Pacifist   Personal Safety • Firearms Training  www.PreparedPacifist.org  

There are a lot of great firearms on the market. So how do you choose the one that’s right for you? 

Choosing a firearm is a very personal decision—actually, a lot like choosing a bra. 

What works beautifully for someone else may be completely wrong for you. The right choice depends on your intended purpose, your size and proportions, comfort and fit, experience level, and, of course, your budget. 

Well-intentioned shooters will often happily recommend their favorite firearm. There’s nothing wrong with gathering recommendations, but it’s important to understand their limitations. Someone else’s perfect firearm may not be your perfect gun. 

Before making a decision, consider a few important factors.  

What Is the Intended Purpose? 

Start with purpose. 

Will this firearm be carried on your body for personal protection? Is it primarily for home defense? Competition? Recreational shooting? Training? 

A firearm intended for concealed carry may require very different considerations than one intended primarily for range use or competition. 

Knowing what you expect the firearm to do helps narrow the field considerably.  

What Is Your Shooting Experience? 

Your experience matters, too. 

Have you shot a variety of firearms and calibers? Do you already know what recoil levels you are comfortable managing? Are you a brand-new shooter still developing your grip, stance, trigger control, and other fundamentals? 

Your experience, combined with the intended purpose of the firearm, can help guide decisions about caliber, size, weight, and firearm type.  

Iron Sights or an Optic? 

Do you intend to shoot using traditional iron sights, or do you plan to add a red-dot optic? 

If you already know you want an optic, purchasing an optic-ready firearm may save you money and frustration later. You’ll also want to consider whether the sights are easy for you to acquire and use.  

Fit Matters—A Lot

Fit is one of the most important considerations. 

An ill-fitting firearm is one you won’t enjoy shooting or training with. And if you don't enjoy it, chances are you won’t practice enough to become truly comfortable and competent with it. 

Your hands should be able to establish a secure, consistent grip. Pay attention to trigger reach. Can you place your finger properly on the trigger without dramatically shifting your hand? 

If the firearm has a manual safety, can you manipulate it easily? 

Can you operate the magazine release without completely changing your grip? 

Can you comfortably reach and manipulate the slide stop/release? 

Can you reliably operate the slide? 

These seemingly small details can make a significant difference once you begin training regularly.  

Smaller Isn't Automatically Better for Women 

One of the most common recommendations women hear is, “You need a small gun.” 

Sometimes a smaller firearm absolutely makes sense. Smaller guns may fit smaller hands more comfortably, and they can certainly be easier to conceal. 

But there is a trade-off. 

Smaller and lighter firearms often produce more noticeable felt recoil than larger, heavier firearms chambered in the same caliber. They can also be less forgiving when it comes to grip and shooting fundamentals. 

That matters. 

If the shooting experience is uncomfortable or unpleasant, a new shooter may be less inclined to practice. And a firearm intended for personal protection requires training—not just ownership. 

The best firearm is not necessarily the smallest one you can conceal. It is one that fits you properly, that you can operate reliably, and that you are willing to train consistently.  

Consider Starting a Little Larger 

Particularly when helping someone choose a first firearm, I often encourage women to consider the best-fitting, largest-frame firearm they can comfortably handle for its intended purpose. 

A slightly larger firearm can often provide a more comfortable shooting experience, make recoil easier to manage, and allow a new shooter to concentrate on developing solid fundamentals. 

That can go a long way toward building both skill and confidence. 

Later, if concealed carry is the goal, you may decide that a smaller firearm offers advantages that are worth the trade-offs. By then, you will also have more experience and a much better understanding of what works for you. 

And yes—that may mean eventually owning more than one firearm. 

Just like bras, sometimes one simply doesn’t work for every occasion.  

Try Before You Buy 

Whenever possible, work with a reputable instructor before purchasing your first firearm. A knowledgeable instructor can help evaluate fit, explain the advantages and disadvantages of different options, and give you an opportunity to experience multiple firearms before making a decision. 

Renting several firearms at a range can also be extremely helpful. A gun may feel great at the sales counter but very different after firing several magazines through it. 

Organizations such as A Girl & A Gun and Armed Women of America have chapters throughout the country and can be excellent resources for women looking for instruction, community, and opportunities to try different firearms. 

Most importantly, don't feel pressured to purchase the firearm someone else thinks you should have. 

Take your time. Ask questions. Try different options. Find the firearm that fits your body, your abilities, your intended use, and your willingness to train. 

Because the right firearm isn't the one your friend loves. It's the one that works reliably for you. 

Prepare deliberately. 

Train purposefully. 

Live peacefully. \