What’s the Best Conceal Carry Gun? Top 10 Revealed

talon grips for glock 43 pistol gun
talon grips for glock 43

Featured Image via Amazon

You have the right as an American Citizen to keep and bear arms. You have the right to protect yourself and your family. But choosing the best conceal carry is an important decision.

Even though we would like it to be otherwise, the world is a dangerous place. Crime and violence happen all around us. Turn on the news and see for yourself.

The most important things in your life, your family and safety, must be protected. A concealed firearm is the perfect way to ensure you have the protection you need.

Many times, it is the lawful citizen legally carrying a firearm that rescues would-be victims and saves lives. It could be a friend, co-worker, or stranger.

Gone are the days when guys used to settle differences behind the barn with fists. Fights today involve knives and firearms. Others have lost the ability to defend themselves physically due to injuries or old age. A concealed firearm can help you repossess the defense you once had.

Different individuals have different reasons and desires for a concealed firearm. We believe this review will help you understand the variety of firearms available and what may work well for you. There is a perfect firearm for everybody.

Comparison Table

Product Name

Image

Price

[amazon link=”B00WRICTHU” link_overwrite=”https://www.cabelas.com/product/home/nd-amendment-classic/nd-amend-firearms/pc/105625080/c/635005080/sc/607995180/smith-wesson-m-p-shield-m-cf-pistols/2650428.uts?slotId=1&avad=194130_d15c71741&WT.mc_id=al155690&Subid1=SID&subacctid=155690&subacctname=155690&adname=Custom+Link&adtype=cl&adid=NA&utm_medium=AFF&utm_source=155690&rid=12&WT.tsrc=AFF” title=”Smith & Wesson® M&P Shield® M2.0™“]

Smith & Wesson® M&P Shield® M2.0™

[amazon fields=”B00WRICTHU” value=”button” link_overwrite=”https://www.cabelas.com/product/home/nd-amendment-classic/nd-amend-firearms/pc/105625080/c/635005080/sc/607995180/smith-wesson-m-p-shield-m-cf-pistols/2650428.uts?slotId=1&avad=194130_d15c71741&WT.mc_id=al155690&Subid1=SID&subacctid=155690&subacctname=155690&adname=Custom+Link&adtype=cl&adid=NA&utm_medium=AFF&utm_source=155690&rid=12&WT.tsrc=AFF” button_text=”Check Price”]

[amazon link=”B00WRICTHU” link_overwrite=”https://www.brownells.com/firearms/handguns/semi-auto/g26-g5-9mm-3-46-10-1-prod114375.aspx?avs|Make~~Model_1=Glock__26&cm_mmc=affiliate-_-Itwine-_-IR-_-60594&utm_content=60594&aid=1221452&utm_source=ir&utm_campaign=itwine&utm_medium=affiliate&source=ir&clickid=1MZxj-yw2xyJUESwUx0Mo38zUkl1CbwfP1A4Wk0″ title=”Glock 26“]

Glock 26

[amazon fields=”B00WRICTHU” value=”button” link_overwrite=”https://www.brownells.com/firearms/handguns/semi-auto/g26-g5-9mm-3-46-10-1-prod114375.aspx?avs|Make~~Model_1=Glock__26&cm_mmc=affiliate-_-Itwine-_-IR-_-60594&utm_content=60594&aid=1221452&utm_source=ir&utm_campaign=itwine&utm_medium=affiliate&source=ir&clickid=1MZxj-yw2xyJUESwUx0Mo38zUkl1CbwfP1A4Wk0″ button_text=”Check Price”]

[amazon link=”B00WRICTHU” link_overwrite=”https://www.cabelas.com/product/SIG-SAUER-P-CF-PISTOLS/2730718.uts?slotId=0&avad=194130_c15c93455&WT.mc_id=al155690&Subid1=SID&subacctid=155690&subacctname=155690&adname=Custom+Link&adtype=cl&adid=NA&utm_medium=AFF&utm_source=155690&rid=12&WT.tsrc=AFF” title=”SIG Sauer® P365 Pistol“]

SIG Sauer® P365 Pistol

[amazon fields=”B00WRICTHU” value=”button” link_overwrite=”https://www.cabelas.com/product/SIG-SAUER-P-CF-PISTOLS/2730718.uts?slotId=0&avad=194130_c15c93455&WT.mc_id=al155690&Subid1=SID&subacctid=155690&subacctname=155690&adname=Custom+Link&adtype=cl&adid=NA&utm_medium=AFF&utm_source=155690&rid=12&WT.tsrc=AFF” button_text=”Check Price”]

[amazon link=”B00WRICTHU” link_overwrite=”https://www.brownells.com/firearms/handguns/semi-auto/m-p9c-handgun-9mm-3-5in-12-1-10191-prod92553.aspx?cm_mmc=affiliate-_-Itwine-_-IR-_-60594&utm_content=60594&aid=1221452&utm_source=ir&utm_campaign=itwine&utm_medium=affiliate&source=ir&clickid=1MZxj-yw2xyJUESwUx0Mo38zUkl1CbSHP1A4Wk0″ title=”SMITH & WESSON M&P9C“]

SMITH & WESSON M&P9C

[amazon fields=”B00WRICTHU” value=”button” link_overwrite=”https://www.brownells.com/firearms/handguns/semi-auto/m-p9c-handgun-9mm-3-5in-12-1-10191-prod92553.aspx?cm_mmc=affiliate-_-Itwine-_-IR-_-60594&utm_content=60594&aid=1221452&utm_source=ir&utm_campaign=itwine&utm_medium=affiliate&source=ir&clickid=1MZxj-yw2xyJUESwUx0Mo38zUkl1CbSHP1A4Wk0″ button_text=”Check Price”]

[amazon link=”B00WRICTHU” link_overwrite=”https://www.brownells.com/firearms/handguns/semi-auto/g43-handgun-9mm-w-2-6-round-magazines-prod84679.aspx?avad=avant&aid=155690&cm_mmc=affiliate-_-Itwine-_-Avantlink-_-Custom+Link&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_source=Avantlink&utm_content=NA&utm_campaign=Itwine” title=”GLOCK – G43 HANDGUN“]

GLOCK - G43 HANDGUN

[amazon fields=”B00WRICTHU” value=”button” link_overwrite=”https://www.brownells.com/firearms/handguns/semi-auto/g43-handgun-9mm-w-2-6-round-magazines-prod84679.aspx?avad=avant&aid=155690&cm_mmc=affiliate-_-Itwine-_-Avantlink-_-Custom+Link&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_source=Avantlink&utm_content=NA&utm_campaign=Itwine” button_text=”Check Price”]

[amazon link=”B00WRICTHU” link_overwrite=”https://www.brownells.com/firearms/handguns/semi-auto/g19x-g5-9mm-4-coyote-17-1-night-sight-prod114372.aspx?avs|Make~~Model_1=Glock__19&cm_mmc=affiliate-_-Itwine-_-IR-_-60594&utm_content=60594&aid=1221452&utm_source=ir&utm_campaign=itwine&utm_medium=affiliate&source=ir&clickid=1MZxj-yw2xyJUESwUx0Mo38zUkl1CYT%3AP1A4Wk0″ title=”GLOCK – G19X G5“]

GLOCK - G19X G5

[amazon fields=”B00WRICTHU” value=”button” link_overwrite=”https://www.brownells.com/firearms/handguns/semi-auto/g19x-g5-9mm-4-coyote-17-1-night-sight-prod114372.aspx?avs|Make~~Model_1=Glock__19&cm_mmc=affiliate-_-Itwine-_-IR-_-60594&utm_content=60594&aid=1221452&utm_source=ir&utm_campaign=itwine&utm_medium=affiliate&source=ir&clickid=1MZxj-yw2xyJUESwUx0Mo38zUkl1CYT%3AP1A4Wk0″ button_text=”Check Price”]

[amazon link=”B00WRICTHU” link_overwrite=”https://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/product_info.php/products_id/12516/Springfield+XDs+9mm+3.3+ESSENTIAL+Black” title=”SPRINGFIELD ARMORY – XD-S“]

SPRINGFIELD ARMORY - XD-S

[amazon fields=”B00WRICTHU” value=”button” link_overwrite=”https://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/product_info.php/products_id/12516/Springfield+XDs+9mm+3.3+ESSENTIAL+Black” button_text=”Check Price”]

[amazon link=”B00WRICTHU” link_overwrite=”https://www.brownells.com/firearms/handguns/semi-auto/xd-s-essentials-package-3-3in-9mm-stainless-8-1rd-prod92636.aspx?avs|Price_1=300xzzx00%20TO%20799xzzx99&avad=avant&aid=155690&cm_mmc=affiliate-_-Itwine-_-Avantlink-_-Custom+Link&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_source=Avantlink&utm_content=NA&utm_campaign=Itwine” title=”The Sig Sauer P320 Compact“]

The Sig Sauer P320 Compact

[amazon fields=”B00WRICTHU” value=”button” link_overwrite=”https://www.brownells.com/firearms/handguns/semi-auto/xd-s-essentials-package-3-3in-9mm-stainless-8-1rd-prod92636.aspx?avs|Price_1=300xzzx00%20TO%20799xzzx99&avad=avant&aid=155690&cm_mmc=affiliate-_-Itwine-_-Avantlink-_-Custom+Link&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_source=Avantlink&utm_content=NA&utm_campaign=Itwine” button_text=”Check Price”]

[amazon link=”B00WRICTHU” link_overwrite=”https://www.brownells.com/firearms/handguns/semi-auto/fnx-45-4in-45-acp-black-stainless-10-1rd-prod90071.aspx?avad=avant&aid=155690&cm_mmc=affiliate-_-Itwine-_-Avantlink-_-Custom+Link&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_source=Avantlink&utm_content=NA&utm_campaign=Itwine” title=”FN FNX-45“]

FN FNX-45

[amazon fields=”B00WRICTHU” value=”button” link_overwrite=”https://www.brownells.com/firearms/handguns/semi-auto/fnx-45-4in-45-acp-black-stainless-10-1rd-prod90071.aspx?avad=avant&aid=155690&cm_mmc=affiliate-_-Itwine-_-Avantlink-_-Custom+Link&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_source=Avantlink&utm_content=NA&utm_campaign=Itwine” button_text=”Check Price”]

[amazon link=”B00WRICTHU” link_overwrite=”https://www.brownells.com/firearms/handguns/semi-auto/vp9sk-9mm-black-3-39-10-1-2-10-round-magazines-prod107989.aspx?cm_mmc=affiliate-_-Itwine-_-IR-_-60594&utm_content=60594&aid=1221452&utm_source=ir&utm_campaign=itwine&utm_medium=affiliate&source=ir&clickid=1MZxj-yw2xyJUESwUx0Mo38zUkl1CfXOP1A4Wk0″ title=”Heckler & Koch VP9S“]

Heckler & Koch VP9S

[amazon fields=”B00WRICTHU” value=”button” link_overwrite=”https://www.brownells.com/firearms/handguns/semi-auto/vp9sk-9mm-black-3-39-10-1-2-10-round-magazines-prod107989.aspx?cm_mmc=affiliate-_-Itwine-_-IR-_-60594&utm_content=60594&aid=1221452&utm_source=ir&utm_campaign=itwine&utm_medium=affiliate&source=ir&clickid=1MZxj-yw2xyJUESwUx0Mo38zUkl1CfXOP1A4Wk0″ button_text=”Check Price”]

Product FAQ

1. What Is Concealability?

2. What Is Capacity?

3. What Is Stippling?

4. How Big Should a Conceal Carry Gun Be?

5. Where Should I Carry My Concealed Weapon?

How We Reviewed

We reviewed a variety of the best conceal carry guns based on their features, pros and cons, availability, and price. We also took a look at factors such as the gun's portability, ease of use, weight, and stopping power.

We know there are a variety of guns that serve different needs, and there is an equally large number of gun buyers with different preferences and needs. Understanding the differences between common options can help you get the most out of the following review.

Guns come in a variety of styles and options, and best conceal carry for one individual may be different than for another person. Guns can accomplish many purposes, including self-defense, but the gun you use to defend your home and family may be very different than the gun you choose to keep on your person.

The size and body type of the individual lends itself to personal gun choices along with countless other factors. It can be beneficial to choose a go-to gun for conceal carry in order to familiar and comfortable with it.

There are some standard options a person needs to understand if he or she is going to make the best possible choice.

Revolvers

While pistols dominate the world of concealed carries today, revolvers are one of the most traditional guns. They feature a barrel-like cylinder that revolves in order to line individual bullets with the barrel.

revolver gun

Image via Pixabay

Single-action revolvers are old-fashion revolvers that require a manual cock with each shot. They can still be purchased today, but they are more nostalgic than practical.

Because of the extra time and effort between shots, they are not a legitimate choice among the best conceal carry weapons.

Modern revolvers are double-action guns. When you shoot a double-action revolver, the trigger cocks and releases the hammer in the same pull.

Double-action revolvers are much easier to use than single-action, and a more common choice for conceal carry needs.

Revolver Perks

Many people choose a revolver as the best conceal carry option because of its ease of use and simplicity. The cylinder is easy to open for clear vision of the individual cartridge chambers.

When you insert cartridges in the chamber and close the barrel, you are ready to fire. Unloading it merely requires you to open the cylinder, tip the barrel upward and press the extractor in the front.

Loading and unloading a revolver takes no unusual strength or strategy. The simplicity carries over to shooting as well. In the event of a cartridge misfunction, a second squeeze of the trigger simply rotates the cylinder to align the next cartridge.

Another perk of the revolver is its individual bullet chambers. Because each cartridge has its own chamber, the shape of the ammunition can vary more than other weapons.

Because the cartridges are sized for width, most revolvers can utilize smaller-caliber cartridges with the same diameter. Common conceal carry revolvers use .357 Mag. and .38 Special chambers. The Magnum is a longer bullet and more powerful, but both are compatible because they have the same diameter.

The golden rule in this situation is that shorter cartridges can be loaded into guns with longer chambers, but longer cartridges cannot be loaded into guns intended for shorter cartridges.

Other perks include the revolver's resistance to jamming and the ability to fire a revolver through clothing. They are easier to clean than some other options and do not need to be disassembled.

When the barrel of a revolver is pressed directly against an attacker, it is not hindered by the pressure.

Revolver Grips

Revolvers offer a wide variety of grip choices. Most revolver grips cover a metal frame, and you can choose different grips to fit around the metal frame of your gun.

Small grips can be easier to conceal, but large grips can be easier to access and shoot. Grips can also be customized for your hand size and personal preferences.

Revolver Disadvantages

A primary disadvantage to revolvers is the limited capacity. The most common barrels are six-shooters, and some revolvers that are smaller and good for conceal carry only have five rounds.

You can purchase eight-shooters, but they are usually too large to serve as the best conceal carry weapons.

When you run out of ammunition, it can be time-consuming to reload a revolver. You have to eject the spent cartridges, reload new ammunition in each cylinder, and close the barrel again.

While a speed loader can make the process faster, it is still an overall disadvantage. Another disadvantage of the revolver's cylinder is the width. Some barrels are wide enough to make concealing difficult.

While the lack of a safety on double-action revolvers, it can be a perk to shoot without worrying about an additional step, but for some the lack of a safety option is a danger.

Pistols

Modern pistols are usually semi-automatic weapons with many different features. A magazine is housed inside the gun's grip. The magazine holds cartridges, and the capacity of the magazine varies depending on its size and other factors.

pistol gun and bullets placed in a table

Image via Pixabay

A pistol is operated by a slide that engages the gun. Within the slide is a single barrel that holds one bullet at a time.

The shooter loads his rounds into the magazine and inserts the magazine into the pistol until it clicks into place. By pulling back on the slide, the first round is chambered.

The gun is now ready to fire. When the first round is fired, the first cartridge is expelled, and the second cartridge is automatically chambered. You can fire repeatedly until the magazine is empty.

Pistol Perks

The first and primary perk of pistols is its ability to fire repeatedly. It is not uncommon for a pistol to accommodate 17 rounds. It is also easy to keep extra, fully loaded magazines nearby.

Pistols are also flat and sleek, making them easier to conceal than many revolvers. The slide on a pistol is also more resistant to recoil than a revolver, and many have a safety mechanism.

This is beneficial due to another pistol perk, a light trigger squeeze. The squeeze is light, and the trigger pull is short. Pistols also have a short reset, meaning the trigger does not have to return all the way forward before it can be fired again.

Firepower is the recurring theme that differentiates the pistol from the revolver. Pistols can shoot faster and more often than revolvers.

They also have safety perks, such as hammer drop safety. Many pistols have internal mechanisms to prevent the gun from firing if it is accidentally dropped.

Pistol Grips

While you can buy pistol grip accessories and replacements, the variety of grips is less than revolvers. The grip on a pistol is important not only for shooting but also for manipulating the slide.

For shooters with less strength or hand grip in general, it is important to have a firm grasp of the weapon when pulling the slide.

Pistol Disadvantages

Unlike the revolver that excelled in simplicity and ease of use, beginners often find pistols difficult to master. There is no uniformity among pistols, and one pistol can vary greatly from another.

Magazine releases, safeties, and other functions can be activated differently and found in different locations on different guns. Disassembly and cleaning also vary widely between guns.

Pistols offer less ability to interchange ammunition, and they are more susceptible to jams. Some pistols even lend themselves to accidentally hitting the magazine release and being left with only one cartridge in the chamber and no magazine in the handle.

Caliber

A gun's caliber is the diameter of the barrel. The bullet size matches the barrel. For instance, a gun is labeled as “9x19” then the diameter of the bullets used in the gun is 9mm and the length of the bullets is 19mm.

caliber handgun

Image via Pixabay

However, caliber is not always measured in metric units. The same caliber could be measured as .223 inch or 5.56 mm.

Another common mistake is based on relative measurements and what seems like an insignificant difference. For instance, how much difference could there be between 9 mm and 10 mm? Could a 9 mm bullet not travel through a 10 mm barrel?

But the truth is guns are precision instruments. Every millimeter counts. Even fractions of a millimeter count.

Pistol Caliber

Some pistol calibers are common, and others have recurring spots on our list. The 9 mm is very common, called a 9x19mm Luger or 9x19mm Parabellum.

The 9 mm has always been used by a lot of military outfits, and recently the FBI switched all agents to 9mm firearms.

It also has benefits to newer gun users, including minimal kickback. It is powerful enough to stop any attacker.

Overall Price Range

The guns we reviewed ranged in price from under $400 to around $750. A buyer's budget can be affected by a number of items, including specific needs or preferences he or she has in a gun. Some may prefer a specific type of steel or simply be averse to polymers. Others may want a certain size or grip style.

Ultimately the value of the gun is determined by how desirable it is, and what is desirable for you may be different than what another person desires.

As you peruse our list of the best conceal carry guns, remember that you are looking for a gun you can carry every day, if need be. You should desire a gun that you are comfortable using and, more importantly, that you are confident using. Do not let somebody talk you into something you don't want, because you will likely spend too much money on something you are not comfortable using.

Finally, remember that a conceal carry is not a showpiece. Your gun is not to impress others; it is meant to protect yourself. So as you investigate our list of the best conceal carry guns, find the ones that you could carry every day with confidence to establish a range of what you will likely need to invest.

What We Reviewed

  • Smith & Wesson® M&P Shield® M2.0™
  • GLOCK 26
  • SIG Sauer® P365 Pistol
  • SMITH & WESSON M&P9C
  • GLOCK - G43 HANDGUN
  • GLOCK - G19X G5
  • SPRINGFIELD ARMORY - XD-S
  • The Sig Sauer P320 Compact
  • FN FNX-45
  • Heckler & Koch VP9S

1

Smith & Wesson® M&P Shield® M2.0™

Smith & Wesson® M&P Shield® M2.0™

Image via Cabelas

Features

Smith & Wesson makes the M&P Shield M2.0 with two barrel lengths to choose from, including 4-inch and 3.6-inch versions. The shorter barrel offers more concealability, but the longer barrel offers more accuracy.


The 4-inch barrel also comes with less muzzle flip. The gun is made of a durable polymer frame with black, corrosion-resistant coating on stainless steel sides and barrel.

  • Portability
  • Ease of Use
  • Weight
  • Stopping Power

The Smith & Wesson® M&P Shield® M2.0™ is slim and easily concealed for portability. Made of a lightweight polymer and stainless steel, it boasts a one-inch profile.

Pros

  • The quality is outstanding.
  • Multiple barrel lengths.
  • Good stippling.
  • Comfortable ergonomics.

Cons

  • Lack of texturing on the forward frame for the support-hand thumb.

2

Glock 26

Glock 26

Image via Brownells

Features

The Glock 26 is a 9mm pistol with 3.43-inch barrel a 10+1 capacity. The Glock 26 has been a favorite among concealed carries for several years, the upgrades to the fifth generation model are bound to make it a favorite for years to come.

  • Portability
  • Ease of Use
  • Weight
  • Stopping Power

The Glock 26 is slightly thicker than its relative, the Glock 43X, but it makes up for it with a shorter height. It is one of the shortest 9mm on the market, making it very portable.

Pros

  • 10+1 capacity.
  • Upgrades from Glock 26 Gen 4.
  • Short 9 mm is concealable.

Cons

  • Thicker than some similar guns.

3

SIG Sauer® P365 Pistol

SIG Sauer® P365 Pistol

Image via Cabelas

Features

The SIG Sauer P365 pistol features an abundance of capacity, concealability and versatility in a conceal carry weapon. It was selected by the NRA's Shooting Illustrated Magazine as their Golden Bullseye winner for 2019 Handgun of the Year.


This 9mm Luger has a micro-compact frame made of stainless steel with a polymer grip. a 10-round flush fit magazine, and a 10-round extended magazine.

  • Portability
  • Ease of Use
  • Weight
  • Stopping Power

The SIG P365 is truly a tiny gun. It's micro-compact carry size makes it nearly effortless to take with you. Micro-compact everyday carry size with unprecedented 10+1 full-size capacity.

Pros

  • Tiny but without compromise.
  • 10-round magazine and other magazine options.
  • Positive feedback on the trigger and handle.

Cons

  • Double-feeds have been reported where the fired case fails to be fully extracted.

4

SMITH & WESSON M&P9C

SMITH & WESSON M&P9C

Image via Brownells

Features

The Smith & Wesson M&P9C comes with two magazines, one flush fitting and another with a finger extension. The magazines hold 12 rounds.


There is no safety on the 9C unless you special order that option, so those who want as few steps as possible will see that as a perk.
The 9mm gun has a 3.5-inch barrel length.

  • Portability
  • Ease of Use
  • Weight
  • Stopping Power

The weapon features a stainless-steel slide and barrel along with a polymer frame. This weapon is smaller than the Glock 19 but maintains a double stacked design.


Many still prefer single stacked guns for conceal carry, so this may be too fat for some buyers.

Pros

  • No safety switch.

Cons

  • The shorter barrel leads to recoil.

5

GLOCK - G43 HANDGUN

GLOCK - G43 HANDGUN

Image via Brownells

Features

The Glock – G43 handgun combines a lightweight frame with reliability to offer a true fighting caliber conceal carry.


This striker-fired, polymer-frame semi-auto is as small as they come yet offers full 9mm power. It is small enough to carry in most reasonable fashions but large enough that it fits comfortably in the hands of most shooters.

  • Portability
  • Ease of Use
  • Weight
  • Stopping Power

The small, thin nature of the gun can be carried in a pants pocket, yet it is also perfectly fitted for a belt holster. Pocket carries are not the most comfortable or safe.


It would be hard to find a more portable gun on our list.

Pros

  • Small but still powerful.
  • Fits most shooter's hands.
  • Reliable and portable.

Cons

  • Limited 6+1 capacity.
  • The trigger pull is heavier than other Glocks.

6

GLOCK - G19X G5

GLOCK - G19X G5

Image via Brownells

Features

This Glock features a “crossover” design as the result of a military contract. It is an all-purpose gun that combine a full-size frame with a mid-size slide.


It sports a Marksman Barrel that is hammer-forged with a hexagonal rifling and improved crown from previous Glock designs.
The gun is just over four inches long and 5.47 inches in height. It includes a set of magazines with a 17+2 round extension.

  • Portability
  • Ease of Use
  • Weight
  • Stopping Power

This gun is meant to be carried in a duty holster, but common users want to have it with them as a conceal carry weapon. The frame is a bit bulky to carry with total concealment, and a unique grip angle complicates the matter.


If you use the 17+2 extension magazine, it is nearly hopeless to fully conceal the G19X.

Pros

  • Marksman Barrell.
  • Improved Crown.

Cons

  • Seven-pound trigger press may be difficult for some shooters.

7

SPRINGFIELD ARMORY - XD-S

SPRINGFIELD ARMORY - XD-S

Image via BudsGunShop

Features

The Springfield Armory XD-S is a thin, single-stack subcompact pistol. It is an extremely small gun that maintains the 9mm chambering and can be carried in almost any situation.


The XD-S is one of the best guns in the subcompact category. It measures 6.3 inches and stands 4.4 inches tall with a 3.3-inch barrel. It offers black or stainless-steel slides.

  • Portability
  • Ease of Use
  • Weight
  • Stopping Power

The grip is short, even for a subcompact, helping the gun's concealability. A 9+1 magazine is compatible, but you will lose your full concealability.


The ergonomics allow for a good grip and draw when being carried on your person. It is just a bit too big to carry as a pocket pistol for most folks.

Pros

  • Iron sights and minimal recoil.
  • Accurate and easy to shoot.
  • 7+1 capacity for a single-stack gun.

Cons

  • Doesn't handle triple Homady Critical Duty polymer-tipped ammunition well.

8

The Sig Sauer P320 Compact

The Sig Sauer P320 Compact

Image via Brownells

Features

The P320 Compact pistol is a polymer weapon with a pleasing appearance. The ergonomics of this gun fit a wide variety of hands by offering three different grip sizes. You can choose the one that is best for your hands.

  • Portability
  • Ease of Use
  • Weight
  • Stopping Power

The overall height of the gun, including the inserted magazine, is 5.27 inches. The length is 7.21 inches.


The gun is readily portable, though full concealment would be difficult on many body types.

Pros

  • Pleasing aesthetics.
  • Multiple grip sizes.

Cons

  • Some buyers avoid polymer components.

9

FN FNX-45

FN FNX-45

Image via Brownells

Features

With the power of a full-size pistol in a slim body, this lightweight weapon is about the size of your hand and holds 15+1 rounds of 45. It is reliable and durable.


It has been used for law enforcement applications and is equally suitable for personal defense. With a stainless-steel barrel and slide, it is a top contender on the list of best conceal carry weapons.

  • Portability
  • Ease of Use
  • Weight
  • Stopping Power

By conceal carry standards, this is a big gun. It holds 15+1 in 45, and it favors shooters with big hands.


If you do not like big guns or are specifically shopping for a small, concealable gun, this may not be what you're looking for. however, if you want to tote a medium-sized beast, it could be right up your alley.

Pros

  • Checkered polymer grip.
  • Loaded-chamber indicator on the external extractor.

Cons

  • Some users report difficulty using the trigger.

10

Heckler & Koch VP9S

Heckler & Koch VP9S

Image via Brownells

Features

Heckler & Koch offer this VP9S pistol with a polymer frame. It is striker fired from a 9 mm chamber.

  • Portability
  • Ease of Use
  • Weight
  • Stopping Power

The most positive reviews are from users who belt carry the VP9S. Some are able to carry the gun in a fully concealed manner, but for many users is too long.


The gun has a 4-inch barrel and total length of 7.32 inches.

Pros

  • Good balance of power and performance.
  • Light trigger with short reset.

Cons

  • The size is in a gray area where some may conceal it and others not.

The Verdict on the Best Conceal Carry

Choosing the best conceal carry weapon is difficult task because there as so many variables among both guns and shooters. Guns come in a variety of shapes and sizes, and people do too.

A gun that could be concealed on one individual may not be concealable on another. A gun that is light enough for one shooter may not be light enough for another.

We wanted to give our nod of approval to a weapon that efficient and usable for a wide variety of buyers, and one that was simple enough for pros and newbies alike. We opted for the Glock – G43.

Glock G-43

The Glock G-43 gets our nod for the best conceal carry. This compact 9 mm is designed with conceal carry in mind. It combines a single-stack magazine that gives it a thin build alongside stopping power on par with larger weapons.

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Glock has a reputation for that is esteemed by military and the public alike. They make some of the best combat pistols for all purposes, including some that have landed police and military contracts. The Glock G-43 is on par with the best of them all.

The semiautomatic gun has a polymer frame manufactured in Austria and imported to it Georgia location in the United States. Just under 18 ounces with unloaded magazine, the gun six-and-a-quarter inches long and four-and-a-quarter inches tall.

It is about an inch wide with a narrow steel slide. It sports the familiar square-shaped black finish common among Glocks. It is a square-nose slide and a 3.39-inch barrel with hexagonal rifling.

Using the Glock–G43

Test the Glock–G43 and you'll find it to be a very well balanced. It is accurate and controllable for a small gun, and the grip is comfortable to hold.

The magazines lock easily into place, and a variety of ammunition, from low-end to high-end, can be used without any malfunctions. Bullets weighing less than 115 grs. had the least recoil.

The accuracy of the small gun is reassuring for concealed carriers. It is as accurate as many larger guns. This gun is a semi-automatic with a narrow 9 mm barrel that lives up to Glock's storied tradition. In a search for the best conceal carry weapon, it does not disappoint.

2 thoughts on “What’s the Best Conceal Carry Gun? Top 10 Revealed”

  1. Your image for the S&W Shield is a Shield EZ MP380. Different animal.

    I carry a S&W 9 Shield (original version with 3.1″ non-vented bbl & no thumb safety) as my EDC and have no complaints. I added MagGuts +2 followers & springs so I get 9+1 with the [nearly] flush magazine & 10 with the extended. NY State says “10 max” in a magazine so I am mostly as well represented with the Shield as I would be with a larger or thicker frame.

  2. What a fantastic review, very informative and covered all the topics for choosing a gun that you feel comfortable for concealment and defense in general. I learned a lot, one important aspect for me that you mentioned was that some firearms are ambidextrous which is a vital feature for left-handed shooters like me. If I would’ve seen this article before I purchased my firearm, I would definitely buy the Sig Sauer P365. I am happy with my Beretta px4 storm compact, it has everything I wanted in a concealed firearm, very accurate with low recoil and extremely easy to maintain and super reliable. Probably the next thing to consider and research after you get your firearm is the proper ammo, which is another topic that would be very beneficial to new gun owners in general. Thanks for such a valuable article.

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