Defensive carry options have been the gun du jour for the past few years, and 2023 has proved no different. This year we see countless options being released with more features than you can shake a stick at. Read on for new releases that topped our list of the best concealed carry guns to keep an eye out for this season.
The Best Concealed Carry Guns of SHOT Show 2023
Beretta 80x Cheetah
Reimagining a timeless classic, Beretta has relaunched the Beretta 80x Cheetah. Only now, it has new designs and features to please even the most discerning shooter. The Vertec-style grip has been slimmed down a bit, allowing it to fit in even more hands comfortably. Likewise, an extended beavertail protects your hand from slide bite. Additionally, a two-slot Picatinny rail allows for options such as lasers or flashlights.
Shoot right out of the box with the stock iron sights, or slap on your favorite red dot sight in a matter of minutes, as this .380 is optics-ready. With a capacity of 13 +1, this double/single action offering from Beretta is sure to become a defensive carry favorite.
For more information, please visit Beretta.com.
Taurus TX-22 Compact
Following in the footsteps of its big brother, the Taurus TX-22, this compact version chambered in 22 long rifle has quickly gained interest from shooters of all experience levels. The TX-22 Compact packs a handful of features in a small and compact platform. For example, it ships optics-ready with an accessory rail for adding items such as a flashlight or laser.
Options are available both with and without a threaded barrel should you wish to install a suppressor. With a price point of less than $400, you have plenty of room left over for ammunition, holster, and more.
For more information, please visit TaurusUSA.com.
Taurus Defender 856 T.O.R.O.
Red dots are hot right now, and knowing this, Taurus has released the first optics-ready revolver. Yes, that’s right. This bad boy, chambered in .38 special, is ready to accept any red dot of your choice that fits a Holosun-K footprint.
The small frame of the Defender 856 TORO has a rubberized grip that provides comfort in your hand. Likewise, it also goes a long way to minimize felt recoil. An overall width of less than an inch and a half allows this revolver to be easily concealed during carry.
For more information, please visit TaurusUSA.com.
Anderson Kiger-9c
For those already familiar with the durability and reliability of products created by the fine folks at Anderson Manufacturing, the Kiger – 9c brings those familiarities to a small, compact 9mm concealed carry gun. Straight and to the point, this handgun provides everything you need with nothing that you don’t.
Texturing along the grip provides extra security and control during the firing process, should your hands become damp. Additional texturing can be found on each side of the frame for your thumb and forefinger. As a result, the pistol is good for lefties and righties alike. The beveled magazine well allows for smooth reloads while keeping your eyes on the target. In addition, a Picatinny rail is located up front for your choice of accessories.
For more information, please visit AndersonManufacturing.com.
Ruger Security .380
This little powerhouse from Ruger packs a punch in its small frame. Chambered in .380, this Ruger Security ships with two magazines. Specifically, a 15-rounder for increased capacity and a 10-rounder for utmost concealability, especially if you are one to pocket carry.
Lightweight and easy to rack for anyone with dexterity issues, this pint-sized carry gun has an adjustable rear sight with a nice, bright fiber optic front sight that draws your eye straight to the target. Add in addition features such as an external safety, toolless take down, and more, the Ruger Security .380 is ready to call your favorite carry holster home.
For more information, please visit Ruger.com.
Stoeger STR-9SC
The Stoeger STR-9SC may appear similar to many other polymer, striker-fired guns on the market. However, some key features make it stand out amongst its full-size counterparts. The new year rang in a few variants of this handgun, with features such as a snag-free 3-dot sighting system, optional tritium sight version, loaded chamber indicator, beveled magazine well (on combat models), interchangeable backstraps, and more.
As if that wasn’t enough, the STR-9SC also ships optics-ready. So, if you are one to prefer a red dot sighting system over traditional irons, you’re ready to go.
For more information, please visit StoegerIndustries.com.
IWI Masada Slim 9mm
A scaled-down version of the full-size Masada, the Masada Slim is right at home in the world of concealed carry guns. Chambered in 9mm, this striker-fired polymer handgun ships with a 10-round and 13-round magazine. Additionally, it’s also optics-ready, fitting popular models such as the Sig Romeo Zero and Holosun EPS Carry, etc.
Although the Masada Slim ships optics ready, the user also has the option to stick with traditional irons, which on this gun consist of a white dot front sight and blacked out rear sight. The magazine release is reversible and easily done at home without the need for a gunsmith. The oversized trigger guard surrounding the flat-faced trigger is a bonus should you be wearing gloves during use.
For more information, please visit IWI.us.
Kahr Arms PM9093NA
With an overall length of only 5.42”, the PM9093NA from Kahr Arms is easily concealed by the user. This carry gun ships with two flush-fit 6-round magazines for utmost concealability and a 7-round magazine with grip extension. Night sights sit atop the stainless-steel slide, with the rear sight being drift adjustable should the need arise. An aggressive grip texture keeps the gun solid in your hands during use.
For more information, please visit ShopKahrFirearmsGroup.com.
CZ P-10 C
Defining the saying, “If it’s not comfortable in your hand, you’re not going to shoot it,” CZ launched another winner—the P-10C. This concealed carry gun has many features that make it a favorite amongst concealed carry holders. This includes interchangeable back straps, a palm swell that is not too aggressive, a reversible magazine release, and a grip angle known and loved amongst CZ owners.
The short, crisp trigger breaks at around 4.5 pounds, allowing for quick follow-up shots on target. Lastly, the fiber-reinforced polymer frame and steel slide keep this gun reliable in the toughest conditions.
For more information, please visit CZ-USA.com.
Rock Island Li380
This single-stack steel beauty with polymer grips features everything a carry gun needs and nothing it doesn’t. Simplistic fixed steel sights on the front and rear are perfect for those who aren’t fans of optics-ready pistols.
The weight of the steel frame, barrel, and slide balance out felt recoil quite nicely. As a result, rapid target acquisition is easy after every shot. With an MSRP of less than $300, the Rock Island Li380 is a no-brainer when expanding your CCW collection.
For more information, please visit Armscor.com.
Ed Brown Products- EVO KC9
If high-end 1911s are your MO, then look no further. The ECO KC9 is a king amongst concealed carry guns with all the bells and whistles you’ve come to know and expect from Ed Brown Products. Weighing 34 ounces unloaded, the single stack Bobtail frame is topped with a 7-top custom cut slide with special serrations on both the front and rear. An orange HD XR front night sight is accented by a revamped U-notch sight in the rear.
When ordering, you also have the option for a single-sided safety or an ambi-safety. Additional ways you can customize your EVO KC9 are opting for a flush barrel with a recessed crown. Likewise, you can even opt for a recessed slide stop.
For more information, please visit EdBrown.com.
Ed Brown Products- FX2
Perhaps you prefer your 1911 optics ready with all the extras you can throw at it. The FX2 from Ed Brown serves all that and more on a silver platter. Customization is key with this classic. For this reason, you can choose to have your gun chambered in 9mm or 45ACP. Likewise, you can have it built optics ready or shipped with an RMRcc mounted and ready to go.
As if that wasn’t enough, you also have your choice of finishes, either Industrial Stainless or Black Gen4. Adding a bit of patriotism in the mix never hurts. So, be sure not to overlook the American flag serrations cut into the rear of the slide.
For more information, please visit EdBrown.com.
S&W Equalizer TS
What’s most impressive about this newly launched micro-compact from Smith & Wesson is its capacity of up to 15 rounds. This, of course, depends on which magazine you choose to utilize. Ease is the name of the game with this easily concealable 9mm with a short and crisp trigger break, easy-to-rack slide, and white 3-dot sight system mounted atop the slide.
If you prefer a red dot on your concealed carry gun, no worries, as this gun is manufactured to be optics-ready. Similarly, it features a Picatinny rail ready to accept your choice of laser or flashlight. A bonus feature is that you can break it down for cleaning without squeezing the trigger, providing additional safety.
For more information, please visit Smith-Wesson.com.
Lionheart Industries Vulcan 9
A favorite feature of this new launch from Lionheart Industries is the ability to mount your optic of choice without the need of purchasing an adapter plate to match. Unique screw patterns fit a variety of the most popular models and those that share their footprints. This includes the Shield RMSc, Holosun 407k, Trijicon RMRcc, and more.
Should you wish to stick with irons, simply affix the cover plate and use the included fiber-optic front sight, paired nicely with a blacked-out rear sight, funneling your sights right on target. The J-shaped trigger shoe assists with consistent trigger finger placement. Correspondingly, the rapid engagement grip system allows optimal control of the gun during recoil.
For more information, please visit LionheartIndustries.com.
Sig P365 Rose Kit
Designed in conjunction with Lena Miculek, each ROSE Kit from Sig contains several items key to any concealed carry needs. Available in either .380 or 9mm, the gun itself is highlighted with accents of rose gold on the controls.
Additionally, the kit includes two magazines, a magazine loader, five dummy rounds, and a Lifepod pistol safe. But wait, there’s more! Those who purchase also receive access to a full online training course to become proficient with their new concealed carry gun.
For more information, please visit SigSauer.com.
Browning 1911-380 Black Label Crushed Orchid
For those in the market for a 1911 chambered in .380, Browning has you covered. Lightweight and easy on the eyes, this compact carry gun boasts a beavertail grip safety, white dot steel sights in the front and rear, a skeletonized hammer, extended ambidextrous safety, and more.
An overall length of under seven inches and a weight of only 18 ounces means comfort during extended concealed carry. If the crushed orchid color doesn’t tickle your fancy, be sure to check out other options available!
For more information, please visit Browning.com.
Dasan DSP9P
Carefully crafted, the Dasan DSP9P finds itself flying under the radar amongst other new year releases. The grip portion of this 9mm carry gun is constructed of polymer, while the upper portion of the frame that surrounds the trigger and slide rail is beefed up with aluminum. Additionally, the package is topped off with a stainless-steel slide.
Weight-wise, this offering from Dasan falls in between its counterparts constructed primarily of either polymer or steel. The magazine capacity on this gun tops out at 15 rounds, certainly a plus for a carry gun. Ideal for those who don’t wish to mount an optic, this iron-sighted option is built with a Picatinny rail up front for you to mount your favorite light, laser, and more.
For more information, please visit DasanUSA.com.
Glock 47 MOS
New to the civilian market this year is the Glock 47 MOS. The pistol was previously utilized by the men and women of the U.S. Customs and Border Protection. If you are familiar with the Glock 17 platform, consider the Glock 47 an enhanced version with the ability to mix and match compatible parts shared with the Glock 17 Gen5 MOS, Glock 45 MOS, and Glock 19 Gen5 MOS.
This carry gun fits on the larger end of concealed carry guns. Correspondingly, it has a magazine capacity of 17 rounds, with options for larger-capacity magazines available.
For more information, please visit US.Glock.com.
Walther Arms P99 AS – Final Edition
Closing the chapter on a long-lasting legacy, this year brings the release of the final edition of the classic P99. Whether it be carried by armed forces as a duty weapon, as a carry gun by those looking for the ability to defend themselves, or just brought to the range for a good old-fashioned plinking session, the P99 has seen it all.
Sure to sell out quickly, the P99 Final Edition, this DA/SA semi-auto 9mm has features shooters will love. This includes an ambidextrous paddle-style magazine release, a short and crisp trigger break, and decocking button. It also features classic Walther ergonomics and much more that have made it amongst the brand’s top sellers.
For more information, please visit WaltherArms.com.
VuDoo Gun Works 1911-22LR
Primarily meant for competitions but compact enough to carry concealed if you wish, Vudoo Gun Works scales down the classic 1911 platform to a fun, easy-to-shoot all-day-long 22LR. The slide on this gun will also be released as a conversion kit. This is good news for anyone who already owns a Mobius 1911, as they will be cross-compatible.
Customization options are available, including a flared magazine well for quicker reloads, ambidextrous safety controls, and fiber optic front sight.
For more information, please visit VudooGunWorks.com.
