The "shrink it and pink it" mentality is fundamentally flawed.
Where could pink camo possibly provide concealment? How does a flashy logo on a hunting jacket add stealth? And does looking like self-defense Barbie really keep you safe?
While several gun manufacturers are pushing pretty Cerakote finishes and hot pink grips to draw in female customers, many women are wising up and bucking this trend. And for good reason.
The last thing you're going to care about while your life is hanging in the balance is if your Ruger LCP II matches your stilettos. As one female gun pro put it, "A gun isn't an accessory. A gun is a tool that can save your life."
Quality Concerns with Colored Handguns
One of the major concerns with pink and Tiffany blue polymer pistols is quality. Many of these fashionable firearms are coming from low-level manufacturers in unreliable models and calibers unfit for personal defense.
When selecting a handgun for everyday carry, experts typically recommend a .380 ACP as the smallest you should go caliber-wise. Some other popular options include the 9mm pistol, .38 Special, .40 S&W and .357 Magnum.
A woman's best bet is to head to the local gun counter and get a feel for fan-favorites from Glock, Smith & Wesson, Taurus, Beretta, Walther and Springfield Armory. See how full size pistols sit in the hand and fit in your purse. And then grab some home defense ammo for your new revolver or semi-auto.
High-quality options from reputable gun makers won't feature pink frames and will likely require some questionable modifications to glam them up. So remember that this is about keeping you and your family safe - not looking like Elle Woods heading to the range.
Safety & Legal Ramifications of Pink Pistols
Speaking of legality, a pink handgun could actually get you in hot water should you ever have to draw your weapon in self defense. According to a study from the U.S. Concealed Carry Association, guns should look as stock as possible to prevent any concerns over modifications or confusion with a toy.
Kids are much less likely to pick up a black Glock 19 than a petite pink pistol to play with. As new gun ownership surges with young moms at the top of the list, this safety concern should be enough to make women think twice about purchasing a pink handgun.
Pistol Priorities
By all means, if bubblegum is your favorite color and you find a fully functional pink handgun that will motivate you to hit the range more, buy it. But a woman's focus—or any shooter's focus, for that matter - should be more on proper training and familiarity with the firearm than pretty colors.
Learning to shoot can be intimidating, so invest in training programs from organizations like USCCA that offer dedicated women's only courses to get comfortable handling your pistol—no matter what color it is.
That's what will keep you safe.
NEXT: 6 BEST PISTOLS TO CARRY IN SUMMER CLOTHING
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