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Having a gun for concealed carry and self-defense helps protect yourself and those around you. That being said, there are countless pistols on the market, and the sheer number of options can seem overwhelming.
If you aren’t quite sure where to start in the search for your concealed carry gun, we’re here to help narrow down your list. Explore our top picks for the best concealed carry firearms of 2024.
Key Features in Concealed Carry Handguns
There are a few qualities to look for when browsing concealed carry guns:
- A decent magazine capacity: You’ll want as many rounds as possible in self-defense scenarios, making larger magazines an ideal consideration in concealed carry guns. Of course, large magazines also increase the gun’s weight and size, so you don’t want to go overboard. In many cases, a 10-round magazine is sufficient.
- A small, lightweight design: Naturally, you’ll want something easy to hide away. A compact or subcompact pistol is easier to conceal than a full-sized handgun. You should also determine how you’d like to carry — such as inside the waistband, pocket or ankle holster — and select a handgun small enough to accommodate this preference.
- A smaller caliber: Smaller pistols typically have smaller calibers. With that in mind, it’s a good idea to look for compact and lightweight yet powerful calibers — like 9 mm and .380 ACP — for advanced concealability. Plus, smaller calibers allow for more rounds than larger ones.
What Are the Best Firearms to Carry Concealed?
We’re confident that the pistols below check the above boxes. Here are some of the most dependable handguns for concealed carry and personal defense situations.
1. Glock 43 and 43X
Easily one of the best concealed carry Glocks, the Glock 43 offers all the essential features in one slim, compact package. While it only has a six-round magazine, it has a snug, aggressively textured ergonomic grip and a large magazine release button. These features make it a simple pistol for all types of shooters to maneuver. The Glock 43 is incredibly lightweight and concealable, making it easy to carry in your preferred fashion. In fact, it’s the smallest 9 mm handgun in Glock’s lineup.
In 2019, Glock rolled out an upgraded version of the 43 — the Glock 43X. This 9 mm handgun is a hybrid of the Glock 43 and the Glock 48. It merges the 48’s long frame with the 43’s short barrel. The 43X shares another mutual perk with the Glock 48 — a 10-round magazine.
With the 43X, you get an impressive load capacity in a lightweight, compact configuration. What more could you ask for in a concealed carry pistol?
Purchase a Glock 43 or 43X today!
2. Smith & Wesson M&P Shield Plus
An upgraded version of the Shield and Shield 2.0, the M&P Shield Plus brought a host of new features to the table in spring 2021. These include a greater magazine capacity, improved sights, enhanced ergonomics and seamless handling.
Chambered in 9 mm, the Shield Plus includes extended magazines with 10+1 and 13+1. With an overall length of 6.1 inches and a height of 4.6 inches, its dimensions allow for easy concealability. Shooters with larger hands should have no trouble with grip and maneuverability. And while you’d think the extra capacity would make the Shield Plus larger than the other Shields, they’re all nearly identical in size.
Purchase a Smith & Wesson M&P Shield Plus Today!
3. Springfield Armory Hellcat
The Springfield Hellcat is the world’s highest capacity 9 mm micro-compact handgun. It can hold up to 11 rounds — the extended magazine raises this count to 13.
The Hellcat features an overall length of 6 inches and a height of 4 inches. It’s also only an inch wide, making it a golden choice in terms of concealability. The pistol’s excellent ergonomics, sights and magazine capacity are a testament to its superior craftsmanship.
Purchase a Springfield Armory Hellcat today!
4. Sig Sauer P365
While there are several P365 models on the market, the original remains one of the best concealed carry pistols. Both magazines hold 10 rounds of 9 mm. One features a slightly extended baseplate, providing extra grip room for the pinky.
Like the Glock 19, the ultra-ergonomic P365 is a striker-fired handgun, meaning it doesn’t have a hammer. It offers a crisp trigger pull and incredible ease of use. The rugged grip texture also makes holding and firing the pistol a breeze. The P365’s lightweight, micro-compact design makes it a go-to for concealed carry.
Purchase a Sig Sauer P365 today!
5. Glock 19
When it comes to the best concealed carry firearms, the Glock 19 comes to mind for many. It’s not hard to see why.
This 9 mm compact pistol is one of the best all-around handguns for self-defense. Its short slide and sleek, lightweight design make it a reliable defense mechanism for your concealed carry needs. It’s also large enough to obtain a strong grip without concerns of an overhanging pinky.
The pistol has a 4-inch barrel and 6.85-inch slide, letting you shoot farther distances accurately while still achieving the concealability you desire. And if magazine capacity is a nonnegotiable for you, you’ll be pleased to know the Glock 19 can carry 15 rounds.
6. Kimber Micro 9
A true feat of precision engineering, the Kimber Micro 9 is best known for its wonderfully light and smooth trigger. The 9 mm pistol is ideal for shooters with small hands and those sensitive to recoil.
Though it only features an extended seven-round magazine, the easy-to-use slide release and thumb safety allow for seamless maneuverability in high-pressure circumstances. The single-action trigger has a short, smooth pull for enhanced accuracy and confidence. The Kimber Micro 9 suits many applications, from concealed carry to everyday range practice.
Purchase a Kimber Micro 9 today!
7. Ruger LCP MAX
Since Ruger released the first LCP with a six-round capacity in 2008, the company has had some significant breakthroughs in the LCP line. The 10-round LCP II was released in 2016, followed by the LCP MAX in 2021.
Ruger took both the magazine capacity and sights to the next level with this new pistol. The Ruger LCP MAX can handle up to 12 rounds of .380 ACP, all without sacrificing the quintessential small, lightweight design of a concealed carry firearm. It combines a quality trigger and sights — a rare package in a mouse gun.
The reliable LCP MAX packs a powerful punch while fitting snugly in the palm of your hand, which is why we find it a more than deserving candidate for this list.
Purchase a Ruger LCP MAX today!
Find Concealed Carry Firearms at Keystone Shooting Center
Keystone Shooting Center is more than a world-class shooting range — we also carry an extensive selection of new and used handguns. If you’re searching for the perfect concealed carry gun, browse our online superstore and find one that meets your needs. You can also break in your new gun at our comfortable indoor shooting range.
Whether you’re looking for a concealed carry gun or the prime spot to test it out, Keystone Shooting Center is your one-stop shop in Mars, Pennsylvania. Contact us today to let us know how we can assist you!
