Recently the U.S. Supreme Court ruled to strike down New York’s restrictive “may issue” concealed carry permitting law. As a result, New York now has to rewrite its law to be less restrictive about issuing CCWs. Because of this, other restrictive states are now following the newly established precedent. So, now many are left to figure out the best handgun for concealed carry—many for the first time. We’re here to help get you started.
Best Handgun for Concealed Carry
As with anything, picking the right handgun is very subjective. Everyone has different preferences, needs, tastes, etc. Some may want a larger .45 ACP while others may want something they can slip in their pocket. Then there are those that want something in between. For this reason, we are going to pick something from a few different categories, giving you many options.
But, like I said, picking the right pistol for you is a very subjective thing. It would be impossible to create a list that fits everyone, so I can only list pistols I think are good choices. If you would like to see some other options, head over to the Facebook post for this story, there are usually many other great suggestions. Feel free to comment with your specific need and ask others for their opinion. We have a great community that can help the new gun owner.
Springfield Hellcat Pro (9mm)
When it comes to striker fired pistols, the Springfield Hellcat hit the scene with immediate fanfare. However, the popular handgun was a little small and lacked the capacity that many were looking for. For this reason, Springfield came out with the Hellcat Pro. Chambered in 9mm Luger, the slightly larger Pro is easy to shoot and has a magazine capacity of 15 rounds.
However, the Pro didn’t compromise on concealed carry, as the incredibly thin frame still hides neatly away. Even with the double stack magazine, the grip maintains a 1-inch-thick profile. The Pro features a front night sight and rear Tactical Rack U-Dot sight. However, an optic cut on the slide allows you to choose from the smallest, most popular red dots on the market.
MSRP: $634.00
For more information, please visit Springfield-Armory.com.
Glock 19 (9mm)
For someone looking for something just a little larger, the Glock 19 just might be what you need. With a 4.02-inch barrel, the Glock 19 has a slightly longer sight radius than the Hellcat Pro. Due to the lack of optic cut on the slide, the longer sight radius helps with increased accuracy, minus an optic.
Although Glock is known for not having an external safety, the Safe Action trigger safety reduces risk of accidental discharge. The Glock 19 has a standard magazine capacity of 15-rounds in 9mm. However, optional 17, 19, 24, 31, and 33-round magazines are available for the model.
MSRP: $688.00
For more information, please visit US.Glock.com.
SIG Sauer P365X (9mm)
I have to admit, I am a SIG Sauer fan and for me any list like this would be incomplete without one or two. Weighing a light 17.8-ounces, the P365X is a good lightweight option for those that don’t want to be weighed down. Likewise, at only 1.1-inch thick, it tucks away neatly for concealed carry.
The 9mm pistol features an XSERIES flat trigger with 90-degree break, for crisp, clean trigger pull. Featuring XRAY3 Day/Night sights, the P365X also features an optic cut on the slide. However, the rear sight is mounted to the optic plate, so co-witnessing is not an option with optic installed. It comes with two 12-round magazines, for 12+1 capacity.
MSRP: $679.99
For more information, please visit SIGSauer.com.
Taurus GX4 T.O.R.O. (9mm)
The micro-compact Taurus GX4 Optic Ready is a great option for the more budget-minded shooter. However, when I say budget, I am only talking about price. Taurus has come a long way over the years to produce a solid platform that can perform with the best of them. Likewise, with three points of safety, striker block, trigger safety, and visual loaded chamber indicator, you can carry comfortably.
T.O.R.O. stands for Taurus Optic Ready Option, which allows for the mounting of your favorite optic. Additionally, the small size of the GX4 is ideal for comfortable concealed carry. However, unlike the others in this size, it only comes in 10+1-round capacity. But this makes it ideal for prohibitive states like New York and California.
MSRP: $468.18
For more information, please visit TaurusUSA.com.
Bond Arms Stinger (9mm or .380 ACP)
The Derringer-style handgun has a long history in our country and Bond Arms has made a solid name in this category. A perfect example of this is the Stinger, which comes in 9mm or .380 ACP. Although it is a no-frills pistol, the Stinger is the thinnest Derringer model to come from Bond Arms, at half the weight. As a result, it will slip right into your pocket (with the right holster) with little footprint.
However, due to its double-barrel design, this is a two-shot pistol. Likewise, it is a single action, so it requires cocking the hammer for each shot. While it still makes a great defensive pistol, its lack of capacity makes it a better backup pistol. Fortunately, the lower price helps make that possible.
MSRP: $389.00
For more information, please visit BondArms.com.
Ruger LCP MAX (.380)
Another great option for pocket carry (with the right holster), or comfortable IWB (Inside the Waistband) carry is the Ruger LCP Max. The LCP has been a favorite for quite a few years, due to its compact size and overall reliability. However, a drawback to the small pistol is its limited capacity. This was remedied with the Max, which increased capacity from 6+1 to 10+1.
Chambered in .380 Auto, the LCP Max is a snappy little gun. Likewise, the 5.17-inch overall length means a shorter sight radius, which will affect your aim. However, Viridian offers a trigger guard green laser sight for the Max to help increase accuracy with the diminutive pistol.
MSRP: $469.00
For more information, please visit Ruger.com.
SIG Sauer P238 Two Tone CA Compliant (.380 Auto)
Featuring a 1911-inspired design but focusing on concealed carry is the SIG Sauer P238 Two Tone CA Compliant. Like the LCP Max, the small size of the P238 will fit comfortably in a pocket (with the right holster) or IWB. Likewise, at 15.2-ounces, the P238 presents little footprint in the pocket.
Due to the 3.8-inch sight radius, the P238 is more difficult to aim. However, as with the LCP Max, Viridian makes a trigger guard laser sight for the P238. Also chambered in .380 Auto, the P238 has a capacity of 6+1, so extra magazines would be in order. However, the lower capacity makes it a perfect option for prohibitive states.
MSRP: $699.00
For more information, please visit SIGSauer.com.
Smith & Wesson 642 Airweight (.38 Special +P)
Although revolvers can malfunction, it is rare compared to semi-auto pistols. For this reason, I am a fan of revolvers, like the Smith & Wesson 642 Airweight double action revolver. The lightweight alloy frame makes the pistol easy to carry whether on your hip or in your pocket. However, as I keep saying, if you carry it in your pocket, please use a holster. Regardless of how you carry it, the shrouded hammer aids in a snag-free draw.
However, it’s worth noting that the lighter frame will affect recoil but firing .38 Special +P will still be manageable. One drawback to revolvers worth noting is the limited capacity. Such is the case with the 5-round capacity of the 642 Airweight, so a speed loader or two might not hurt.
MSRP: $532.00
For more information, please visit Smith-Wesson.com.
Springfield XD-S MOD.2 3.3-Inch Single Stack With Crimson Trace Red Dot (.45 ACP)
If you still want to carry small but shoot big, the XD-S MOD.2 from Springfield Armory is a good choice. Chambered in .45 ACP the XD-S MOD.2 features a narrow single stack frame that is capable of easily concealing. In addition, the slide features an optic cut and comes with the Crimson Trace red dot installed.
One thing to be aware of is that due to the .45 ACP chambering and slim profile, the XD-S MOD.2 only has a capacity of 5+1. However, a 6-round magazine is also available. In either case, the lower capacity is legal in capacity restrictive states, so it is ideal for states new to expanded concealed carry.
MSRP: $568.00
For more information, please visit Springfield-Armory.com.
North American Arms NAA-22MS-VL (.22 Mag)
North American Arms has led the way for some time regarding pocket power. I personally carry a NAA .22 Mag and it virtually disappears in my pocket. Like any revolver, reliability is a major plus. But also, like any revolver, capacity is an issue. Chambered in .22 Magnum, the NAA-22MS-VL features a 5-round capacity. But this is not the size of gun you would get into a shootout with anyway. This gun is designed specifically for close range defense. Although .22 Mag is powerful for a handgun this size, the rubber grip helps maintain a secure grip when firing.
Due to the extremely small size of the NAA-22MS-VL, aiming at any distance is not ideal. So, this model comes with a Viridian laser grip to help you reach out a little farther. However, the shorter barrel lengths of the North American Arms Line can cause the round to keyhole. So, even with the laser grip, this is still meant for close range.
MSRP: $375.00
For more information, please visit NorthAmericanArms.com.
Remember To Practice
Remember, a firearm is only an equalizer, it is not the brains of the operation—you are. So, practice is important to ensure you know how to safely handle your new pistol. Not to mention, if you find yourself in a self-defense situation, you want to hit the criminal, not innocent bystanders.
Also, it is important to have a complete understanding of gun safety before handling a firearm. These are dangerous tools but if you exercise proper gun safety, you can mitigate accidents and have an enjoyable experience.
As an additional resource, we offer our Gun Primer for new shooters, free of charge. Feel free to download a copy.
Stay safe and happy shooting.
