Choosing the right concealed carry handgun is a deeply personal decision, heavily influenced by individual factors like hand size, shooting experience, and preferred carry method. This guide explores some of the top contenders in various categories, providing you with the information you need to make an informed choice. Remember, responsible gun ownership includes thorough training and understanding of applicable laws. This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or firearms advice.
Top Concealed Carry Handgun Categories & Considerations
Before diving into specific models, let's examine the key categories and crucial considerations for selecting a concealed carry handgun:
1. Size and Weight: Finding the Right Fit
Concealed carry demands a balance between firepower and concealability. Larger handguns offer more capacity and power, but are harder to hide. Smaller handguns are easier to conceal but may have less capacity and recoil. Consider your body type, clothing styles, and how you intend to carry (inside the waistband, outside the waistband, pocket carry, etc.).
Key Considerations:
- Grip: A comfortable grip is essential for accuracy and control, especially under stress. Consider your hand size when selecting a model.
- Weight: A heavier gun may be more manageable in terms of recoil, but it also adds to the burden of carrying it all day.
- Overall dimensions: The handgun's overall size must fit comfortably in your chosen carry method without printing (showing its outline through your clothing).
2. Caliber: Balancing Power and Control
The caliber of your handgun—the diameter of the bullet—impacts its stopping power and recoil. More powerful calibers offer greater stopping power but typically have more recoil, making them harder to control, especially for less experienced shooters.
Popular Concealed Carry Calibers:
| Caliber | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| 9mm | High capacity, manageable recoil, widely available | Lower stopping power than some larger calibers |
| .380 ACP | Small and lightweight, easy to conceal | Lower stopping power, less capacity |
| .40 S&W | More stopping power than 9mm | More recoil, lower capacity than 9mm |
| .45 ACP | High stopping power | Significant recoil, lower capacity |
3. Features: Enhancing Performance and Safety
Modern concealed carry handguns often boast a range of safety features and performance enhancements:
- Striker-fired vs. Hammer-fired: Striker-fired pistols generally have a lighter trigger pull but lack an external hammer, while hammer-fired pistols offer a more traditional feel and often have a manual safety.
- Safety features: Many handguns incorporate features like manual safeties, grip safeties, or trigger safeties to prevent accidental discharge.
- Sights: Good sights are crucial for accuracy. Night sights are beneficial for low-light situations.
- Capacity: The number of rounds the magazine holds impacts your firepower.
Best Concealed Carry Handguns: A Selection by Category
This is not an exhaustive list, but rather a selection of highly-regarded options. Researching individual models thoroughly before purchasing is strongly advised.
Subcompact 9mm: Ideal for deep concealment
- Glock 43/43x/48: Extremely popular for their reliability, ease of use, and affordability. The 43 is the smallest, the 43x adds a longer grip for better handling, and the 48 is a slim single-stack offering.
- Sig Sauer P365/P365XL: Known for its high capacity for its size. The XL variant offers a longer grip for improved ergonomics.
Compact 9mm: Balance of concealability and capacity
- Smith & Wesson M&P Shield Plus: Offers a comfortable grip and good capacity in a relatively compact package.
- Springfield Hellcat: Another top contender known for high magazine capacity in a small footprint.
Larger Capacity 9mm: Increased firepower
- Glock 19: A perennial favorite for its reliability, capacity, and versatility. A good balance of concealability and firepower.
- Sig Sauer P320 Compact: Modular design allows for customization. A reliable and highly-rated choice.
Revolvers: Simple, reliable, and easy to maintain
- Smith & Wesson J-Frame: Classic snub-nose revolvers, great for deep concealment but limited capacity. Often chambered in .38 Special.
- Ruger LCR: Lightweight and easy to carry.
Choosing Your Concealed Carry Handgun: A Checklist
Before making your purchase, consider these factors:
- Try before you buy: If possible, rent or handle different models at a shooting range to see what feels best in your hand.
- Seek professional instruction: Take a proper concealed carry course to learn safe gun handling, shooting techniques, and relevant laws.
- Consider your lifestyle: Think about your daily activities, clothing, and preferred carry methods to choose the right size and weight.
- Research reliability and maintenance: Choose a handgun known for its reliability and ease of maintenance.
- Budget: Concealed carry handguns can range in price from a few hundred to over a thousand dollars. Set a realistic budget.
- Holster Selection: Choose a holster that securely holds your firearm and facilitates a smooth, safe draw. The type of holster will be determined by your choice of firearm and carry method.
Remember, responsible gun ownership is paramount. Always follow safe gun handling practices, and familiarize yourself with local laws and regulations. This guide provides a starting point for your research; do your due diligence before selecting your concealed carry handgun.