The 5 Best Concealed Carry Pistols

When it comes to concealed carry, there are certain factors that are universally wanted in a pistol. Reliability under pressure, accuracy, and stopping power are essential, but you also want something that’s easy to carry and conceal for hours while being easy to draw from your holster.

Ruger Security-9: Most Dependable Pistol

Starting the list is a solid name in firearms: Ruger. Like the Sig Sauer, it’s a toss-up of preference between 2 pistols but the Security-9 is 9mm perfection for concealed carry. The performance brings consistent groupings inside of 25 yards, but it’s accurate up to 50.

That should give you an idea of how dependable the Security-9 is for self- and home-defense, because you’ll be a lot closer in those situations. You also won’t have to worry about it getting caught on the holster or anything because the release and slide lock are filed down to be slim.

An issue with some concealed carry firearms is the recoil, because a lot of them sacrifice size and the frame can’t handle the caliber, but the Security-9 feels like most 9mm pistols. It’s got reasonable kickback that won’t affect accuracy with practice at the range.

Another important factor is weight, but the Security 9’s lightweight design is comparable to a Glock or other compact handgun. One of the best parts about the Security-9 is that you can get this 15-round pistol for less than $300, so it’s a great choice for anyone!

Of course, if you’re looking for a little bigger option from Ruger you might go after the SR1911. It’s their iteration of the Colt .45 and packs a lot of stopping power into a 7-round magazine, but it’s definitely louder than most of the others on this list as a result.

It’s a good option if you have bigger hands and is another popular choice among concealed carriers. The lack of external features design was kept for the SR1911, too, so Ruger has 2 good options for your needs. Just remember to wear ear protection.

Springfield Armory XDM Compact: Safest Pistol

One of the best handguns for concealed carry purposes, this Compact from Springfield Armory’s XD line is one of the safest pistols available. Having multiple safety mechanisms in place and even a firing pin block, the XDM Compact is great for beginner shooters as well as veterans.

It’s got minimal recoil due to the hefty slide that has a Picatinny rail for a small optic to be mounted. If the safeties weren’t enough, there’s also an indicator to let you know when there’s a round in the chamber.

Speaking of that, you can find the XDM chambered in 9mm or .40 all the way to .45 ACP  so you have caliber options. Obviously the latter has more recoil than the smaller rounds, but it’s always nice to have choices.

As far as that goes, if you still want a concealed carry pistol with a bigger grip, you might be interested in Springfield Armory’s XDM 3.8. It’s a full-size 9mm that’s still easy to carry in a holster.

Glock 19 ( & Other Sub-Compact Variants ): Most Popular Pistol

While Glocks are sometimes considered “blocky,” it’s undeniable how efficient their firearms are. They’ve been known to go through any climate imaginable and still fire without issue, which means they’re reliable in rain, sand, snow, or mud.

The reason that one caliber model wasn’t specified is because Glock has so many options for a sub-compact, such as 9mm, 10mm, and .40 S&W all the way to .45 ACP and .357 SIG. Because of the manufacturer’s results, all of these make great concealed carry weapons.

It’s just a matter of preference, with heavier calibers having more recoil and typically fewer rounds in the magazine. They’re all accurate, lightweight, and reliable, which makes them all perfect for self-defense situations. There’s a reason that police and military love to use Glocks & Glock holsters.

The Sub-Compact Glock is smaller and, therefore, extremely easy to wear in a holster under your shirt or jacket. However, if you’re more in the market for a full-size, the Glock 17 is widely-recognized as one of the top contenders for concealing.

It’s multi-purpose, from concealed carry to target shooting, and ambidextrous so any shooter can feel comfortable firing the pistol. It holds 17 rounds in the magazine, too, which gives you plenty of ammunition to defend yourself or your home with.

Sig Sauer P365: Most Compact Pistol

The micro-compact design of the P365’s frame makes this 9mm pistol perfect for concealed carrying. It’s only 1” wide, less than 6 inches long from rear sight to barrel, and barely weighs over a pound, so you can comfortably wear it in a holster for long periods without even noticing.

Surprisingly, it holds 12 rounds in the clip and comes with 2 additional magazines to sweeten the deal. If that’s not good enough, it also comes with some of the best day/night sights on the market to help with fast target acquisition in almost any situation.

A small rail is the perfect place to add a flashlight or dot laser for the only situation the P365’s built-in tritium sights, or any sights for that matter, wouldn’t be as helpful: Pitch darkness. The only external features are the mag release and a slide lock, so it’s a smooth draw for holsters.

To help combat recoil in the small frame, the grip of this Sig Sauer is textured to help with handling and to keep your hand in place. You won’t have to worry about it slipping with your quick follow-up shots, which are easy because of the fast reset and accuracy.

As if all of that wasn’t enough to make the P365 stand out among concealed carry pistols, when you’re done shooting you won’t need any tools to disassemble and clean your handgun. However, if you prefer a full-size Sig Sauer you might prefer the equally-admirable P320 Legion.

Also in 9mm and coming with 2 extra magazines, the Sig Sauer P320 X-Five Legion offers the same kind of accuracy and reliability as the P365 but in a full-size frame. Whichever Sig you prefer, the name carries weight that you can count on in a self-defense situation.

Smith & Wesson M&P9 Shield M2.0: Best Pistol For Its Price

Easily one of the best deals out there, the M&P9 Shield is one of the most-popular choices for concealed carriers. It’s a cheaper option to buy just to have an extra pistol in case things go south without sacrificing quality or reliability.

First and foremost, it’s part of a kit that comes with a knife and a flashlight. Since these are essential survival tools, they’re a convincing argument by themselves. However, the M&P9 is nothing to scoff at.

Giving consistent groupings inside of 25 yards, this full-size pistol has some good stopping power with 9mm rounds. The Shield isn’t known to misfire or jam and, despite the full-size frame, it’s easy to conceal and lightweight enough to walk around with.

An extended bonus is the fact that you can easily find customizing options, so the Shield is definitely one to look at for your concealed carry needs. The M&P9, and every other pistol here, are long-lasting and hit every mark that you could want out of a concealed carry pistol.

Frequently Asked Questions: Best CCW Pistol

How to Conceal Carry a Full-Size Pistol?

Carrying a full-size pistol concealed can be a bit of a challenge due to its size, but it's not impossible. Here are some steps to follow. Choose the right holster, Position the holster correctly, Choose the right clothing, and Practice with the pistol & chosen holster. You can learn more about this topic in our blog: How to wear an IWB holster.

What is The Best Concealed Carry Pistol?

The "best" concealed carry pistol can be subjective and depends on individual preference, hand size, comfort, and the legal constraints in your area. However our article above would give you an idea. We chose S&W M&P9 Shield M2.0, Glock 19, Sig Sauer P365, Springfield Armory XDm & Ruger Security 9 as the best ones.

What is the Best CZ Pistol For Concealed Carry?

CZ, or Česká zbrojovka, produces a variety of high-quality firearms. Some of the more popular models for concealed carry include CZ 75 Compact, CZ P-01, CZ P-07 & CZ 2075 RAMI.

Final Thoughts

Remember, the "best" firearm is subjective and depends on an individual's comfort, ability, and specific needs. Always be sure to handle and ideally fire a handgun before purchasing it for something as important as concealed carry. Always follow local laws and regulations related to firearm use and concealed carry, and ensure you regularly train with the handgun of your choice.