The Best Concealed Carry Pistols

All 50 states and the District of Columbia have enacted legislation that allows qualified private citizens to carry concealed firearms in some form. Although more than 16 million concealed carry permits have been granted throughout the U.S. as of 2017, there are no federal laws governing the issuance of carry permits.

Most states require that state or local governments issue permits for legally carrying concealed weapons. Eight states (Alaska, Arizona, Idaho, Kansas, Maine, Vermont, West Virginia and Wyoming) allow concealed carry handguns to be carried in public without a permit. Mississippi also allows concealed carry without a permit as long as it’s kept in a purse, satchel, briefcase or similar item.

Today, the concealed carry handgun market is flooded with hundreds of manufactures and pistol variants which can make finding the right handgun that will fit your needs challenging. Many are left scratching their heads asking questions such as: What is the best caliber for a concealment pistol? What is the best barrel length? What type of sights do I need? Is a revolver or semi-auto better? What size will suit me best? This guide will help answer these questions and many more to help you pick the perfect concealment pistol.

The Five “Cs” for Choosing a Concealed Carry Pistol

Concealability, confidence, control, capacity and caliber are the primary factors to consider when shopping for a concealed carry handgun:

Concealability

Size definitely does The object of concealed carry is being able to comfortably carry a weapon under clothing or within a handbag or purse without it being noticed, which obviously excludes bulky, large frame handguns. Think small, thin and lightweight. Keep in mind, the bigger the pistol the easier it will be to shoot, will have less muzzle rise and felt recoil. Generally speaking, larger framed pistols are also more accurate. We recommend going with the largest framed pistol that you can still adequately conceal and are comfortable with.

Confidence

Familiarity with and confidence in the firearm is an absolute necessity for safely carrying and handling a concealed weapon. A concealed carry pistol needs to be rugged, dependable and easy to use, so do your homework and research the pros and cons of different handgun models. Visit a firing range that rents handguns and test fire various makes and models that interest you before committing to a purchase. Practice is essential to achieve the needed level of confidence, and lessons are highly recommended for novice or inexperienced shooters.

Control

Your safety, as well as the safety of those around you, requires being in complete control of the firearm at all times. The gun must fit comfortably in your hand, allow your finger to easily reach the trigger and your thumb to quickly disengage the safety mechanism. It’s also essential that the magazine release on a semi-automatic handgun or the cylinder release latch on a revolver can be easily accessed and disengaged.

Capacity

Most concealed carry revolvers hold 5 to 10 rounds. Some smaller caliber semi-automatic handgun magazines have a capacity of 15 rounds or more, although there are restrictions in some states against magazines holding more than 10 rounds. Some defensive civilian gunfights can be over in just a few seconds with only 1 or 2 rounds having been fired. On the other hand, in some situations, including incidents that include more than one assailant, a higher capacity magazine and even a spare or two might be needed. The final decision as to magazine capacity ultimately comes down to the gun owner’s comfort level. Typically, the higher capacity the better.

Caliber

Although there are .22 LR rimfire and .25 caliber centerfire concealed carry pistols available, handguns of less than .32 caliber are generally considered inadequate for most defensive situations. Among the most popular concealed carry pistol calibers are the 9mm, .38 Special, and .40 caliber, all of which have sufficient stopping power and moderate recoil. From a practical standpoint, the largest caliber handguns that are relatively easy to conceal are the .45 ACP and .357 Magnum, both of which have increased stopping power and heavier recoil. A good rule of thumb is that the shooter should choose a handgun with the highest caliber that he or she can shoot accurately. Over the years modern ammunition ballistics have become increasingly more powerful and accurate

Tips for Choosing the Right Concealed Carry Pistol

When it comes to selecting a concealed carry handgun, there’s no such thing as one size fits all. Among the basic considerations are the individual’s experience with and proficiency in handling firearms, his or her body shape and weight and hand size. The “right” concealed carry gun will be a composite of the five “Cs” pointed out above, and will vary among individuals.

Concealability

The preferred method of concealment is directly influenced by the person’s body size and type. The gun needs to be reasonably small, thin and lightweight to avoid an easily detectible “print” or “show” when hidden beneath your usual style of clothing. Various ways to conceal carry the gun include within the waistband, holstered on a belt beneath a jacket or untucked shirt, at the small of the back or in a shoulder or ankle holster. Some larger revolvers and semi-automatic handguns can be carried in a shoulder holster, but are unsuitable for an ankle holster, where a smaller and less bulky handgun would be a better choice. Keep in mind that a semi-automatic with a double stack magazine will have more bulk and weight than a pistol with a single stack magazine, which will probably be easier to conceal but holds fewer rounds.

Reliability

Concealed handguns carried by the public are intended to be used for self-defense. In addition to being easily accessible, it’s essential that the firearm be durable and reliable. It’s important to find a pistol that is not prone to jamming and capable of shooting many different types of ammunition.

The handgun must be dependable. The time needed to clear a jammed gun in an emergency could literally mean the difference between life and death or serious injury. Before making a purchase, do your homework by researching various makes, models and calibers to narrow the field of choices. A knowledgeable Hinterland Outfitters’ team member will be pleased to answer your questions or recommend handguns that appear to most closely fit your situation.

Try Before Buying

Not all concealable handguns are created equal. Once you’ve narrowed down the choices, visit a local shooting range that rents various types of handguns and test fire those that interest you. Factors to consider include:

Fit. The pistol’s frame and grip need to fit comfortably in your hand. A good fit includes being able to quickly and easily access the trigger, safety mechanism and magazine or cylinder release for rapid reloading in an emergency.

Trigger. A trigger needs to “feels right.” It must be easily reached with the trigger finger, operated without causing hand or finger cramps and have a pull that is neither too heavy nor too light. A trigger with too light a pull in the hands of a beginner can be dangerous and may result in an accidental discharge. A trigger with too heavy a pull can slow down firing speed and cause the target to be missed.

Although it’s a subject open to debate, many shooters argue somewhat arbitrarily that 4 pounds is the “right” trigger pull for concealed carry handguns. Bottom line: the best trigger pull weight is the one that feels right in the hands of the shooter.

Recoil. Recoil results from the energy released when a round is fired, and is an important factor in choosing a concealed carry firearm. An experienced shooter with a large-framed body type may be perfectly capable of managing the recoil produced by a .357 Magnum, .45 ACP or another large caliber pistol. Smaller persons and less experienced shooters, however, may be unable to safely and accurately fire heavier caliber handguns, making lighter calibers such as a .380, 9mm or .38 Special a better choice.

Ease of Operation. A concealed carry handgun needs to be safe and simple to operate, which includes being easily field striped for regular cleaning and routine maintenance. Semi-automatic handguns require fully pulling back the slide mechanism to cycle a fresh round or clear the weapon, which can be challenging to people with smaller or weaker hands, as well as older people with arthritic hands. Revolver owners similarly need to quickly reach the cylinder release latch for reloading or clearing the weapon. Keep in mind that under stressful situations, each of these seemingly simple tasks can suddenly become difficult.

Practice Makes Perfect

As with virtually any pursuit, adequate handgun training and practice are essential to becoming proficient. Since you’re presumably buying a concealed carry pistol for defensively reacting to unexpected, dangerous and stressful situations, proper instruction and training are an absolute necessity.

Affordability

As with most major purchases, budget is an important factor when shopping for a concealed carry handgun. Since you’ll presumably be practicing frequently at the shooting range, the cost of ammunition is also a consideration. Popular choices are the 9mm and .38 Special since the ammunition is readily available and relatively inexpensive. Hinterland Outfitters’ online gun store carries a full range of concealable handguns and ammunition at affordable prices.

Barrel Length for Concealed Carry Pistols

Concealed carry handgun barrels are necessarily short, most being between 2 to 4 inches. Obviously, the shorter the barrel, the more compact the handgun and the easier it is to conceal. Shorter barreled pistols also weigh less, although the trade-offs are less control, increased recoil and decreased accuracy. The “right” barrel length, however, depends upon several factors, the most important of which is balance for greater shooting accuracy. Here are a few other items to consider:

• Handling Characteristics. The shorter the barrel, the smaller the handgun, which means it’s easier to conceal, draw and discharge. A shorter barrel will also typically have more felt recoil and muzzle rise compared to a longer barrel.
• Sight Plane. A firearm’s vertical line of sight from the shooter’s eye through the aligned front and rear sights and the target is called its sight plane. The longer the barrel, the easier and faster it is to quickly align the sights.
• Sight Picture. The sight picture is what the shooter sees when looking down the sight plane at the target. As with the sight plane, the longer the barrel, the easier it is to acquire the target.
• Concealment Features. The barrel length of a concealed carry handgun directly affects its overall size, weight and portability.
• Weight. The longer the barrel, the heavier the gun. In compact and sub-contact handguns, however, the difference is negligible.
• Grips. A handgun grip that fits properly will be comfortable to hold, allow the trigger finger to quickly find the trigger and the thumb to easily disengage a semi-automatic’s magazine release lever or reach a revolver’s hammer and cylinder release. Poorly fitting grips will adversely affect target acquisition time and accuracy.
• Sight Types. Most concealed carry handguns have fixed sights attached or built into the top of the slide or barrel. The longer the barrel, the greater the distance between the front and rear sights, which results in faster target acquisition and greater shooting accuracy. Red dot and laser sights are also available for some concealed carry handguns.
• Recoil. Generally speaking, the shorter the pistol’s barrel and larger the caliber, the greater the amount of recoil felt by the shooter. A longer barrel also increases muzzle velocity and helps reduce muzzle rise following a round being fired.

Concealed Carry Handgun Holsters

Made from leather, plastic, nylon or Kevlar, concealed carry holsters need to be comfortable, allow the gun to be easily drawn without snagging and prevent it from accidentally falling out.

Here are some of the most common holster types:

Inside the waistband (IWB) holsters are worn inside the trousers and are held in place by a clip that fastens to the belt or waistband. The Flashbang Betty IWB is a good example.

Outside the waistband (OWB) are similar in design to IWB holsters, but are attached outside the trousers and concealed by the carrier’s shirt or jacket. An example is the Black Point Tactical Leather Wing OWB holster.

Pancake Holster. This is a flat, low profile holster worn at the waist that’s best suited for small, thin semi-automatic handguns. The Blackhawk 4200 Pancake is a typical example.

Fanny Pack Holsters. Worn around the waist, the Bianchi Cyclone.EMA Tactical 5006 fanny pack holster has release tabs on both ends that allow quick access to the pistol with either hand. The Cyclone has 3 zippered front pockets for holding spare magazines and other accessories.

Ankle Holsters. Strapped to the lower leg, ankle holsters are frequently used by law enforcement for concealing off-duty firearms. The Fobus J357A is a good example of an ultra-lightweight ankle holster.

Crossdraw Holsters. A crossdraw is worn on the side opposite the shooting hand. The Biannchi Cyclone is a good example of a crossdraw holster for revolvers with 1 1/2” to 3” barrels.

Regardless of whether you plan to carry a revolver or semi-automatic, you’re sure to find the right concealed carry holster at Hinterland Outfitters.

Concealed Carry Optics

The most popular optics for concealed carry pistols are red dot sights, which are small, lightweight aiming devices with illuminated reticles used to acquire targets. Adding optics to a concealed carry handgun can be great for inexperienced shooters who may have trouble lining up a shot using iron sights, or for people with vision difficulties.

Red Dot Sight Types

The two basic types of red dot sights are reflectors and holographics. Reflectors bounce an LED light beam off a glass element or curved mirror inside the sight and back into the shooter’s eye. A red dot reticle is superimposed over the target, which the shooter uses as an aiming reference point. Red dot sights allow open eye aiming, letting the shooter monitor activity in the surrounding area, which is particularly useful in close quarters defensive situations.

Holographic red dots are similar in function to red dot reflector sights, but are illuminated from the front rather than within the body of the sight. Light from a laser diode (LD) shines onto a viewing window, illuminating a holographic reticle visible to the shooter.

Red Dots and Concealed Carry Pistols

Advancements in optical technology and miniaturization have made sighting systems such as mini red dot sights (MRDS), ruggedized miniature reflex sights (RMR) and micro laser sights practical for use with concealed carry handguns. Red dot sights are effective even in low light conditions or when the shooter’s eye isn’t perfectly aligned with the sight, since they’re virtually parallax free.

Trijicon’s Ruggedized Miniature Reflex Sight is the most common RMR sight in use today. Its MRDS holographic counterparts are made by EOTech, who hold the U.S. patent for holographic weapon sights, including the EOTech MRD000A2. Using either of these, the shooter focuses on the dot rather than lining up the handgun’s front and rear sights. Being parallax free, the reticle stays aligned with the sight, regardless of movement or shifts in eye position

Hinterland Outfitters carries an extensive inventory of red dot scopes for sale online. Prices range from less than $100 to several thousand dollars.

The Best Concealed Carry Pistols

Here are some favorites among Hinterland Outfitters’ extensive concealed carry handgun inventory:

• Known as the “Baby Glock”, the double action 9mm Glock G26 Gen4 semi-automatic has a 3 ¾” barrel and holds 10+1 rounds. Highly accurate, it’s been by far the most popular subcompact semi-automatic handgun since its introduction in 1994.

Glock Model 26 Gen 4 Pistol

• The .40 S&W striker-fired Glock 27 Gen4 is small, powerful and accurate. The Glock 27 has a 3.46” barrel and holds 9+1 rounds. The Glock 27 is the same pistol as the Glcok 26 but chambered in the bigger .40 S&W. The pistol will provide greater stopping power than the G26 but with increased felt recoil and muzzle rise. Some may feel the increased recoil less desirable than the 9mm variant.

Glock Model 27 Gen 4 Pistol

• Another slim frame Glock subcompact is the .45 ACP Model 30. The striker-fired Model 30 has fixed sights, a 3.78” barrel and holds 10+1 rounds. The Glock 30 will give you ultimate stopping power with the hard hitting .45 ACP. Like the Glock 27, some may feel the increased recoil is too much to handle. With that being said, many feel the Glock 30 has less felt recoil than other .45 ACP concealment pistols in its class. This is a great choice for someone wanting a .45 ACP in a small package!

Glock Model 30 Subcompact Gen 4 Pistol

• The .9mm compact Glock Model 19 Gen5 is one of the most popular Glock’s offered. It’s powerful, accurate and easy to shoot. The striker-fired handgun has a 4” barrel and holds 15+1 rounds. The Glock 19 is a compact pistol making it easier to control and shoot but some people may feel its too big to conceal. The Glock is a great choice for a larger individual wanting to conceal or someone concealing in their car, purse or handbag. The Glock 19 is offered in multiple generations, variations and finishes.

Glock Model 19 Gen 5 Pistol

 

• Smith & Wesson small-frame revolvers are perhaps the most popular concealed carry pistols of all time. A classic example is the S&W M&P Body Guard in .38 Special. The five-shot revolver features a short 1.9-inch barrel, which contributes to a compact overall length of 6.6 inches and an empty weight of 14.4 ounces. This revolver also features a Crimson Trace laser making it easy to quickly acquire your target. The Body Guard delivers the optimal combination of accuracy and simplicity for personal protection needs making it a perfect choice for a novice shooter.

Smith & Wesson Bodyguard Pistol

• The Springfield XDM series of compact double action, semi-automatic handguns come in in various calibers, including 9mm, which has a 13+1 round capacity (19+1 with a grip magazine extension) and the .40 S&W, which holds 11+1 Rounds (16+1 with a grip extension magazine). The XDM comes is 3.8” barrel and boasts the same superior ergonomics, reliable performance, and features that make larger XD(M) easy and intuitive to use in a slightly abbreviated package.

Springfield XDM 3.8″ Compact Pistol

• The Walther PPQ M2 Sub-Compact semi-automatic pistol comes in 9mm caliber with a 3.5” barrel and 10+1 round capacity. The PPQ SC provides all the features from the Legendary PPQ line in a smaller package. Accuracy and concealability are perfectly meshed together in this quality self-defense handgun. The PPQ Sub-Compact is extremely comfortable and controllable thanks to the superior ergonomics and customizable fit.

Walther PPQ M2 Sub-Compact Pistol

• Weighing just 10.6 ounces, slightly more than 5” long and 3.71” high, the Ruger LCP II .380 semi-automatic has a 2.75” barrel and 6+1 round magazine. Made in America, the moderately priced LCP II is considered by many to be the best in its class of subcompact concealed carry handguns. (57757)

Ruger LCP II Pistol

• The lightweight 9mm semi-automatic CZ Compact SDP pistol has a 3.7” barrel and Tritium sights for use in low light situations. Its 14+1 round magazine makes it an excellent concealed carry handgun option. The CZ SDP is built and engineered to perfection by the CZ custom shop making it one of the best shooting concealment pistols on the lineup. (55513)

CZ Compact SDP Pistol

• Ruger’s 5 shot, hammerless LCR .357 Remington Magnum is a compact double action only revolver with a 1.875” barrel. The patented friction reducing cam is a next generation design in fire control systems that results in a smooth, non-stacking trigger pull. The lightweight LCR is also available in a .38 Special, .22 WMR, 9mm and 327 Federal. The LCR is a fan favorite and a very popular choice for someone looking to get a concealment revolver.

Ruger LCR Revolver

• Heckler & Koch’s HK VP9 SK is a completely ambidextrous, subcompact 9mm semi-automatic handgun. The VP9 has a 3.39” barrel and will accommodate double stack magazines holding 10 (flat) or 13 (extended) rounds. The eagerly anticipated subcompact model of the acclaimed Heckler & Koch VP Series handgun, VP9SK (in 9 mm) has all of the sought-after characteristics of larger frame VP pistols but in a more concealable design. The highly-rated HK VP precision strike trigger is also found on the VPSK. The VP trigger surpasses those found on competitors. It has a short, light take-up with a solid, single action type break followed by a short positive reset. The net result is trigger quality unmatched in production striker fired pistols. The new HK VP9 is accurate, reliable and beautifully engineered making it a Hinterland favorite.

HK VP9 SK Subcompact Pistol

• The Sig Sauer P238 is a single action, .380 ACP caliber semiautomatic handgun that’s another excellent choice for concealed carry. Weighing less than a pound, the micro compact P238 has a 2.7” barrel, 6+1 round capacity and Siglite night sights. Just a fraction of the size of our full-size pistols, the P238 is a smart looking, small handgun built with the same accuracy and reliability as large frame SIG Sauer pistols. (30267)

Sig Sauer Model P238 Pistol

• The Smith & Wesson Shield M2.0 is one of the most popular concealment pistols on the market with over 1 million being sold. The Shield is a striker-fired semi-automatic handgun with a 1” profile, 3.1” barrel and an overall length of 6.1”. The Shield, which is available in 9mm and .40 ACP calibers, has a 3.1” barrel, 3 dot Tritium night sights and comes with 2 magazines (7+1 flush fit, 8+1 extended fit). The M&P Shield is an easy to conceal pistol that offers professional grade features with simple operation and reliable performance day or night.

Smith & Wesson M&P9 Shield M2.0 Pistol

• The Sig Sauer P320 X-Carry is a 9mm semi-automatic handgun with a 3.9” barrel and 17+1 round magazine capacity. The polymer framed P320 X-Carry has an X Ray3 front sight, and its rear night sight is attached to a plate that can be removed for mounting an RMR optic. Everything about the P320 X-Series is designed to give a fantastic shooting experience.

Sig Sauer P320 X-Carry Pistol

• The P365 Nitron Micro-Compact is Sig Sauer’s newest concealment pistol to hit the market. Introduced in 2018 as a game changing mirco-compact pistol designed everyday carry with a unprecedented 10+1 full-size capacity. The Sig P365 is a striker-fired pistol with a 3.1” barrel chambered for 9mm +P ammunition.

Sig Sauer P365 Nitron Micro-Compact Pistol

• The Bersa Thunder 380 is a double action, .380 ACP caliber semi-automatic pistol. One of the top performing concealed carry firearms available, the lightweight Thunder 380 has 3.5” barrel and a magazine capacity of 8+1 rounds. Best of all, it comes with Bersa’s proven reputation for accuracy and reliability.

Bersa Thunder 380 Plus Pistol

Buy a Concealed Carry Pistol from Hinterland Outfitters

Now that you know something about concealed carry pistols, the next step is to review our How to Buy Firearms Online page, and then contact one of Hinterland Outfitters’ team members who’ll be pleased to answer any questions you might have. Whether you’re looking for a new concealed carry handgun, a holster to hold it or are interested in a red dot sight, you’ll find everything you need at Hinterland Outfitters’ online gun shop.

Concealed Carry FAQ

1. How to conceal carry a full size pistol?
2. What is the best 45 acp pistol for concealed carry?
3. Is 9mm good for concealed carry?
4. Can you conceal carry in  your pocket?
5. Should you carry with a round in the chamber?
6. Do you need a holster to conceal carry?
7. Is a gun in a glove box concealed?
8. Where do you tuck your gun?