What is the most popular concealed carry handgun 2022?

Sig P365. Sig changed the rules of the game when they released the P365 at SHOT Show in 2018. ... Sig P365X. Now, we know what the Sig P365 did for concealed carry. ... Sig P365 XL. ... Glock 43X. ... Glock 43X MOS. ... Glock 48. ... Glock 48 MOS. ... S&W M&P9 Shield EZ. More items...

clingerholsters.com - The 50 Best Concealed Carry Guns in 2022 (with pictures) - Clinger Holsters

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Best Concealed Carry Guns 2022

Why Are These The Best Concealed Carry Guns of 2022?

These are the hottest selling and best concealed carry guns on the market. Tens of thousands of our customers have collectively chosen these pistols over all the other concealed carry handguns available on the market. These are the best concealed carry guns for which we see the most Kydex holsters ordered at Clinger Holsters. There are plenty of amazing pistols that are not on this gun list. That doesn’t mean they aren’t great. It just means we only included the most commonly used and popular concealed carry guns in this list. After all, we only have room for 50 of them! This “Best Concealed Carry Guns” list contains some of the best pistols and handguns for concealed carry from the best gun/pistol brands out there. However, I can only fit so many pistols in a blog post. Fifty of the best concealed carry guns is my limit. You’ll be pleased to see that there are quite a few American-made hand guns listed here too. Also, people have mostly gravitated toward 9mm handguns so that’s mostly what you’ll find here. However, there are a few other worthy calibers represented here as well. Please try not to hurt my feelings too badly in the comments section if you don’t see your favorite pistol on this list of best concealed carry guns. Otherwise, have fun exploring the best concealed carry guns on the market (we’ve included lots of gun pictures for you).

Best Concealed Carry Guns: Big And Small (Best Guns)

You’ll notice way more small guns on this list than big guns. Yet, you’ll see a few larger guns here. This is a good time to point out that you can Conceal Carry larger handguns if you try. Yes, you will have to dress a little differently when concealing a Glock 19 or Walther PPQ than you would with a small handgun. However, big guns shoot better and the biggest pistols hold more bullets. It’s worth giving them a try. That being said, smaller guns are comfortable to wear every day with less effort (especially if you prefer appendix carry). That’s exactly why this list is mostly comprised of smaller handguns. They are far more popular for Concealed Carry for a reason. The funny thing about handgun sizes is there is no official sizing chart. Everybody uses their own terminology so that’s exactly what we’ll do here. I’ve divided this article into four main sections: Mouse handguns, Slim Subcompact handguns, Compact handguns, and Full–Size handguns. So there are 50 best concealed carry guns in this list. They’re just divided up into four main handgun size categories.

Best Concealed Carry Guns: Best Mouse Handguns (Top Guns)

Ruger LCP MAX

This is the next evolution of Ruger’s ever popular LCP line, and boy oh boy is this one exciting! It holds up to 12 rounds of .380 ACP. That’s insane. The LCP is usually the smallest pistol you’ll see in any list of the best Concealed Carry guns. It’s a true mouse gun. Only now it’s holds enough ammo to compete with the big boys. To have a pocket pistol with twice the ammo of a j-frame? This was unthinkable until Ruger actually did it. The LCP Max fits in the palm of your hand while managing to pack the punch of twelve .380 ACP rounds. The .380 ACP isn’t incredibly powerful but it’s more powerful than it used to be. New .380 ACP ammo is showing some promising improvements in stopping power. Many people trust a little .380 for self-defense & many people have successfully used the .380 for self-defense. The LCP MAX has already proven to be a very reliable and high quality handgun right out of the gate. It has a good trigger and good sights. Now, that’s rare in a mouse gun. The LCP MAX is so easy to conceal that you’ll never have to leave the house without having some sort of firearm with you. Even if it’s not as powerful as a 9mm. If you are looking for tiny pistol, then you might want to consider this hand gun.

Caliber: 380ACP

Capacity: 10+1 (12+1 with extended magazine)

Weight: 10.6 oz

Barrel Length: 2.80”

Cost: $389

Sig P938

The Sig P938 feels like a high quality handgun as soon as you pick it up. It’s not hard to see why this is one of the best concealed carry handguns on the market. Sig Sauer has engineered a masterpiece here. This is a high pedigree pistol and it’s price reflects that. But we all know that quality doesn’t come cheap. The Sig P938 was introduced by Sig Sauer to offer a slightly bigger version of the P238 to support the 9mm cartridge. It has the same great trigger and a metal frame. It’s ergonomics and balance feel good in the hand. Although it’s very small for a 9mm, the extra weight makes shooting it a little easier than small polymer guns (like the LCP MAX).

Caliber: 9mm

Capacity: 6+1

Weight: 16 oz

Barrel Length: 3”

Cost: $599

Springfield 911

Some people say that Springfield copied the Sig P238 with this pistol. However, that is not an accurate statement. In reality, Sig’s P238 was Sig’s version of the Colt Mustang (the Mustang itself is a miniature version of the venerable 1911). I think that each version gets better. The Springfield 911 is just as sweet as the Sig P238. Yet, it’s a bit thinner and lighter. Also, it’s trigger is a bit better. Once the safety of flicked off, a smooth 5-pound pull releases the hammer. A sweet trigger is a great feature when you’re searching for the best concealed carry guns. Plus, it comes with night sights, a G10 trigger shoe, G10 mainspring housing, and G10 grips. It’s truly a top-shelf pistol. Now, the 911 is available in both .380 and 9mm. The 9mm version is just a tad bigger and is about the same dimensions as Sig’s P938. Additionally, the 911 is now available in a version dubbed 911 Alpha that ditches the G10 for a smaller price tag. It shoots just as sweet but is a bit more affordable.

Caliber: 380 ACP, 9mm

Capacity: 6-7+1

Weight: 12.6 for .380 version – 15.3 oz for 9mm version

Barrel Length: 2.7 – 3.0 inches (depending on .380 vs 9mm)

Cost: $399-599

Kimber Micro 9

Kimber’s Micro 9 is very similar to Sig’s P938. They’re both 9mm versions of Colt’s Mustang. However, the Micro 9 is more reliable than the Mustang ever hoped to be. It’s a very practical daily carry pistol. You can think of Kimber’s Micro 9 as a very small 1911 pistol. After all, it shares the same basic design. The Micro 9 is a single action only pistol. That means that the hammer must be cocked back to take the first shot. All other shots will cock the hammer for you. That’s why single action pistols are usually carried “cocked and locked”. One thing’s for sure. The trigger is buttery smooth and very light. Surely, the Micro 9 handles way better than its diminutive size should allow. It’s like it defies physics. You have to shoot it to believe it. It’s an incredible shooter and is a very small Concealed Carry handgun. Therefore, it’s easy to see why Kimber sells so many Micro 9 pistols.

Caliber: 9mm

Capacity: 6-7+1

Weight: 15.6 oz

Barrel Length: 3.15

Cost: $550

Best Concealed Carry Guns: Best Slim Subcompact Handguns (Top Guns)

Sig P365

Sig changed the rules of the game when they released the P365 at SHOT Show in 2018. They caught everyone off guard. This little pistol is smaller than many Single Stack pistols on the market. Yet, it holds 10+1 rounds of 9mm rather than the usual 6+1 or 7+1 rounds. The optional extended mag adds two more rounds for a total of 12+1. Sig tapered the top of the magazine a little differently and thinned out the walls of the frame’s grip to pull off this miracle. Also, the P365 comes standard with night sights and great trigger. Now consider that everyone loves how this pistol shoots. It’s a winner in every category for the best concealed carry guns. If you want a pistol that will rock your socks off and carry up to 13 rounds of 9mm, check out the Sig P365. If you demand those requirements in an unrealistically small package, the Sig P365 is one of the best concealed carry 9mm pistols for a reason. This pistol isn’t just popular with men either. It’s been a very popular handgun for women in 2022 due to its smaller size.

Caliber: 9mm

Capacity: 10-12+1

Weight: 18 oz

Barrel Length: 3.1 inches

Cost: $500

Sig P365X

Now, we know what the Sig P365 did for concealed carry. It ushered in the high-capacity micro-compact pistol category. This is the first follow up. Meet the Sig P365X. Sig upgraded the original P365 in some key ways to create this new unicorn. It basically helps you shoot faster and more accurately. The top of the slide has been milled out to accept red dot optics. It pairs perfectly with Sig’s own RomeoZero red dot sight. A red dot sight has proven itself as a worthy addition to a concealed carry pistol. It helps you get on target faster while keeping focus on the target itself. The smaller sized red dots out there (like the RomeoZero) fit perfectly on this slim handgun. The Sig P365X also has some of the features that Sig added to the P365XL because they both share the same XSeries grip module. In fact, you can think of the P365X as a P365XL with the shorter slide and barrel from the P365. You’ll notice that the Sig P365X has a flat trigger and a longer beavertail. Both of these features help you shoot more accurately and with better control. Plus, the longer XSeries grip module holds a standard 12-round magazine instead of the 10-rounder from the original P365. This longer grip allows you to reload magazines without pinching your hand during reloads.

This pistol is the new gold standard.

Honestly, it’s probably the overall best concealed carry handgun on the market right now. Sig has set the bar extremely high with this handgun and everyone else will be judged based on how they stack up to it. If I was limited to only one pistol (I know…that would really suck), this would be that pistol. Of course, I would also opt for the optional 15 round mag too!

It’s good juju.

Caliber: 9mm

Capacity: 10-12+1

Weight: 18 oz

Barrel Length: 3.1 inches

Cost: $599

Sig P365 XL

Sig upgraded the Sig P365 to create the Sig P365 XL not long after releasing the P365. This version has a 12 round mag. That makes the grip is as tall as the original version was with the extended mag. This helps with reloads. Plus, the trigger is upgraded to a X-Series flat trigger. Plus, Sig extended the barrel 0.6 inches longer. That’ll give you a longer sight radius and more accuracy (theoretically). Sig also extended the beavertail and it feels much better than the original Sig P365. Sig also cut the slide for you to install a Red Dot. They even developed a slimmer RomeoZero Red Dot that fits it perfectly. It’s a little more expensive than the original but well worth it as one of the best concealed carry guns. This is basically a longer-barrel version of the Sig P365X. If you like the Sig P365X but prefer a little more barrel length, this P365XL the perfect concealed carry handgun for you. That longer barrel will help with muzzle flip during rapid fire shooting. It’ll also add a few more feet/sec to your rounds.

Caliber: 9mm

Capacity: 12+1

Weight: 20 oz

Barrel Length: 3.7 inches

Cost: $579

Glock 43X

Glock took their best-selling Glock 43 and added 4 rounds to it. That’s pretty much the Glock 43X in a nutshell. This upped the ammo count from 6 to 10. While the grip is longer, it’s not that much longer than the original Glock 43 if you had the pinky rest on it. The Glock 43X’s frame is technically a couple of millimeters wider as well. However, you would have to look very hard to notice that tiny difference. The bottom line is this: Sig created a near perfect concealed carry handgun when they debuted the P365. This was Glock’s answer. So for all you Glock fans who were swayed (or almost swayed) over to Sig’s corner, Glock gave you a thin 10 round Glock that’s easy to conceal carry. The grip fills your whole hand. Couple that grip with a short barrel and you have a very well balanced firearm.

Caliber: 9mm

Capacity: 10+1

Weight: 16 oz

Barrel Length: 3.41 inches

Cost:$459

Glock 43X MOS

Glock one-upped themselves with the 43X MOS. This is just a Glock 43X with two main differences. First (and most important), it has a slide cut that allows you to mount a red dot. Second, it has a proprietary Glock accessory rail. This is handy if you want to mount a flashlight. If you won’t use a red dot or the accessory rail on this pistol, you’re better off getting the original Glock 43X. It’ll save you over $100. If there’s a chance you might want to add a red dot to your gun, this is the best concealed carry handgun for you Glock fans. It’s slim, has a decent capacity, and has Glock’s legendary reliability. Oh yeah, there’s a company called Shield Arms that makes 15 round mags for the 43X that are about the same size as the Glock mags. They’re pretty reliable too.

Caliber: 9mm

Capacity: 10+1

Weight: 16 oz

Barrel Length: 3.41 inches

Cost:$599

Glock 48

The Glock 48 shares the same platform as the Glock 43X. The only difference is the longer barrel. While the Glock 43X is a short 3.41 inches, the Glock 48’s barrel has a length of 4.17 inches. That’s still quite manageable. Plus it weighs just two ounces more than its little brother. You can also think of the Glock 48 as a Single Stack Glock 19. Truth be told, Glock fans have asked for this pistol for many years. That longer barrel increases muzzle velocity and reduces felt recoil simultaneously. The Glock 48 is a great Concealed Carry pistol that feels and shoots sort of like a service pistol. You can get a full grip on this handgun no matter how big your hands are. Yet, its slim width makes concealed carry a breeze.

Caliber: 9mm

Capacity: 10+1

Weight: 18 oz

Barrel Length: 4.17 inches

Cost: $459

Glock 48 MOS

The Glock 48 MOS is just a Glock 48 with an accessory rail and red dot cutout on the slide. Choose this over the standard Glock 48 if there’s even a slight chance you’ll add a red dot (or light) to your Glock down the road. That option will cost you over $100 though. So, if you’re 100% sure you don’t need those features, you can stick with the Glock 48 (one of the most popular and reliable concealed carry handguns available). Don’t forget about the 15 round mag from Shield Arms that will bump up the ammo count for you. The best part is, it’s the same size as the original Glock mag for the Glock 48 MOS.

Caliber: 9mm

Capacity: 10+1

Weight: 18 oz

Barrel Length: 4.17 inches

Cost: $599

Glock 43

The Glock 43 is a blockbuster for good reason. The G43 is one of the smallest 9mm and lightest 9mm pistols on the market. Also, it’s incredibly thin. Its grip is short enough to allow pocket carry. However, it shines in a good IWB holster (Inside the Waistband). In a good holster, this Glock subcompact 9mm is small enough to completely disappear. Plus, it has the reliability and functionality that Glock fans depend on. This is the smallest Glock if you don’t count the Glock 42 (380). If you demand a Glock for concealed carry and want an incredibly small pistol, the Glock 43 is definitely for you. There are only two real drawbacks to the G43. First, is the limited ammo count. It only holds 7 rounds of 9mm. Secondly, people with big hands have commented that it’s hard to get a good grip on the Glock 43. If you want the best all around Glock for concealed carry, look at the Glock 43X. If you want the smallest Glock 9mm (easier for concealment) the Glock 43 may be exactly what you need.

Caliber: 9mm

Capacity: 6+1

Weight: 18 oz

Barrel Length: 3.4”

Cost: $450

Ruger MAX-9

Ruger jumped on the high-capacity, micro-compact bandwagon! This is Ruger’s answer to the Sig P365. The Ruger MAX-9 is one of the best bang-for-the-buck concealed carry pistols you can find right now. Ruger is generally known for 2 things in the gun community. First, they make rugged, reliable guns. Second, they price them very competitively. Ruger uses good old fashioned American labor and know-how to produce world class firearms at great prices. Sure you can find better prices on handguns that are made in South America or Turkey, but those cheaper guns don’t have Ruger’s reputation. Let’s talk about the MAX-9. This is one sweet shooter. It’s lightweight, well-balanced, and easy to conceal. The MAX-9 has great sights on it too. You can see what I mean in the picture above. Look at that front sight. It has fiber optics and tritium in it. You simply can’t ask for a better front sight. Look at the rear sight and you’ll notice it’s tall enough to co-witness through a red dot. The rear sight is a great example of what a rear sight should be. It’s blacked out to allow better focus on the front sight. The squared of ‘U’ shape allows the front sight to easily fall into its domain.

There’s a very easy-to-flick thumb safety as well.

All in all, this is an amazing pistol. When you factor in the affordability of what Ruger is offering, this is a steal.

Caliber: 9mm

Capacity: 12+1

Weight: 18.4 oz

Barrel Length: 3.20”

Cost: $399

Springfield Armory Hellcat

The Hellcat is the first real competition to the blockbuster Sig P365. The Hellcat’s flush magazine squeezes 11 rounds in the pistol compared to Sig’s 10. The extended mag holds 13 to Sig’s 12. A difference of one round won’t convince many shooters to consider the Hellcat over the P365 unless it shines in all the areas that the P365 does. Well guess what? The Hellcat won’t disappoint. It is phenomenal. Will it sell as well as the Sig? Who knows. However, we can tell you that we are shipping out huge numbers of holsters for the Hellcat. As of right now, it’s almost as popular as the P365. That’s very impressive considering the P365 has been around long enough to have a great reputation and market dominance. Best of all, it’s about the smallest 9mm pistol on the market that holds 13 rounds. The Hellcat trigger is great. The break is a little crisper than the P365’s but it’s barely noticeable. The stippling works at least as well and maybe better than Sig’s. We can’t say if the Hellcat outshines the P365. It’s so close that you’ll have to make up your own mind. But the Hellcat has a bright future. This pistol is everything the XD ever wanted to be but in a slimmer, lighter package. The Hellcat’s weight is 18 oz which is about equal to the Sig P365. It’s about time that Springfield started shaving the weight off their pistols. The XD line was always heavier than its peers and Springfield is finally wising up to what concealed carriers want in a carry pistol. Springfield’s Hellcat is the whole package. It’s slim, lightweight, and easy to carry. It doesn’t hurt that it’s a 9mm pistol that holds 14 rounds! Take a good hard look at the Hellcat if you’re shopping for the best concealed carry gun for your everyday carry. It won’t disappoint.

Caliber: 9mm

Capacity: 11-13+1

Weight: 18 oz

Barrel Length: 3”

Cost: $499

Springfield Armory Hellcat OSP

This is the OSP version of Springfield’s Hellcat. It has a slide cut to allow a red dot optic to mount on the top. This pistol is everything the Hellcat is but better. That one simple addition makes this pistol much more accurate during rapid fire. If you haven’t jumped on board the red dot revolution yet, you’re definitely missing out. A good red dot like the Shield RMSc (in the picture above) allows you to send rounds down range while focusing on the target rather than the front sight. This is a game changer. When you focus on the front sight, the target blurs out. With a red dot on your Hellcat, you focus on the target and the red dot floats over the target. You never lose sight of where your shooting! It costs a little more than the standard Hellcat and you’ll drop a couple hundred on a good optic. In the end though, you’ll have a high quality, very capable concealed carry pistol.

Caliber: 9mm

Capacity: 11-13+1

Weight: 18 oz

Barrel Length: 3”

Cost: $549

Springfield Armory Hellcat RDP

Meet the Springfield Hellcat RDP! This gun may look like it belongs with a member of a S.W.A.T. team or maybe even a S.E.A.L. team. However, I assure you, it belongs in a concealed carry loadout. This pistol obviously brings everything the original Hellcat brings to the table: lightweight, slim package, 14 rounds of 9mm, good trigger, and overall great handling. There are, however, two very important ingredients added to this magic recipe that we need to examine: a Hex Wasp red dot optic and a compensator. The Hex Wasp is a good quality optic with a 3.5 MOA red dot floating in your sight picture. That’s makes that little red dot small enough to be accurate, yet still big enough to find easily. The compensator directs spent gas from the cartridge up and to the sides as it leaves the muzzle. This helps control muzzle flip. Because there’s less muzzle flip, you can get back on target faster. After all, RDP stands for Rapid Defense Package. You’ll definitely get more shots on target faster with a compensator and red dot to help you out. Oh, and don’t worry about the extra length that the compensator adds to the package: It’s still easy to conceal. Barrel length doesn’t affect concealment as much as the pistol grip does. While this isn’t a traditional concealment pistol, it’s definitely a good one. It costs a couple hundred dollars more than a standard Hellcat but remember that it comes with a red dot (good ones like this usually cost a couple hundred) and a compensator right out of the box. One last thing. Springfield says that they’ve changed out the trigger group to their new Gen 2 version for the Hellcat. So this version of the Hellcat also has an even better trigger than the original one (which was already quite good).

Caliber: 9mm

Capacity: 11-13+1

Weight: 19.3 oz

Barrel Length: 3.8” (with compensator)

Cost: $799

S&W M&P Shield Plus 3.1″

Smith and Wesson has sold millions of Shield pistols. They’re small, reliable and extremely comfortable in the hand. Then S&W released the M2.0 version. It was an updated version of the original with some key upgrades. Then they released this. The Shield Plus is in a whole other category of awesomeness. It’s not just an upgraded Shield. Sometimes in life, the sum of the parts add up to more than you could ever expect them to. That’s what has happened here. The S&W M&P Shield Plus 3.1″ pistol combines everything S&W knows about making a great pistol into a concealed carry handgun.

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Of course, they managed to cram a whole lot more 9mm rounds into it. However, the “Plus” part of the name doesn’t stop at more ammo. They’ve also updated the trigger. You can see in the picture above that it has a nice flat face to it. Believe it or not that really helps you shoot more accurately. The trigger is great, the sights are great, and the stippling is great. Let’s talk about what makes this pistol really great though: ergonomics. The grip is rounded off to fit your hand perfectly. The stippling lets you get a good grip without being overly harsh on your skin. The grip angle (18 degrees) is downright perfect for instinctive aiming. Plus, now that the magazine holds 13 rounds, the balance is perfect. That’s something about a 3″ barrel with a double stack magazine that just feels good in the hand.

Try this one out. It’s hard to find a fault with it.

Caliber: 9mm

Capacity: 10-13+1

Weight: 20.2 oz

Barrel Length: 3.1”

Cost: $439

S&W Performance Center M&P Shield Plus 4″

This is a Performance Center Version of the Shield Plus. It adds an extra inch of barrel and a red dot. Plus Smith and Wesson’s Performance Center has tuned the action. That extra barrel length helps reduce muzzle flip and also helps the 9mm rounds gain a little more velocity on their way out of the barrel.

Caliber: 9mm

Capacity: 10-13+1

Weight: 22.6 oz

Barrel Length: 4”

Cost: $799

S&W M&P Shield M2.0

Smith and Wesson knocked it out of the park with the original M&P Shield. They outsold nearly every other Concealed Carry handgun on the market. Well, now S&W has the M&P Shield M2.0 available. They took a great gun and made it incredible. Why’s it better? The M2.0 version has an incredible trigger. You see, the first version just ok. While the original Shield had amazing ergonomics, it didn’t have great stippling. The Shield M2.0 has amazing stippling. It gives you a good grip on the firearm during rapid fire. This pistol is small yet ergonomic. Plus, it holds 8+1 rounds of 9mm with the extended magazine. It has good sights too. Best of all, it’s as reliable as the day is long. This pistol has Smith and Wesson’s stellar reputation backing it up.

Caliber: 9mm

Capacity: 7-8+1

Weight: 18.3 oz

Barrel Length: 3.1”

Cost: $339

S&W M&P9 Shield EZ

While this is a newer version of the Shield, it’s quite different. This pistol’s name indicated the biggest difference: it’s just plain easy to use. It’s easy to rack, easy to shoot, and easy to load. It takes very little effort to rack the slide. It’s simply amazing how easy it is to rack. Also, the M&P9 Shield EZ is easy to load because of the magazine design. It has thumb depressor on the side of the mag that you’ve likely seen on .22lr pistols. The grip safety even makes safety easy. Because it’s passive, all you have to do to disengage the grip safety is grip the pistol. This pistol isn’t just for women or the elderly with weak hands. No, it’s one of the best concealed carry guns for anyone who wants a great shooting pistol with a great trigger. Its only downside is the “limited” ammo capacity of 9 rounds. S&W added the other fan-favorite features from it’s Shield line too. It comes with a great trigger, perfect stippling, and an 18 degree grip angle for instinctive aiming.

Caliber: 9mnm

Capacity: 8+1

Weight: 23 oz

Barrel Length: 3.675 inches

Cost: $389

S&W M&P380 Shield EZ

This is another M&P Shield EZ but setup to fire the .380 ACP cartridge. Why would anyone choose the .380 version over the 9mm?

It’s easier to shoot accurately when you’re sending rounds down range quickly. Because it has less recoil energy pushing against the gun, you can get the sights back on target faster. Some people just plain prefer softer shooting pistols. Is this pistol a good concealed carry gun though? You betcha it is. New bullet technology has proven that the 380 cartridge is perfectly suitable for self-defense. It’s no longer a debate. Sure a 45 ACP or 9mm will have better statistics on paper but consider this: the FBI tested the newer .380 cartridges available and found that they passed their ballistic gel test with flying colors. It penetrated more than 12″ but less than 18″ (this is preferred) and it opened up into a bigger mushroom shape quite reliably. So, if you want the statistically better round, you can pick up the 9mm version of this Shield EZ. If you want the easier to shoot and pistol, pick up the S&W M&P380 Shield EZ.

Caliber: .380 ACP

Capacity: 8+1

Weight: 18.5 oz

Barrel Length: 3.675 inches

Cost: $309

Taurus GX4

The Taurus GX4 is in direct competition with the other high-capacity, micro-compact pistols on this list. The GX4 is very small for what it is. It’s a 9mm pistol that holds 12 rounds and shoots very well. When you consider how affordable it is, you have a concealed carry pistol that’s flying off the shelves. Taurus has been making very good pistols for quite a while now. They’ve always priced their handguns competitively and the GX4 is no exception. This is the most affordable high-capacity, micro-compact on this list. If you want another pistol at this price, it’ll either be bigger& heavier or it’ll carry less rounds. There’s a lot going for this little pistol other than the great price. It has near-perfect ergonomics and very good stippling. The front serrations help those who like to do their press checks from the front of the slide. Finally, the flat trigger feels amazing at the firing range. Taurus produced a great pistol for concealed carry and they offered it at an unbeatable price. Check this one out.

Caliber: 9mm

Capacity: 11+1

Weight: 18.5 oz

Barrel Length: 3.06”

Cost: $329

Ruger EC9s

Ruger created the EC9s before the double stack micro-compact pistols became all the rage. It’s still a good concealed carry gun. However, like the Glock 43, it doesn’t carry many rounds. What it does have going for it, however, is a very small & lightweight package that conceals effortlessly. The Ruger EC9s is pretty much the same pistol as the LC9, LC9s, and LC380. The all look the same and will all fit the same Ruger EC9s holsters. Here’s how Ruger markets this thing (in a nut shell): It’s a good, reliable pistol (with Ruger’s reputation backing it) for just a little over a couple hundred bucks. I mean think about it. The EC9s is one of the absolute cheapest guns on this list…. and it’s a good gun. Ruger has a good reputation for building rugged and reliable firearms. They mean it when they state that fact too. This gun won’t let you down and it’s a fairly decent shooter. It’s small enough to never worry about concealment. It’ll conceal great. Plus, look at the price on these things! If you can live with just 8 rounds of 9mm in your concealed carry gun, this is the best bang for your buck on this entire list of the 50 Best Concealed Carry Guns.

Caliber: 9mm

Capacity: 7+1

Weight: 17.2 oz

Barrel Length: 3.12”

Cost: $259

Walther PPS M2

Here’s another year with the PPS M2 on our list of best handguns. It’s still a great 9mm for concealed carry. I imagine it’ll stay here until the M3 comes along. There’s simply too much to love about the PPS M2 for it to fall out of popularity with Concealed Carriers. First, it has Walther’s unmatched fit and finishes. All you have to do is pick this sweet pistol up and you’ll immediately notice its incredible quality. It just oozes quality all over the place. Next, you’ll be floored by the sweet ergonomics. You’ll swear your hand and this pistol was designed together in the same engineering lab. Lastly, this little heater is a reliable tack driver on the range. It comes with a flush-fitting magazine and an extended mag as well. The limited ammo capacity is a bit of a drawback but it’s still a great gun for concealed carry from a company with tons of high pedigree pistols in its history.

Caliber: 9mm

Capacity: 6-8+1

Weight: 21.1 oz

Barrel Length: 3.18”

Cost: $299

Mossberg MC1sc

Mossberg shocked everyone when they released a concealed carry pistol. They’re in the long gun business right? Well… now they’re in the short gun business too. Mossberg has most assuredly shown the world that they know how to build a great handgun. The MC1sc is a great shooting 9mm pistol. It has tons of features that modern pistols are equipped with nowadays: front slide serration, flat trigger, aggressive stippling, reversible mag release, and good sights. Oh yeah, it’s proven to be quite reliable too. The price is pretty good too. This gun does have an obvious deficiency though. Its capacity is only 7-8 rounds depending on whether or not you’re using the extended mag. Ever since the Sig P365 came along, all the other gun manufactures have been scrambling to squeeze a double stack magazine into a gun that’s less than an inch thick. Mossberg’s new to the pistol game but this is a great entry. I’m sure they’ll release a concealed carry pistol with a better ammo capacity soon. In the meantime, this is a perfectly functional pistol for a great price from an amazing company.

Caliber: 9mm

Capacity: 6-7+1

Weight: 19 oz

Barrel Length: 3.4”

Cost: $329

Walther PPK/S

Here’s the classic that refuses to die. The Walther PPK has been James Bond’s Go-To Gun for decades now. It is most definitely small enough to conceal easily. It shoots very well and doesn’t kick bad either. Equally as important, its accuracy is touted by many. Another great quality of the PPK/S is its amazing balance due to its metal frame. Simply put, this classic pistol rocks. And as old as its design is, it still works for today’s Concealed Carrier. It doesn’t hold as many rounds as the new guns and it isn’t as light. It is still a viable concealed carry gun though. Here’s one more bonus: As of 2019, the PPK and PPK/S are being made in the USA.

Caliber: 380 ACP

Capacity: 6-7+1

Weight: 22.1 oz

Barrel Length: 3.3”

Cost: $625

Bersa Thunder 380

This is Bersa’s version of the Walther PPK. It’s a budget-friendly gun made in Argentina. I can point out a few disadvantages to this gun but I personally believe it’s advantages outweigh them. Sure, it’s a 380 pistol that weighs more than the P365 and carries less rounds. But look at what it has going for it: It’s small, cheap, and reliable. I’ve had one of these for years. Through hundreds of rounds, it’s never had a failure. Whenever I fly somewhere, I take this pistol because I cringe at the thought of bag-checking a $700 gun. If a $250 gun gets lost, I can replace it much easier.

Caliber: 380 ACP

Capacity: 7-8+1

Weight: 20 oz

Barrel Length: 3.5”

Cost: $269

Springfield XDE

The Springfield XDE is a little bigger than the Springfield XDS. It holds one more round too. The biggest difference is, of course, the hammer instead of a striker. Many shooters prefer and love hammer-fired pistols. The other difference is that the grip safety is gone. It’s been replaced with the manual safety (which doubles as decocker). The XDE shares the same Grip Zone design as the Mod.2 pistols. In fact, from the side, it looks like a Mod.2 with a hammer. The original XDE came in a 3.3-inch barrel. Now, it can be had in two additional lengths. Therefore, you can choose to carry an XDE with a 3.3 inch, 3.8 inch, or 4.5-inch barrel. Because the grip is the same size on all three models, they are all easy enough to conceal. While the longer-barreled versions aren’t harder to hide they might be a little less comfortable to conceal. But the trade-off for the longer barrel is less muzzle flip and a faster-flying bullet. The XDE comes with a flush-fitting 8 round mag, an 8 round mag with a pinky extension, and a 9 round extended mag that fits the grip perfectly with the included sleeve.

Caliber: 9mm

Capacity: 8-9+1

Weight: 23 oz

Barrel Length: 3.3”

Cost: $400

1911

The greatest military the world has ever seen carried the 1911 for several decades until the mid-1980s. It has the proven stopping power of the 45 ACP cartridge. It’s also a fairly thin handgun which makes it one of the best concealed carry guns. Just know that you’ll very likely either love or hate its manual of arms. It’s generally carried “Cocked & Locked”. Meaning, you’ll draw it from the holster, drop the safety, and find a sweet hair trigger waiting to be pressed. This is one of the most popular guns out there and some consider it to be the most reliable handguns available. Although the 5” barreled versions can be heavy, the 3” Defender series pistols are a bit lighter.

Caliber: Take your pick

Capacity: 6-10+1 depending on caliber and brand

Weight: 24-35 oz depending on build and handgun brands

Barrel Length: 3”- 5”

Cost: From $400 all the way up to many thousands of dollars (depending on the brand)

Best Concealed Carry Guns: Best Compact Handguns (Top Guns)

Walther PPQ Subcompact

It took Walther a few years but they’ve finally shortened the PPQ into a chopped version for us Concealed Carriers. The PPQ Subcompact shares the same great ergonomics and trigger that the PPQ is known for. However, the grip and barrel have been shortened enough to make this into a more manageable Concealed Carry handgun. Walther also includes a 15 round extended mag with a matching sleeve that perfectly matches the pistol. This is one of the highest quality subcompact double-stack pistols on the market. It has fast become extremely popular.

This pistol is easy to conceal and shoots incredibly well.

Caliber: 9mm

Capacity: 10-15+1

Weight: 21.2 oz

Barrel Length: 3.5 inches

Cost: $550

Canik TP9 Elite SC

The Canik TP9 Elite SC comes from a company that’s not extremely well known. However, there is a big following behind this handgun. It’s extremely popular and gaining more popularity every day. It’s a compact concealed carry handgun that shoots extremely well. It holds 12 rounds of 9mm but many owners of the TP9 Elite SC opt to carry the optional 15 round mag. This pistol has a nice trigger, great sights, handling ergonomics, and reliability. It’s no wonder it’s become so popular. I’m sure the great price had something to do with it’s rise as well.

Caliber: 9mm

Capacity: 12+1

Weight: 24.8 oz

Barrel Length: 3.60”

Cost: $369

Glock 26 Gen 5

The Glock 26 has been a great selling Concealed Carry gun for years now. The fifth-generation makes the G26 even sweeter. The Gen 5 updates include a better trigger and more accurate barrel. The Glock 26 has a 10+1 capacity. While the Glock 43X holds just as many rounds as the Glock 26, they approach Concealed Carry a little differently. The Glock 43X is very thin. However, the Glock 26 makes up for its thicker frame with a shorter height. The Glock 26 is one of the shortest 9mm handguns on the market. The Gen 5 revamp has ensured that the Glock 26 isn’t going anywhere for a while.

Caliber: 9mm

Capacity: 10+1

Weight: 21.69 oz

Barrel Length: 3.43”

Cost: $550

Ruger Security 9 Compact

While Ruger built the Security 9 as a direct competitor to the Glock 19, this was their answer to the Glock 26. It’s may be affordable but it’s not a cheap gun. This handgun is a good quality firearm without even considering the price tag. When you factor in the price tag, it’s a great product that Ruger has blessed us Americans with! Ruger claims to build “rugged” firearms. Their guns are supposed to be tougher than normal and last long enough to pass down to your grandchildren. The Security 9 Compact is no exception. It’s very reliable and well-built. Ruger dropped a hammer-fired trigger into this pistol instead of the more common striker-fired style. However, it feels mostly like a decent striker-fired trigger. Is the trigger on this gun as good as the G26? No, but it’s close. The price tag was the trade-off here. If you want a great shooting, reliable firearm from a reputable American company you have a few options. If you want all that and an incredible price point, check out the Security 9 Compact from Ruger.

Caliber: 9mm

Capacity: 10+1

Weight: 21.9 oz

Barrel Length: 3.42 inches

Cost: $299

CZ P-10S

CZ has always excelled at making ergonomic handguns that are incredibly reliable. CZ honestly makes world-class handguns. The CZ P-10S, in particular, is a world-class concealed carry handgun. It has everything you could want in a handgun other than it’s a touch wider than some of the newer double-stack-micro-compacts like the Sig P365 or Glock 43X. This is a typical double stack compact sized pistol. It conceals well yet still carries a respectable amount of ammunition. The P-10S shoots almost as good as it’s big brothers (the P-10C & P-10F). It is much better suited for concealed carry though because of it’s smaller size. The trigger, sights, ergonomics, and reliability are all just as good as the bigger versions in CZ’s stable. Plus, you’ll love the removable plate on the slide that allows you to attach a red dot. And because this pistol is a bit wider than the micro-compacts toward the top of this article, it can fit a bigger optic on the slide.

A bigger optic will help you get on target faster.

CZ did not disappoint when they released the ‘S’ version of the P-10.

Caliber: 9mm

Capacity: 12+1

Weight: 24.4 oz

Barrel Length: 3.5 inches

Cost: $529

CZ RAMI

This pistol just won’t go away! It has been popular for a long, long time. And for good reason. The CZ RAMI is based on the time-tested CZ-75. It has a lighter aluminum frame, a short 3” barrel, and a flush fit magazine that manages to cram in 10 rounds of 9mm. Also, you can add an extended mag that holds 14 rounds. It has enough heft to handle hot 9mm ammo pretty well. All while maintaining a small & lightweight package that makes Concealed Carry a breeze. The RAMI has proved that you don’t necessarily need the latest fad in firearms to have an effective concealed carry firearm. Sure, an external hammer is a rare sight in today’s usual handgun selection. That doesn’t mean it doesn’t have it’s benefits though. After the first shot, the gun switches to single action mode.

It just doesn’t get much sweeter than a smooth single action trigger.

The RAMI isn’t the lightest gun in this list. It’s not the cheapest either. It’s a classic that won’t go away for a reason. Good engineering made this a timeless piece.

Caliber: 9mm

Capacity: 10-14

Weight: 26 oz

Barrel Length: 3”

Cost: $575

Taurus G3C

Taurus has had a best seller for years in the PT111 G2. Well, Taurus still has a best seller in the PT111 G2. They just changed the name to the G2C and then the G3C. What did Taurus change to update the name? They took out the locking mechanism that allows a key to turn the pistol into a paperweight. Plus, they updated their logo. And Bam! New name. In all honesty, ditching the locking mechanism was a smart move. It’s a moving part that can cause the pistol to not fire. Cases can be found on YouTube where the locking mechanism barely moves out of the “unlocked” position by a couple of millimeters. This caused the pistol to be “locked”. The new G3C does not have this problem. Taurus took a great gun and made it more reliable. Also, the G3C has a more durable finish. The trigger has also been improved over the older PT111 G2 and even over the G2C. The G3C is barely bigger than a typical single stack pistol. Yet, it holds 12 rounds of 9mm. Plus, it costs just a couple hundred bucks. If you’re on a budget, this should be on the top of your list.

Caliber: 9mm

Capacity: 12+1

Weight: 22 oz

Barrel Length: 3.2 inches

Cost: $199

Bersa TPR9C

This pistol from Bersa is a very sweet shooter. The TPR9C is unique because Bersa utilizes some old-school features on this Concealed Carry gun. For instance, it has a metal frame rather than the usual polymer frame you’ll find on most new pistols. Also, it uses a hammer-fired trigger. These are still great features on a pistol. While the DA/SA trigger takes a bit more practice to master than a striker-fired trigger, the payoff is a sweet Single Action trigger. Also, you’ll never know a balanced pistol until you’ve handled a metal-framed pistol. It truly feels great in your hand. Yes, it adds a few ounces. However, there are pros and cons to every trade-off. That extra weight absorbs recoil. Truth be told, it’s not even very heavy. It’s a great Concealed Carry pistol.

Caliber: 9mm

Capacity: 13+1

Weight: 25 oz

Barrel Length: 3.25”

Cost: $390

Stoeger STR-9C

The STR-9c is Stoeger’s follow up to the popular STR-9. Stoeger is better known for long guns but they’ve decided to jump back into the handgun game too. The STR-9C is a compact version of their full size STR-9. It’s a 9mm striker-fired pistol. This is a great all-around pistol. There aren’t really any stand-out features on this handgun but it does check most of the boxes that a popular handgun should have. So why is the STR-9C on this list? It checks most of the boxes while coming in at just around $250. You get a whole lot of concealed carry gun for that price. You can see good ergonomics, stippling, large trigger guard, front serrations, striker-fired trigger, accessory rail, Glock-style take-down levers, and more. It’s small enough to easily conceal carry and it packs plenty of ammo too.

Caliber: 9mm

Capacity: 13+1

Weight: 24 oz

Barrel Length: 3.82”

Cost: $259

Beretta APX Carry

Beretta released the APX Carry after they released the Full Size, Centurion, and Compact versions. To be honest, I’m not sure why Beretta called this gun the APX Carry. It’s an entirely different gun than the other (bigger) versions. Beretta made it look like an APX and called it an APX. In reality, the Carry version has its own thing going on. That’s not a bad thing either. This single stack pistol is tiny. It only carries up to 9 rounds but it is a 9mm pistol. It’s reliable and a decent shooter. Beretta rarely makes a gun that isn’t amazing. This one is no exception. It’s small, capable, and pack 9mm stopping power. Plus it’s backed up by Beretta’s pedigree.

Caliber: 9mm

Capacity: 6 – 8 +1

Weight: 19.8 oz

Barrel Length: 3.0 inches

Cost: $329

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Sccy CPX

Sccy CPX is an American Gun Company with just that focuses on affordable, small concealed carry pistols.

The CPX-2 is still their most popular pistol.

The CPX-2 is a very decent pistol which can be found for $250. It’s lightweight and small enough to easily conceal. Also, it fits the hand fairly well because of its integrated finger grooves. It’s a double-action only hammer-fired pistol. It has a long trigger pull that’s pretty smooth. It’s very similar to a Smith and Wesson snub-nose revolver trigger. 10 years ago, it was hard to find a good pistol for less than $300-$400. Because of pistols like the CPX, it’s a little easier today. If you need a reliable pistol and you don’t have a ton of spare cash, this might be the pistol for you. It doesn’t have the best trigger on the market but it does get the job done. You’ll have 10+1 rounds of 9mm in a nice Concealed Carry sized pistol. This is most definitely not a Saturday Night Special that might not go bang when you need it. You can rest assured this is a reliable American made pistol that just plain works. It lacks the latest bells and whistles but the affordable price reflects that.

Caliber: 9mm

Capacity: 10+1

Weight: 15 oz

Barrel Length: 3.1”

Cost: $179

Ruger LCR

Ruger broke tradition with this one. The Ruger LCR was the first carry revolver offered with a polymer frame. It’s available in many different calibers and a couple of different barrel lengths. The snub-nose version (in just about any caliber it’s offered in) makes a mighty fine Concealed Carry companion. It may be the best revolver for concealed carry. It works great in your pocket or a belt holster for many reasons. First, it shoots pretty well due to its cushiony grip. Second, it’s very lightweight (at 13 ounces, it weighs barely more than the giant phone in your pocket). Finally, it also includes Ruger’s well-known reliability. This is a modern small revolver built specifically for Concealed Carry and Ruger knocked it out of the park with this concealed carry revolver.

Caliber: 38+P

Capacity: 5

Weight: 13 oz

Barrel Length: 1.87”

Cost: $400

S&W J Frame

The little S&W J Frame revolver has been around for decades. They’ve been around for so long that gangsters in black & white movies would pull them out of nowhere to strike fear in people. The J Frame makes an excellent pocket gun and one of the most suitable revolvers ever created for concealed carry. Its curvy body is a little less noticeable in your pants than a blocky pocket pistol. This makes it one of the best carry revolvers. Another factor making it great for Concealed Carry is how insanely reliable they are. When you press the bang switch, you’re almost guaranteed to hear a bang. They’re lightweight and hold 5 rounds of .38 Special +P (some argue that it’s pretty close to 9mm in stopping power). That is why is is in out list of the best concealed carry revolvers / best ccw revolver.

Caliber: 38+P

Capacity: 5

Weight: 15 oz

Barrel Length: 1.87”

Cost: $400

HK VP9SK

The HK VP9SK is a continuation of a good thing in the VP series from HK. It has all the qualities that VP9 fans love: great trigger, ergonomics, and handling. It holds 10 rounds of 9mm. Plus, 13 and 15 round magazines are available for the VP9SK. The useful charging handles remain on the subcompact version of the VP9. Now Concealed Carriers have a smaller option for Concealed Carry.

This is the only subcompact handgun on the market that has swappable backstraps and swappable lateral grip panels. The HK VP9SK also has completely ambidextrous controls. How about that for one of the best subcompact 9mm?

Throw in the fact that the flat recoil spring reduces recoil and it’s clear to see that this is a subcompact that shooters will enjoy on the range. Plus it’s compact enough that it’s easy to Conceal Carry all day long in a good kydex holster.

Caliber: 9mm

Capacity: 10+1

Weight: 23 oz

Barrel Length: 3.39”

Cost: $549

Best Concealed Carry Guns: Best Full-Size Handguns (Top Guns)

Glock 19 Gen 5

The Glock 19 handles well enough to qualify as a service pistol. Yet, it’s still light enough to conceal carry. You can get a full-size grip on it and it handles accordingly. Furthermore, the latest generation of the Glock 19 is simply amazing. It sports greater accuracy and ergonomics than the Gen 4 version. The trigger feel is better as well. The improved accuracy via the Marksmen barrel is a welcome change as well. If you want the feel of a service weapon in a compact package, the Glock 19 Gen 5 is the perfect example and one of the best concealed carry guns available. This just might be the best selling concealed carry pistol of all time.

It is also the one of the most popular Glocks available.

Caliber: 9mm

Capacity: 15+1

Weight: 24 oz

Barrel Length: 4.02 inches

Cost: $540

Glock 19 MOS

Glock added a red dot Cutout to the Glock 19 and gave it the model name of Glock 19 MOS. That cutout will cost you but it is worth it if you’ve jumped on the red dot wagon. Red dots are amazing tools to help you get on target faster. Plus, you can actually focus on the target instead of the front sight. If you like the Glock 19, you’ll love the Glock 19 MOS with your favorite red dot attached.

Caliber: 9mm

Capacity: 15+1

Weight: 24 oz

Barrel Length: 4.02 inches

Cost: $599

Glock 23

The Glock 23 is just a Glock 19 that has been chambered for a .40 cal cartridge. The .40 has a touch more stopping power. It has more than a touch more recoil though. The Glock 23 is noticeably snappier than the Glock 19. Training will allow you to get follow-up shots on target fast but this pistol can’t handle as well as the softer shooting G19. If you’re willing to accept more recoil for a bigger bullet, the Glock 23 is a fine gun for concealed carry.

Caliber: .40 S&W

Capacity: 13+1

Weight: 24 oz

Barrel Length: 4.02 inches

Cost: $539

Glock 45

The Glock 45 is one of the biggest guns on this list. However, it’s barrel isn’t extremely long at 4 inches. Also, consider that at under 25 ounces, it’s lighter than some smaller pistols on this list. But here’s where the G45 shines: it holds 17 rounds. It’s longer grip balances with the 4-inch barrel very well. Not everyone can conceal a pistol with a larger grip as this pistol has. However, many people can. It mostly depends on how dedicated you are to dressing around the pistol. The Glock 45 is basically a Glock 17 with a shorter barrel. So it feels like a service pistol with an easier to manage barrel length. If you want to Conceal Carry 17 rounds of 9mm in a fantastic handling Glock, the G45 is right up your alley.

Caliber: 9mm

Capacity: 17+1

Weight: 25 oz

Barrel Length: 4.02 inches

Cost: $539

Beretta APX Centurion

Beretta’s latest polymer line of pistols is completely different than the PX4 line. Beretta moved into the polymer-framed striker-fired pistol market with a great entry. The APX lineup is loved by almost all reviewers. It is a sweet shooter for one of the best concealed carry guns. Best of all, Beretta made Compact and Centurion versions especially for Concealed Carriers. The Centurion and Compact version both have shorter barrels and grips than the Full-Size APX. The barrel length on the Compact and Centurion APX pistols is 3.7 inches rather than 4.25 inches. The Centurion grip is about 0.4″ shorter than the Full-Size APX while the Compact is about 0.4″ shorter than the Centurion. The Centurion is extremely popular with Clinger Holster customers. It’s big enough to fill your hand. Yet, it’s small enough to be a great Concealed Carry gun. So, this is one of the best EDC guns for big hands.

Plus, it’s an excellent performer on the shooting range.

Caliber: 9mm

Capacity: 10-15+1

Weight: 27 oz

Barrel Length: 3.7 inches

Cost: $475

Beretta APX Full Size

This is the full size version of the APX. While it’s not quite the fit for concealed carry that the Centurion is, it still works for concealed carry. That’s especially true if you like your concealed carry guns a little on the bigger side. The good news is that this pistol is still light enough to easily carry all day long while still providing a generous 18 round capacity. That’s quite impressive. The APX has much to love in its design. The slide serrations are very easy to grab, the trigger is excellent, the handling is extremely impressive, and it has the pedigree of Beretta’s name.

Caliber: 9mm

Capacity: 17+1

Weight: 27 oz

Barrel Length: 4.25 inches

Cost: $399

CZ P-01

The CZ P-01 is based on the bulletproof CZ-75 design with a lighter weight aluminum frame, shorter barrel, and shorter grip. Its ergonomics are of legendary status. All gun makers should strive for this level of ergonomic satisfaction. It’s much easier to carry the lighter P-01 than the CZ-75 on which it’s based (due to its lighter alloy). However, you still get the great shooting dynamics the CZ-75 is known for.

Caliber: 9mm

Capacity: 14+1

Weight: 28 oz

Barrel Length: 3.75 inches

Cost: $600

CZ P-01 Omega

The CZ P-01 Omega is a hot-rodded version of the P-01 we all know and love. It’s main attraction is a suppressor-ready extended barrel. Plus the tritium night sights are suppressor-height so that the still work when you thread a suppressor onto the barrel. It’s painted Urban Grey to look cool too. Most people shy away from longer barrels like this on their concealed carry gun. However, the longer barrel doesn’t make it harder to conceal inside the waistband. It may be more likely to bump your seat when you’re sitting though. Having said all that, this is an amazing, tricked out pistol that does a decent job at concealed carry.

Caliber: 9mm

Capacity: 15+1

Weight: 29 oz

Barrel Length: 4.4 inches

Cost: $699

CZ PCR

The CZ PCR is very similar to the CZ-75 Compact. However, it has a lightweight aluminum frame just as the P-01 does. The difference between the PCR and the P-01 is that the PCR doesn’t have a rail making it a little sleeker and easier to conceal. It has the same legendary ergonomics that made CZ famous for manufacturing one of the best concealed carry guns.

Caliber: 9mm

Capacity: 14+1

Weight: 27 oz

Barrel Length: 3.8”

Cost: $575

CZ P-10C

While CZ proved it could make a great polymer-framed pistol with its P-07 & P-09 handguns, CZ took it’s time striking out into the striker-fired market. If CZ was waiting to introduce the P-10 series because they were taking their time to perfect the trigger, they’ve succeeded. The trigger on this pistol is staggeringly good. It inches very close to a good Single Action trigger. Plus there are many other things to love on the handgun. It seems to dissipate recoil like a champ. Also, it’s small enough to make a great Concealed Carry handgun. Yet, it pleasantly fills your hand. CZ’s most modern pistol to date was made to be equally at home in a Concealed Carry holster or a nightstand.

Caliber: 9mm

Capacity: 15+1

Weight: 26 oz

Barrel Length: 4.02 inches

Cost: $475

HK VP9

The HK VP9 has shown how capable H&K is of producing fine firearms. Almost everyone loves this pistol. Its ergonomics and trigger are universally loved. It has the ergonomics of the great P30 but incorporates a great striker-fired trigger that loyal H&K fans have been asking for. It has the swappable back straps and side panels that people enjoyed on the P30. Also, it was released with another surprising ergonomic feature: charging supports. Charging supports are small wings on the back of the slide that make racking the slide faster and easier. You may be a little surprised to see a full-sized gun like the VP9 on a list of the best Concealed Carry guns. After all, it’s bigger than many will want for a Concealed Carry pistol. However, we sell concealment holsters for VP9 pistols in droves. Therefore, I know many people find it just fine for concealment.

Caliber: 9mm

Capacity: 15+1

Weight: 25 oz

Barrel Length: 4.09”

Cost: $529

Ruger Security 9

Ruger developed the Security 9 as a direct competitor to the Glock 19. It’s barely big enough to be used as a service pistol. Yet, it’s just compact enough to make it viable as a daily Concealed Carry pistol. It is lightweight yet manages to hold 15 rounds of 9mm. Plus, it’s big enough to fill your hand while being compact enough to carry Inside the Waistband without tremendous effort. Are you ready to hear the Security 9’s most talked-about feature? It’s incredibly affordable. You can almost buy two of these Ruger pistols for the price of one G19! Ruger was able to make a G19 competitor while keeping the price hundreds of dollars cheaper. Is this another cheap 9mm gun then? No way. This is a great gun. Ruger has a reputation for building tough guns. They delivered. This is a well-built handgun. Ruger employed a hammer-fired trigger to cut costs. But let me tell you, this is a good trigger. It’s almost a great trigger. You see, it’s a double-action only trigger that feels incredibly close to a striker-fired trigger. I don’t know how Ruger’s engineers pulled it off but they surely made a sweet-shooting pistol at a crazy price point. You won’t see fancy night sights or swappable backstraps at this price point. Many people don’t care for those features anyway (especially when hunting for a good pistol at a great price).

Caliber: 9mm

Capacity: 15+1

Weight: 23.8 oz

Barrel Length: 4 inches

Cost: $299

S&W M&P Compact M2.0

Smith & Wesson makes three barrel lengths for this one. It comes in 3.6 inch, 4 inch, and 4.625 inch versions. While the shorter barrel is easier to conceal (especially in the appendix carry position), the longer barrels are a bit more accurate. Plus, the longer barrels have a little bit less muzzle flip. These pistols have completely amazing ergonomics. S&W knows how to make a pistol fit your hand. In addition to great ergonomics, Smith and Wesson nailed the stippling. It’s very tacky and easy to keep a good grip on during rapid fire. Two things stick out with this pistol. First, the quality is outstanding. You’ll see the quality as soon as you pick it up. Truly, the fit and finish are amazing. It’s no wonder their M&P series performs so well on the range. Smith and Wesson have learned over the last century how to make an outstanding handgun. Secondly, the price separates the M&P Compact M2.0 from the other pistols behind the gun counter. It’s very affordable. It’s over $100 cheaper than some of the other quality handguns you’ll see at your local gun store. Sure, you can get a cheap pistol for less money. However, I’m talking about value here. The M&P Compact is affordable. Plus it’s a better pistol than most of the other pistols behind the gun counter. It is one of the best self defense pistols out there as well. The trigger, ergonomics, reliability, and shooting prowess is top-notch all across the board. This is truly an amazing pistol.

Caliber: 9mm

Capacity: 15

Weight: 27 oz

Barrel Length: 4 inches

Cost: $379

Sig P320 X-COMPACT

The Sig P320 XCOMPACT is a shorter version of the Sig P320 X-Carry. However, it has mostly the same features as the other X-Series pistols. It has a 3.6″ barrel rather than the 3.9″ of the X-Carry. Also, its shorter grip is easier to Conceal Carry while still holding 15 rounds of 9mm. You’ll have the option to add a Red Dot without the need for a machine shop to cut out the slide. It has great night sights as well. Also, the ergonomics are unmatched in any other pistol of this size among the best concealed carry guns. Plus, it has the same amazing Sig trigger as the other X-Series pistols from Sig. The flat trigger has an entirely fantastic feel. This is one of the highest quality polymer pistols in this entire list of best concealed carry guns.

Caliber: 9mm

Capacity: 15+1

Weight: 25.3 oz

Barrel Length: 3.6”

Cost: $799

Sig P229

The Sig P229 has been used by FBI, DEA, ICE, the Secret Service, and many smaller federal agencies. And for good reason. It just works. It’s heavy enough to produce fast follow up shots. Yet it’s not quite heavy enough to cause fatigue by the end of the day. You can bet your ammo stockpile on the fact that the FBI tested the P229 5x further than it needed to be tested too. To say that it’s highly reliable would be a huge understatement. It’s insanely reliable. On top of its reputation for reliability, Sig tacks on great accuracy. Sig owners enjoy great accuracy out of the box with the P229. One more thing can be said about how awesome these pistols are. The fit and finish on the P229 are always top-notch. Some may question whether a gun with the size and weight of the P229 belongs on a list of the best Concealed Carry guns (or a list of the best 9mm pistols available). Take my word for it: there’s a ton of these Sigs that are actively carried daily.

Caliber: 9mm, 40, 357 SIG

Capacity: 12-15+1

Weight: 29-32 oz

Barrel Length: 3.9”

Cost: $800+

Walther PPQ

The Walther PPQ enjoys a very special place among modern striker-fired triggers. It’s the Gold Standard by which all others are judged. It is loved by all who touch it. It’s not uncommon to find yourself deciding which pistol to trade in after shooting it. If you hold and shoot it…you will covet it. Most striker-fired triggers feel the same every single shot. But some guns nail the execution better than others. The PPQ nails it better than just about anybody. The PPQ also helped usher in the wave of ergonomic advances in handgun design. Once the PPQ was on the market, all others had to catch up as quickly as possible. It’s small enough for concealed carry, yet big enough to shoot well. this is a great all-purpose 9mm handgun. Plus, it weighs in at just 24 ounces with a 15 + 1 capacity. There are a lot of great pistols on the market today because of guns like the PPQ. When a gun this sweet raises the bar, everyone else has to up their game as well. It’s one of the best Concealed Carry guns on the market.

Caliber: 9mm

Capacity: 15+1

Weight: 24 oz

Barrel Length: 4”

Cost: $475

Walther PDP Compact 4″

The Walther PDP a newer version of the famous PPQ. Walther made the trigger better. The stippling is grippier now as well. The biggest change you’ll see is the red dot plate on the slide. That’s a very welcome addition. While Walther is marketing this to police departments around the world, they were thoughtful enough to make one with a compact grip. The Compact version is great for concealed carriers. It offers the performance of a duty pistol in a package that’s small enough to work as a great concealed carry gun.

Caliber: 9mm

Capacity: 15+1

Weight: 24.4 oz

Barrel Length: 4”

Cost: $599

Stoeger STR-9

Stoeger makes great long guns. They now make great handguns too. The STR-9 is a great pistol at an amazing price. They really knocked it out of the park on their first go-around. Let’s look at everything this amazing pistol has going for it: great ergonomics, good stippling, good trigger, very good slide serrations (front & rear), good handling, and the list keeps going. This is a great gun for the nightstand but it’s lightweight enough to make a good concealed carry gun as well. This is a high quality firearm at an unbelievable price point. It has different backstrap options for different hand sizes. The backstrap module actually wraps around to the sides too. That makes it more effective when trying to find the right one to fit your hand. The low bore axis helps with fast follow up shots as well. This pistol handles really well. Let’s be honest here: this gun should cost over $400. This looks, feels, and shoots like an expensive handgun. It’s crazy how affordable it is. Of course the price wouldn’t matter if it doesn’t have reliability to back it up. Fortunately, it has proven to be a very reliable firearm. Remember that while Stoeger hasn’t made pistols in quite a while, they are a very large gun manufacturer with a long history of making reliable guns.

Caliber: 9mm

Capacity: 15+1

Weight: 30.4 oz

Barrel Length: 4.17”

Cost: $259

Ruger-57

This might seem odd to you. Not many people would expect to see a Ruger-57 in a list of the best concealed carry guns. Well, there’s a first time for everything. Here’s why this gun is on this list. Our customers are ordering a lot of inside the waistband holsters for this gun. That means a lot of people are using this in their concealed carry rotation. There are a few reasons why many people are carrying this pistol. It only weighs 24 oz. It holds 20 rounds. Plus, it’s a very soft shooting round for which this pistol is chambered. FNH developed the round to work in their Five-Seven pistol and P-90 rifle. The idea was a small bullet (translate into high capacity) that was soft shooting but still had a high velocity. Ruger made a pistol that could use the round too. However, Ruger’s version is not only cheaper, a whole lot of shooters actually prefer it to the FN Five-Seven.

It can definitely work as a good concealed carry pistol.

Caliber: 5.7 x 28mm

Capacity: 20+1

Weight: 24.5 oz

Barrel Length: 4.94”

Cost: $599

We know that these guns qualify as the 50 best concealed carry guns on the market. We say these are the “best handguns” because these are the firearms our customers have ordered the most holsters for. We let the true market be the judge. Which of these best concealed carry guns do you love? Let us know in the comments. If you buy one of these handguns, be sure to check out Clinger Holsters for the best gun holsters to carry your new handgun in complete comfort. We hope that this review helps you select the best gun for your concealed carry routine (whether you prefer the best full size 9mm pistol or a small .38 revolver). Even if budget is an issue, some of the best handguns I’ve listed here very affordable handguns for the quality that you get. Oh, I have a confession to make. There are quite a few more than 50 guns in this list. I just couldn’t narrow it down any further though. Every gun on this list belongs on it.

Checkout out our blog for everything concealed carry.

3.8/5 (5 Reviews)

clingerholsters.com - The 50 Best Concealed Carry Guns in 2022 (with pictures) - Clinger Holsters

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