When most people talk about “women’s handguns,” the conversation usually shifts toward small-frame pistols, compact carry options, or lightweight designs marketed as “easy to use.” But for women who train over long periods of time, shoot regularly, or simply want a firearm that offers better control and performance, full-size pistols deserve far more attention.
For this review, I obtained a few full-size handguns that a few people in the community recommended and put them through a structured test on the range. There are many other excellent pistols that could fall into this category, but these were the models available for hands-on evaluation that day.
To keep things consistent and fair, I used AmmoSquared ammunition, both 115-grain and 124-grain, running 200 rounds of each grain, through each gun. I am happy to report that all four pistols ran flawlessly. No malfunctions, clean cycling, and smooth performance across the board.
The lineup included:
- Staccato XL
- Staccato XC
- SIG Sauer P320 Spectre Comp
- Beretta 92X
Each was evaluated on recoil, accuracy, trigger characteristics, slide manipulation, control placement, and overall shootability, from a woman’s perspective
The Staccato XC has a reputation for being unbelievably flat, and it absolutely lived up to that reputation. With its integrated compensator system, the gun barely moved during rapid strings. Tracking sights between targets felt effortless.
Trigger Pull:Both Staccatos measured around 2 lbs on my trigger gauge, extremely light, crisp, and predictable.
Slide Manipulation:4/5 — smooth and very easy to run.
Magazine Release:4/5 — responsive, well-placed, and comfortable.
Overall Impressions:The XC feels purpose-built for serious performance. Women who want maximum recoil reduction and control will love how effortlessly it shoots. For range work, training, or even competition, it’s exceptional.
The Staccato XL is the longer, heavier variant, and that extra weight works in your favor. It feels anchored in your hands, producing fast follow-up shots and very predictable recoil behavior.
Recoil & Control:Stable but some minor wabble.
Trigger Pull:Again, around 2 lbs, clean and refined.
Slide Manipulation:4/5 — very manageable.
Magazine Release:4/5.
Overall Impressions: Between the XL and the Beretta (more below), the XL was my easy preference. Women looking for accuracy, refinement, and a full-size gun that simply performs will appreciate how confidence-inspiring this pistol is.
My Favorite Comped Gun of the Test
Despite the not-so-great reputation the 320’s have acquired recently, the P320 Spectre Comp stood out immediately to me. It’s soft-shooting, balanced, and extremely manageable, and as someone familiar with P320 platforms, the ergonomics felt extremely natural.
Trigger Pull:Measured at 3.1 lbs — clean, crisp.
Slide Manipulation:4/5 — easy and consistent.
Magazine Release:4/5 — very intuitive and fast.
Overall Impressions:Out of the two compensated pistols, the Spectre Comp was my personal favorite. That may be partly due to my experience with P320s, but objectively, the gun shoots flat and fast, and pairs extremely well with the AmmoSquared 115- and 124-grain loads. This is a fantastic full-size option for women who want soft recoil and strong performance.
The Beretta 92X is an iconic pistol with decades of service history behind it. It ran smoothly during testing, 200 rounds without a single issue, but in terms of feel and ergonomics, it didn’t rank as high for me.
Trigger Pull:
- 8 lbs DA
- 3.3 lbs SAHonestly, the DA trigger pull is VERY smooth and easy to manipulate. I enjoyed this DA/SA handgun over most I have tried in the past.
Slide Manipulation:4/5 — not many issues here.
Magazine Release:3/5 — the reach and feel weren’t as natural or comfortable.
Overall Impressions:While reliable and well-respected, the Beretta felt a bit more clunky compared to the Staccatos and the Spectre Comp. It’s a solid option for shooters who prefer the DA/SA system.
1. SIG P320 Spectre Comp
Great for:Women seeking exceptional shootability, soft recoil, and an intuitive grip with high performance under speed.
2. Staccato XC
Great for:Women wanting the ultimate flat-shooting full-size pistol with competition-level recoil control.
3. Staccato XL
Great for:Women who want precision, a feather-light trigger, and a performance handgun without a compensator.
4. Beretta 92X
Great for:Women who prefer DA/SA systems and value long-standing durability and tradition over modern ergonomics.
Full-size pistols are often overlooked for women, but they shouldn’t be. Their longer sight radius, reduced recoil, increased capacity, and improved controllability make them ideal for training, confidence building, and performance shooting.
All four pistols ran flawlessly with AmmoSquared 115-grain and 124-grain ammunition, and each offered its own strengths. Selecting the “best” comes down to purpose, preference, and how a gun feels in your hands. Shoutout to AmmoSquared for providing top notch ammo to test these guns and bring you this information!
If you’re a woman looking to elevate your training or simply want a full-size firearm that helps you shoot your best, these models are an excellent place to start.
-Marcee
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