When it comes to personal protection, choosing the right concealed carry gun is crucial. It’s not just about firepower; comfort, reliability, and ease of use are equally important. Whether you’re a homesteader looking to protect your property or a prepper wanting to stay ready for anything, having a dependable sidearm can make all the difference. We’ve rounded up 15 of the best concealed carry guns that balance size, power, and functionality for everyday use.
Sig Sauer P365
The Sig Sauer P365 has revolutionized the concealed carry world with its compact size and impressive capacity. This 9mm pistol packs 10+1 rounds in a frame just 1-inch wide and 5.8 inches long. Its ergonomic grip and crisp trigger make it a joy to shoot, while night sights come standard for low-light situations. Weighing only 17.8 ounces unloaded, it’s comfortable for all-day carry. The P365 also features a modular design, allowing for easy customization with different grip modules and slides.
Glock 43X
Glock’s 43X takes the popular single-stack 43 and adds capacity without sacrificing concealability. With a 10+1 round capacity in 9mm, it’s only slightly larger than the original 43 but offers a full-length grip for better control. The 43X measures 6.5 inches in length and weighs 18.7 ounces unloaded, making it easy to conceal in various carry positions. Its nDLC finish provides excellent corrosion resistance, ideal for everyday carry in various environments.
Smith & Wesson M&P Shield Plus
Building on the success of the original Shield, the Plus model increases capacity to 13+1 rounds of 9mm. It maintains a slim profile at just 1.1 inches wide and 6.1 inches long. The improved trigger and optional manual safety make it versatile for different preferences. At 20.2 ounces unloaded, it strikes a nice balance between weight and shootability. The Shield Plus also features an 18-degree grip angle, which many shooters find naturally points well.
Ruger LCP II
For deep concealment, the Ruger LCP II is hard to beat. This .380 ACP pistol is tiny, measuring just 5.17 inches long and weighing a mere 10.6 ounces. Despite its small size, it offers surprisingly good ergonomics and an improved trigger over the original LCP. With a 6+1 capacity, it’s perfect for pocket carry or as a backup gun. The LCP II’s slide locks back on the last round, a feature missing from many pistols in this size class.
Springfield Hellcat
The Springfield Hellcat packs an impressive 11+1 rounds of 9mm into a micro-compact frame. At just 6 inches long and 1 inch wide, it’s easy to conceal yet offers a good sight radius for accuracy. The standard model comes with tritium night sights, while the OSP version allows for easy optics mounting. Unloaded, it weighs in at 18.3 ounces. The Hellcat’s unique texturing on the grip, dubbed “Adaptive Grip Texture,” provides excellent traction without being overly aggressive on clothing.
Walther PPS M2
Known for its excellent ergonomics, the Walther PPS M2 is a single-stack 9mm that’s comfortable to shoot and carry. It offers a 6+1 capacity with the flush magazine or 8+1 with the extended mag. At 6.3 inches long and just 1 inch wide, it conceals easily. The 21.1-ounce weight helps manage recoil without being too heavy for all-day carry. The PPS M2 features a loaded chamber indicator and striker fire indicator, enhancing safety and providing visual and tactile confirmation of the gun’s status.
Taurus G3C
The Taurus G3C offers impressive value in a compact package. This 9mm pistol holds 12+1 rounds in a frame that’s 6.3 inches long and 1.2 inches wide. It comes with three magazines and features a robust set of sights. Weighing 22 ounces unloaded, it’s substantial enough for comfortable shooting while remaining easy to conceal. The G3C’s re-strike capability allows for a second trigger pull on a hard primer, a feature not found on many striker-fired pistols.
Kimber Micro 9
For 1911 fans who want a smaller package, the Kimber Micro 9 delivers. This single-action 9mm mimics the controls of a full-size 1911 in a much more compact frame. It’s 6.1 inches long, 1.06 inches wide, and weighs just 15.6 ounces unloaded. With a 6+1 capacity, it’s not a high-capacity option, but its slim profile makes it disappear under clothing. The Micro 9’s aluminum frame provides durability while keeping weight down, and its match-grade barrel ensures excellent accuracy for its size.
Sig Sauer P938
Another 1911-style option, the Sig P938 offers 9mm power in a pocket-sized package. It’s just 5.9 inches long and weighs 16 ounces unloaded. The single-action trigger provides a crisp break, aiding in accuracy despite the short 3-inch barrel. With a 6+1 capacity and various grip options available, it’s a versatile choice for those who prefer metal-framed pistols. The P938’s SIGLITE night sights come standard, enhancing its usability in low-light conditions.
Smith & Wesson J-Frame Revolvers
For reliability and simplicity, Smith & Wesson’s J-Frame revolvers are hard to beat. Models like the 642 Airweight offer five rounds of .38 Special in a package that’s just 6.3 inches long and weighs 14.4 ounces. The hammerless design prevents snagging, making it ideal for pocket carry. While capacity is limited, the tried-and-true revolver design offers peace of mind. J-Frame revolvers can also handle +P ammunition, providing increased stopping power in a small package.
Glock 26
Often called the “Baby Glock,” the Glock 26 is a subcompact 9mm that accepts larger Glock magazines. Its standard capacity is 10+1, but it can use 15, 17, or even 33-round magazines from its larger siblings. At 6.41 inches long and 21.71 ounces unloaded, it’s substantial enough for a full firing grip while still being concealable. The Glock 26’s dual recoil spring assembly helps reduce felt recoil, making it more manageable to shoot despite its compact size.
Ruger EC9s
The Ruger EC9s offers budget-friendly reliability in a slim 9mm package. It measures 6 inches in length and weighs just 17.2 ounces unloaded. With a 7+1 capacity and a width of less than an inch, it’s easy to conceal in various positions. The no-frills design focuses on dependability and affordability, making it an excellent choice for those on a budget. The EC9s features integrated sights machined directly into the slide, reducing the risk of snagging and eliminating the possibility of sight loss due to impact.
Kahr CW9
Kahr’s CW9 is known for its smooth trigger pull and slim profile. This 9mm pistol is 5.9 inches long and just 0.9 inches wide, with a 7+1 capacity. Weighing 15.8 ounces unloaded, it’s light enough for all-day carry. The polymer frame and stainless steel slide offer durability, while the simple controls make it easy to use under stress. Kahr’s unique offset barrel design lowers the bore axis, helping to reduce muzzle flip and improve follow-up shot speed.
Beretta Nano
The Beretta Nano stands out with its snag-free design and modular chassis system. This 9mm pistol is 5.63 inches long and 0.9 inches wide, holding 6+1 rounds. Weighing 19.8 ounces unloaded, it’s substantial enough to manage recoil well. The lack of external controls and rounded edges make it ideal for deep concealment. The Nano’s chassis can be removed from the frame, allowing for easy customization and potentially even caliber changes in the future.
Mossberg MC2c
Mossberg’s entry into the compact pistol market, the MC2c, offers a 13+1 capacity in 9mm. It’s 7.1 inches long and 1.1 inches wide, striking a balance between concealability and shootability. Weighing 21 ounces unloaded, it features a flat-profile trigger and reversible magazine release. The easy-to-rack slide makes it a good option for those with less hand strength. The MC2c’s unique STS (Safe Takedown System) allows for disassembly without pulling the trigger, adding an extra layer of safety during maintenance.
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