May 16, 2025 • 2 min read
by a woman who carries every day
By: Amy Johnson
In this series, I am talking about my top 5 picks for the best concealed carry pistols for women. It’s time for #3…
Let’s talk about a pistol that just works.
At #3 on my list is the Smith & Wesson Shield Plus 9mm—a rock-solid everyday carry gun that feels like it was made for women who actually carry (not just those who like the idea of it).
This one hits the sweet spot between size, shootability, and capacity—and it does it without sacrificing reliability or comfort. It’s not flashy. It’s not trendy. I personally think it is kinda ugly. But it is dependable, and when you’re trusting a tool with your life, that counts for a whole lot more than looks.
Why it made my list:
✅ It’s slim.
This thing disappears under a T-shirt. It’s 1.1 inches wide. Whether you’re carrying appendix, on the hip, or even in a belly band, the Shield Plus is a breeze to conceal. It’s got that single-stack feel, but with the benefit of a “stack-and-a-half” magazine.
✅ It holds more.
That’s right—13+1 rounds with the extended magazine in a pistol this slim is no joke. If you’ve ever felt like 6 or 7 rounds wasn’t quite enough peace of mind, the Shield Plus just solved that problem.
✅ It shoots like a dream.
The trigger is crisp (a big improvement from the original Shield), and recoil is super manageable, even for newer shooters. It’s one of those guns you can run through a few hundred rounds at the range and still want to keep going.
Who this gun is great for:
- Women who want a reliable, affordable, no-frills EDC
- Those who don’t want to compromise between concealability and capacity
- Shooters who want a balanced grip and clean break on the trigger
It’s also worth saying: this pistol feels confidence-building. It’s not oversized, not underpowered. It just fits. And it’s easy to make accurate hits—which is kind of the point.
But what about…
Yes, it’s a little heavier than the Sig P365. And no, it doesn’t come optics-ready by default like some newer models, but that option is available on fancier models if you are willing to foot the bill.
Also? The Shield Plus has a longstanding reputation for reliability. It’s trusted by tons of experienced women (and men) in the carry community—and for good reason.
Final thoughts from your pistol-picking girlfriend:
The Shield Plus is basic, but checks all the boxes. It’s the kind of pistol that doesn’t talk a big game, but delivers when it counts.
And like always, once you’ve picked your favorite carry gun, send it to Inspired Gunworks for a custom Cerakote job. Because boring black isn’t a personality.
Next up in the series: we’re getting into the heavy hitters with the Sig Sauer P365 XL.
Stay armed & unapologetic,
– Amy