When it comes to choosing a concealed carry pistol, there are numerous options available on the market, each with its own unique features and benefits. Whether you're a seasoned gun enthusiast or a newcomer to the world of concealed carry, selecting the right pistol can be a daunting task. In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore the top 15 concealed carry pistols, helping you make an informed decision based on your specific needs and preferences.
1. Glock 19
The Glock 19 is a popular choice for concealed carry due to its compact size and reliable performance. It offers a comfortable grip and excellent accuracy, making it suitable for both self-defense and target shooting. With a capacity of 15+1 rounds, it provides ample firepower in critical situations.
2. Smith & Wesson M&P Shield
The Smith & Wesson M&P Shield is known for its slim profile and lightweight design, making it an ideal choice for concealed carry. It comes in various calibers and offers a crisp trigger pull, ensuring accurate and controlled shooting. The M&P Shield also features an easy-to-rack slide and a comfortable grip texture.
3. Springfield Armory XD-S
The Springfield Armory XD-S is a single-stack pistol with a slim profile, making it perfect for concealed carry. It boasts a durable polymer frame and a reliable striker-fired action. With a capacity of 7+1 rounds, it provides sufficient firepower for personal protection. The XD-S also features an ambidextrous thumb safety and an ergonomic grip.
4. SIG Sauer P365
The SIG Sauer P365 has taken the concealed carry world by storm with its impressive concealability and high capacity. Despite its compact size, it offers a capacity of 10+1 rounds, making it a formidable choice for self-defense. The P365 features a comfortable grip, a short and crisp trigger pull, and a reliable striker-fired action.
5. Ruger LCP II
The Ruger LCP II is a lightweight and affordable option for concealed carry. It is chambered in .380 ACP and offers a capacity of 6+1 rounds. The LCP II features an improved trigger pull and a grip-mounted laser, enhancing accuracy and ease of use. Its slim profile makes it easy to conceal, and its reliability has earned it a solid reputation.
6. Beretta Nano
The Beretta Nano is a compact pistol designed for concealed carry. It boasts a polymer frame and a unique barrel design, providing excellent accuracy. With a capacity of 6+1 rounds, it offers sufficient firepower for personal protection. The Nano’s slim profile and ambidextrous controls make it comfortable to carry and operate.
7. Walther CCP
The Walther CCP is a striker-fired pistol with a unique design. It features a polymer frame and a reversible magazine release, catering to both left- and right-handed shooters. With a capacity of 10+1 rounds, it offers ample ammunition for self-defense. The CCP has a smooth trigger pull and an ergonomic grip, ensuring a comfortable shooting experience.
8. Ruger LC9s Pro
The Ruger LC9s Pro is a compact and lightweight pistol, perfect for concealed carry. It offers a capacity of 7+1 rounds and features a smooth, short trigger pull. The LC9s Pro has a durable stainless steel construction and an ambidextrous manual safety, providing an added layer of security. Its slim profile and comfortable grip make it an excellent choice for everyday carry.
9. Springfield Armory Hellcat
The Springfield Armory Hellcat is a relatively new addition to the concealed carry market, but it has quickly gained popularity. It boasts an impressive capacity of 11+1 rounds, making it one of the highest-capacity micro-compacts available. The Hellcat features a comfortable grip, a reliable striker-fired action, and an easy-to-rack slide. Its slim profile and lightweight design make it an ideal choice for concealed carry.
10. SIG Sauer P238
The SIG Sauer P238 is a compact and stylish pistol, perfect for concealed carry. Chambered in .380 ACP, it offers a capacity of 6+1 rounds. The P238 features a single-action trigger and a sleek design. Its short and crisp trigger pull provides accurate shooting, and its ergonomic grip ensures a comfortable hold.
11. Colt Mustang XSP
The Colt Mustang XSP is a lightweight and compact pistol, inspired by the classic Colt Mustang. It is chambered in .380 ACP and offers a capacity of 6+1 rounds. The Mustang XSP features a polymer frame, a short and smooth trigger pull, and an ambidextrous manual safety. Its slim profile and comfortable grip make it an excellent choice for concealed carry.
12. Kimber Micro 9
The Kimber Micro 9 is a sleek and stylish pistol, designed for concealed carry. It boasts a stainless steel slide and a polymer frame, providing a durable and reliable platform. With a capacity of 7+1 rounds, it offers sufficient firepower. The Micro 9 features a short and crisp trigger pull, an ambidextrous thumb safety, and an ergonomic grip, ensuring a comfortable shooting experience.
13. CZ P-10C
The CZ P-10C is a striker-fired pistol known for its exceptional accuracy and reliability. It offers a capacity of 15+1 rounds, making it suitable for both concealed carry and competitive shooting. The P-10C features a durable polymer frame, an ambidextrous magazine release, and an ergonomic grip. Its crisp trigger pull and excellent trigger reset make it a top choice for shooters.
14. FN Five-seveN
The FN Five-seveN is a unique pistol, chambered in the proprietary 5.7x28mm cartridge. It offers a capacity of 20+1 rounds, providing excellent firepower for self-defense. The Five-seveN features a polymer frame, a comfortable grip, and a smooth trigger pull. Its compact size and powerful ammunition make it a popular choice for concealed carry.
15. Walther PPS M2
The Walther PPS M2 is a slim and lightweight pistol, designed for concealed carry. It offers a capacity of 6+1 rounds and features a striker-fired action. The PPS M2 has an ergonomic grip, an ambidextrous magazine release, and a smooth trigger pull. Its slim profile and reliable performance make it a top choice for personal protection.
Comparison Table
| Pistol | Caliber | Capacity | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Glock 19 | 9mm | 15+1 | Compact, reliable, accurate |
| Smith & Wesson M&P Shield | 9mm, .40 S&W, .357 SIG | 8+1, 7+1, 6+1 | Slim, lightweight, crisp trigger |
| Springfield Armory XD-S | 9mm, .45 ACP | 7+1, 5+1 | Single-stack, ambidextrous safety, ergonomic grip |
| SIG Sauer P365 | 9mm | 10+1 | Compact, high capacity, comfortable grip |
| Ruger LCP II | .380 ACP | 6+1 | Lightweight, grip-mounted laser, improved trigger |
| Beretta Nano | 9mm, .40 S&W | 6+1, 7+1 | Compact, accurate, ambidextrous controls |
| Walther CCP | 9mm | 10+1 | Reversible magazine release, smooth trigger, ergonomic grip |
| Ruger LC9s Pro | 9mm | 7+1 | Compact, lightweight, ambidextrous safety |
| Springfield Armory Hellcat | 9mm | 11+1 | High capacity, slim profile, easy-to-rack slide |
| SIG Sauer P238 | .380 ACP | 6+1 | Compact, single-action trigger, comfortable grip |
| Colt Mustang XSP | .380 ACP | 6+1 | Lightweight, ambidextrous safety, short trigger pull |
| Kimber Micro 9 | 9mm | 7+1 | Sleek design, ambidextrous safety, ergonomic grip |
| CZ P-10C | 9mm | 15+1 | Exceptional accuracy, durable polymer frame, ambidextrous controls |
| FN Five-seveN | 5.7x28mm | 20+1 | Unique cartridge, high capacity, comfortable grip |
| Walther PPS M2 | 9mm | 6+1 | Slim, lightweight, ambidextrous magazine release |
Choosing the Right Concealed Carry Pistol
When selecting a concealed carry pistol, consider your specific needs and preferences. Factors such as caliber, capacity, size, and ergonomics play a crucial role. It’s essential to find a balance between concealability, firepower, and ease of use. Visit your local gun store or range to handle and test-fire different pistols to find the one that suits you best.
Conclusion
In this guide, we’ve explored the top 15 concealed carry pistols, highlighting their unique features and benefits. From compact and lightweight options to high-capacity and reliable choices, there’s a pistol to suit every concealed carry enthusiast. Remember to research, test, and choose a pistol that aligns with your needs and ensures your personal safety.
What is the most popular concealed carry pistol?
+The Glock 19 is widely considered one of the most popular concealed carry pistols due to its compact size, reliability, and accuracy.
What caliber is best for concealed carry?
+9mm is a popular choice for concealed carry as it offers a good balance between stopping power and manageable recoil.
How many rounds should a concealed carry pistol have?
+The capacity of a concealed carry pistol can vary, but a capacity of 6+1 to 15+1 rounds is common and provides sufficient firepower for self-defense.
What are the benefits of a striker-fired pistol for concealed carry?
+Striker-fired pistols often offer a smoother trigger pull and a shorter reset, providing a more consistent shooting experience.
Are there any concealed carry pistols with laser sights?
+Yes, some concealed carry pistols, like the Ruger LCP II, feature grip-mounted lasers to enhance accuracy and ease of use.
