Women purchase handguns for a variety of reasons, just like men. Some women are seeking to find the right gun for competitive shooting contests, for self-defense – or both. Not only are size, weight, and caliber the primary considerations when either a man or a woman purchases a handgun. But, because many women with a concealed carry permit pack their handgun in a purse instead of a holster, size and weight are even more of a factor when choosing the best handgun.