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 gun—as 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 women—and men—who are looking for the ideal concealed-carry pistol.
- 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.
