A WOMAN'S GUIDE TO SMITH & WESSON
The Smith & Wesson
Concealed Carry Guide
From the Shield EZ; designed specifically for women who need an easier slide; to the legendary J-Frame revolver and the new Bodyguard 2.0, Smith & Wesson has built firearms that respect the realities of women's carry.
Models, specs, holsters, accessories, and the best way to carry.
KNOW YOUR FIREARM. CARRY IT RIGHT.
WHY WOMEN CHOOSE SMITH & WESSON
What Makes Smith & Wesson Stand Out for Women
Smith & Wesson was one of the first major manufacturers to design a firearm specifically around accessibility challenges: the M&P Shield EZ, which won the 2019 NRA Women's Innovation Product of the Year. The easy-to-rack slide, the grip safety, and the light recoil spring make it the most recommended first gun for women who struggle with traditional semi-autos.
The Bodyguard 2.0 is the new standard for pocket-sized carry; a .380 ACP that disappears in a belt bag while still delivering reliable performance when it counts.
And the J-Frame 642 revolver remains one of the most carried guns by women who want absolute simplicity: point, pull, done.
The Shield EZ was one of the first guns designed specifically for easier operation. The Bodyguard 2.0 proved pocket carry can be done right. Smith & Wesson understands women who carry.
EASY-TO-RACK SLIDE
The Shield EZ's reduced spring tension makes it accessible for women with limited hand strength.
GRIP SAFETY
The EZ models feature a grip safety that adds a layer of protection without complicating the draw.
REVOLVER SIMPLICITY
The J-Frame 642 is as simple as it gets. No slide to rack, no magazine to fumble. Pull the trigger and it fires.
AMERICAN HERITAGE
Smith & Wesson has been making firearms since 1852. 170+ years of engineering behind every gun.
TOP SMITH & WESSON FIREARMS FOR WOMEN
Smith & Wesson Concealed Carry Models
Here are the Smith & Wesson models women choose most for concealed carry; with specs, what makes each one different, and which setup fits your needs.
M&P Shield Plus
Enhanced capacity over the original Shield with an improved trigger. Slim profile conceals easily. One of the best-selling concealed carry pistols for women.
FITS THESE ZENDIRA BAGS
M&P Shield EZ
Designed specifically for shooters with limited hand strength. The easiest slide to rack in the industry. Grip safety adds confidence for newer carriers.
FITS THESE ZENDIRA BAGS
Bodyguard 2.0
Ultra-compact .380 with improved trigger and sights over the original. At just 14 ounces, it is one of the lightest carry options on the market. Perfect for women who prioritize concealment and minimal weight.
FITS THESE ZENDIRA BAGS
M&P9 M2.0 Compact
Full-size performance in a compact frame. Aggressive grip texture and flat-face trigger. For women who want maximum capability from their carry gun.
FITS THESE ZENDIRA BAGS
642 Airweight (J-Frame)
The classic women's carry revolver. No slide, no magazine, no external hammer to snag. Just pull the trigger. Fits in The Friday or Active Friday with room to spare.
FITS THESE ZENDIRA BAGS
ACCESSORIES AND UPGRADES
Upgrade Your Smith & Wesson
These upgrades are the most popular among women who carry Smith & Wesson. All compatible with concealed purse carry.
CRIMSON TRACE LASERGUARD
Laser sight for Shield and J-Frame models. Improves accuracy in low-light defensive situations.
HYVE TECHNOLOGIES MAGAZINE EXTENSION
+2 magazine extension for the Shield Plus. Adds capacity without adding bulk.
XS SIGHTS BIG DOT
High-visibility tritium front sight. Faster target acquisition in stress situations.
HOLSTER SETUP
How to Holster Your Smith & Wesson for Purse Carry
Zendira bags feature a full panel of Velcro inside the concealed carry compartment. This lets you mount your preferred Kydex holster in exactly the position you want; and your Sig stays there every single time.
KYDEX HOLSTER FOR SHIELD PLUS
Slim Kydex holster that mounts to the Velcro panel. Covers trigger guard for safe purse carry.
KYDEX TRIGGER GUARD FOR SHIELD EZ
Popular Kydex option for the Shield series. Works well with the Zendira Friday and Active Friday bags.
THE BUYER'S GUIDE
Choosing Your Smith & Wesson for Concealed Carry
- Start with the Shield EZ if you have difficulty racking slides; it was designed for this
- The Bodyguard 2.0 is the lightest option at just 14 ounces; perfect for The Active Friday
- Choose the Shield Plus for the best balance of capacity and concealability
- The J-Frame 642 is ideal for women who want absolute simplicity; no slides, no magazines
- The M2.0 Compact is best if you want maximum capability and plan to carry in The Saturday or Monday
- Train with your Zendira bag regularly; your draw from a purse should be as practiced as from a holster
TRAINING AND EDUCATION
Train With Your Smith & Wesson
Owning a Smith & Wesson is the first step. Professional training is what makes you effective with it. These organizations offer courses designed specifically for women.
USCCA
United States Concealed Carry Association; training, education, and self-defense insurance.
NRA WOMEN
National Rifle Association women's programs, training courses, and resources.
CONCEALED COALITION
Concealed carry permits, online training, and state-specific guides.
HOW TO PURSE CARRY YOUR SMITH & WESSON
You Chose Your Smith & Wesson.
Now Carry It Right.
Most concealed carry bags force you to flag your own legs; or worse, the people around you; during your draw. Zendira eliminated that. Every bag is engineered so there is zero flagging on the draw and absolutely no brandishing until you have a master grip on your Sig Sauer.
The full Velcro panel inside the concealed carry compartment holds your holster in exactly the position you set it. The magnetic access lets you draw without fighting a zipper. And the bag itself looks like a luxury handbag; not a piece of tactical gear.
BAGS THAT FIT YOUR SMITH & WESSON
Which Zendira Fits Your Smith & Wesson?
From the ultra-compact Bodyguard 2.0 to the full-size M2.0 Compact, every Smith & Wesson carry gun fits a Zendira bag. The Velcro panel accommodates both semi-auto Kydex holsters and revolver holsters.
The Monday | Designer Concealed Carry Laptop Bag by Zendira
BEST FOR SHIELD PLUS, M2.0 COMPACT
In Stock
$179.00-$289.00
The Friday | Designer Concealed Carry Crossbody by Zendira
BEST FOR BODYGUARD 2.0, 642
In Stock | Made to Order
$279.00
The Full Size Friday | Luxury Leather Crossbody Bag by Zendira
BEST FOR SHIELD EZ SERIES, SHIELD PLUS
In Stock | Made to Order
$329.00
The Active Friday | Designer Concealed Carry Belt Bag by Zendira
BEST FOR BODYGUARD 2.0, 642
In Stock | Made to Order
$159.00
The Saturday | Luxe Concealed Carry Crossbody by Zendira
BEST FOR SHIELD PLUS, M2.0 COMPACT
In Stock | Made to Order
$369.00-$429.00
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Smith & Wesson FAQs
Will a Smith & Wesson Shield EZ fit in a Zendira bag?
Yes. The Shield EZ fits in The Saturday and The Friday. The easy-to-rack slide makes it an excellent choice for purse carry, especially for women who are newer to carrying.
What is the best Zendira bag for the Bodyguard 2.0?
The Active Friday and The Friday are both excellent for the Bodyguard 2.0. At just 14 ounces, the Bodyguard disappears in either bag while remaining fully accessible via the magnetic closure.
Can I carry a revolver in a Zendira bag?
Yes. The J-Frame 642 and similar small revolvers fit in The Friday and The Active Friday. Use a soft-sided holster attached to the Velcro panel for consistent positioning.
Is the Shield EZ good for beginners?
The Shield EZ is one of the most recommended first guns for women. The easy-to-rack slide, grip safety, and light recoil make it very approachable. Pair it with a Zendira bag and professional training from USCCA or NRA Women.
YOUR FIREARM. YOUR CARRY. YOUR TERMS.
Carry Your Smith & Wesson
the Way It Deserves
You chose a Smith & Wesson because it is the right firearm for you. Now carry it in a bag that matches that level of intention; zero flagging, zero brandishing, and a draw that no one else has been able to replicate.
SOURCES & REFERENCES
- A Girl & A Gun Women's Shooting League . Women's Favorite Handgun Brands in 2024. Survey of 706 women and 976 handguns at the SHINE 2024 National Conference.
- NRA Women . Most Popular Handguns at A Girl & A Gun's 2024 National Conference.
- Smith & Wesson . Shield EZ product line. Winner of the 2019 NRA Women's Innovation Product of the Year.
- NRA Shooting Illustrated . 2019 Women's Innovation Product of the Year: Smith & Wesson M&P380 Shield EZ.