Top 5 Handguns for Concealed Carry

Our Teams Top 5 Picks for Best Carry Concealed

Welcome to our blog about the Top 5 Handguns for Concealed Carry!

Carrying a concealed weapon is an important decision that requires careful consideration and planning. Whether you are a seasoned gun owner or a first-time buyer, selecting the right firearm for personal protection can be overwhelming. With so many options available in the market, it’s essential to research and chooses a gun that suits your needs and preferences. This blog will discuss some of the best concealed carry firearms currently available in the market, along with their features, benefits, and drawbacks.

Our goal is to provide you with the information and insights you need to make an informed decision and choose a firearm that will give you confidence and peace of mind when you need it the most. So, let’s dive into our top picks for concealed carry!

Laws Regarding Carry Concealed

Carrying a concealed weapon is a serious responsibility that comes with legal implications. Laws regarding concealed carry vary by state and can be complex and confusing. It’s important for gun owners to understand the laws in their state and to comply with them to avoid legal troubles.

One important consideration is reciprocity, which refers to whether your concealed carry permit is valid in other states. Some states have reciprocity agreements with other states, while others do not. It’s important to research the laws in each state you plan to visit to ensure that you are complying with local laws.

Finally, it’s important to note that the laws regarding concealed carry are constantly changing. It’s a good idea to stay up-to-date on the latest laws and regulations to ensure that you are in compliance and avoid any legal issues.

Considerations for Carrying

Carrying a concealed weapon is a personal choice that requires careful consideration and planning. It’s important to understand that carrying a weapon is a serious responsibility that requires a significant level of commitment and training.

Here are some important considerations to keep in mind before deciding to carry a concealed weapon:

• Training: Carrying a concealed weapon requires proper training to ensure that you can handle and use your weapon safely and effectively. It’s important to invest in a good training program that covers everything from basic firearm safety to advanced shooting techniques.
• Permits: Before you can carry a concealed weapon, you will need to obtain a permit. The requirements for obtaining a permit vary by state, but most states require completion of a training program, a background check, and payment of a fee.
• The Law: It’s important to understand the laws in your state regarding concealed carry. This includes where you are allowed to carry your weapon, how to transport your weapon, and when you are justified in using your weapon.
• Concealment: Carrying a concealed weapon means that your weapon is hidden from view. It’s important to choose the right holster and clothing to ensure that your weapon remains concealed and doesn’t accidentally become exposed.
• Mental Preparedness: Carrying a concealed weapon requires mental preparedness. This means being aware of your surroundings, understanding the risks and consequences of using your weapon, and being mentally prepared to defend yourself if necessary.
• Continued Practice: Carrying a concealed weapon is a serious responsibility that requires continued practice and training. Regular practice at the range and ongoing training will help you maintain your skills and confidence.

By investing in proper training, understanding the law, choosing the right equipment, and being mentally prepared, you can ensure that you are carrying your weapon safely and responsibly.

Features of a Carry Concealed Handgun

When it comes to choosing a handgun for concealed carry, there are a variety of features to consider. Here are some of the top features to look for in a carry concealed handgun:

• Size: A carry concealed handgun should be compact and lightweight, making it easy to conceal and carry for extended periods of time.
• Caliber: The caliber of the handgun should be powerful enough to provide effective self-defense, but not so powerful that it is difficult to control. Popular calibers for carry concealed handguns include 9mm, .380 ACP, and .45 ACP.
• Reliability: A carry concealed handgun should be reliable and able to function without fail. This is especially important in a self-defense situation where every second counts.
• Capacity: The capacity of the handgun refers to the number of rounds it can hold. A higher capacity allows for more rounds to be fired before needing to reload, which can be important in a self-defense situation.
• Sights: The sights on a carry concealed handgun should be easy to see and accurate. This is especially important in low-light situations where visibility may be limited.
• Trigger: The trigger on a carry concealed handgun should be smooth and easy to pull. A heavy or stiff trigger can make it difficult to accurately shoot the weapon.
• Ergonomics: The handgun should feel comfortable and natural in the shooter’s hand. The grip should provide a secure and firm hold without being too bulky or uncomfortable.
• Concealment: The handgun should be easy to conceal, either with a holster or with clothing. This may require a specific design or shape of the handgun that is easier to conceal.

By choosing a handgun that is compact, reliable, easy to shoot, and easy to conceal, you can ensure that you are prepared to defend yourself in a self-defense situation.

Carry Concealed Budget Consideration’s

As a responsible gun owner, the decision to carry a concealed firearm for personal protection is not one to be taken lightly. It requires careful consideration and preparation, both in terms of training and equipment. One aspect that should not be overlooked is the budget considerations when purchasing a carry concealed firearm.

While it may be tempting to opt for a lower-priced firearm, the old adage “you get what you pay for” should be taken seriously. If you are using a firearm to protect yourself, it should be the best you can afford. The quality of a firearm directly affects its reliability, accuracy, and safety, all of which are critical factors when it comes to protecting yourself and your loved ones.

Budgeting for ongoing Concealed Carry costs

When considering a budget for a carry concealed firearm, it’s important to remember that this is not a purchase that you want to skimp on. It’s not just about the initial cost of the firearm, but also the ongoing cost of training, maintenance, and ammunition. While a higher-priced firearm may require a larger initial investment, it can save you money in the long run by providing a more reliable and accurate option.

Additionally, a higher-priced firearm often comes with added features and benefits that can make a significant difference in a self-defense situation. These features may include better sights, a smoother trigger, or a higher capacity magazine. Investing in a firearm with these features can give you a significant advantage in a life or death situation.

While budget considerations are important when purchasing a carry concealed firearm, they should not be the only factor considered.

Our Top Picks for Carrying Concealed

#5 CZ P-10 C

The CZ P-10 C is considered a top concealed carry gun for several reasons. Here are some of them:

The CZ P-10 C is a relatively compact and lightweight pistol, which makes it comfortable to carry all day long. It is also has smooth and rounded edges, which prevents it from printing through clothing and makes it easy to conceal. The P-10 C has an ergonomic design with a comfortable grip that fits a wide range of hand sizes. It also has aggressive stippling on the grip, which provides a secure and non-slip grip.

CZ’s reputation for reliability and accuracy lives on in the P-10 C. It has a low bore axis, which helps to reduce recoil and improve accuracy. It also has a crisp trigger with a short reset, allowing quick and accurate follow-up shots.

It’s modular design allows for easy customization and upgrades. It has a swappable backstrap and a reversible magazine release, which makes it easy to tailor the gun to the shooter’s preferences.

The CZ P-10 C is one of the highest capacity handguns on this list, with the lowest MSRP of $399.This makes it an attractive option for budget-conscious shooters who still want a reliable and accurate handgun for self-defense.

#4 Smith and Wesson M&P Shield Compact

The Smith and Wesson M&P Shield Compact is our number 4 pick.

The M&P Shield Compact is small and lightweight, making it easy to conceal. It has a slim profile and grips, and is equally suited for men’s and woman’s hands. It has a short barrel length of 3.1 inches, which allows it to fit in a pocket or concealed holster. In addition, the M&P Shield Compact is a reliable and durable firearm.

Despite its small size, the M&P Shield Compact has a respectable magazine capacity for a single-stack handgun, with a standard magazine capacity of 7+1 or 8+1 rounds of 9mm. It is also chambered in .380.

The M&P Shield Compact has a wide range of aftermarket accessories, making it easy to customize the gun to your preferences. This includes sights, triggers, grips, and more.

The Smith and Wesson M&P Shield Compact is a great concealed carry option. It comes in at an MSRP of $512.00 which is competitive in the space for this quality of handgun.

#3 FN 509® Compact MRD BLK

The FN 509® Compact comes in at a higher price but offers a lot to like.

There’s a lot to like about the FN 509 Compact. First, it is a compact and lightweight gun, which makes it easy to carry and conceal. The barrel is only 3.7 inches long, and the gun weighs around 25 ounces, making it one of the lightest guns in its class.

The FN 509 compact has a great trigger and excellent sights, making it very accurate and easy to shoot.

It has a low bore axis, which helps with recoil control. And it’s renowned for functioning reliably even in adverse conditions. It has passed rigorous testing and is used by military and law enforcement agencies worldwide.

The gun has a modular design, which allows you to customize it to fit your needs .For example, you can swap out the backstraps and grip panels to adjust the grip size and shape and add accessories such as lights and lasers.

At an MSRP of $754, you pay for all the FN 509® Compact offers, but it’s money well spent!

#2 Springfield Hellcat

The Springfield Hellcat rounds out our list of concealed-carry favorites in spot 2.

The Hellcat is compact, with a barrel length of 3 inches and an overall length of 6 inches. As a result, it comes in as one of the smallest concealed carries on the list.

Despite its compact size, the Hellcat has a high-capacity magazine, with an 11+1 capacity for the standard magazine and a 13+1 capacity for the extended magazine.

It features such as an adaptive grip texture and a loaded chamber indicator to help ensure the gun functions properly.

One of the many features of the Hellcat is its sights. It has high-visibility tritium, luminescent front, and bright white u-shaped rear sight, making it easy to aim and shoot accurately, even in low-light situations.

The Hellcat has a smooth and consistent trigger pull and offers a reverse mag release for lefties.

A variety of accessories are available for the Hellcat, including holsters, magazines, sights, lasers, and lights, making it easier to customize and optimize the gun for individual preferences.

MSRP on the HELLCAT varies based on features but starts at $633. We had a long debate on whether it merited position two or should it have flip-flopped with the FN. They are both dam good guns, but the lower price point and smaller size with comparable magazine capacity gave it the edge over the FN. Although not a significant consideration the sights also edged out the FN.

Honorable Mentions

• Glock 43X
• Ruger LCP II
• Glock 19
• Sig Sauer P365
• Walther PPS M2
• PSA Dagger Compact

Our #1 Carry Concealed Choice

The Kimber MICRO 9 was our number 1 pick! This choice is not one that will fit everyone’s needs. There is a lot to love about this handgun, but it may be a deal breaker for someone who has insights into magazine capacity as a deal breaker. The Micro 9 has a capacity of up to 7 rounds, which will suit you if you prioritize a smaller size and weight over a larger capacity.

Looking at the criteria we listed earlier, here’s how the Micro9 stacks up.

The Kimber MICRO 9 Report Card

• Size: A+- All 5 guns on this list are a great size for concealed carry.
• Caliber: A+- We consider any of these calibers 9mm, .380 ACP, and .45 ACP an A+.
• Reliability: A+- Again, all 5 of these handguns are renowned for reliability.
• Capacity: B- The Micro 9 loses points here, but given its accuracy and how well it performs on the range it is a trade we felt it was worth it.
• Sights: A+- The MICRO 9 outperforms the other 5 with factory sights.
• Trigger: B+- The Kimber trigger feels excellent, with little travel to break, crisp, clean break, and fast reset. On the gauge, the trigger comes in at 5 pounds, although pulling it, you wouldn’t guess it.
• Ergonomics: A+- Unilaterally our team felt the MICRO 9 felt the best in the hand of all our top 5.
• Concealment: A+- The MICRO 9 is one of the easiest on the list to conceal.

We hoped this helped!

Congratulations on your decision to research concealed carry or buying your first handgun. It’s important to consider the emotional and psychological cost of carrying a firearm for self-defense. This is a responsibility that should not be taken lightly, and it requires significant mental and emotional preparation. Investing in a high-quality firearm can provide peace of mind and confidence in your ability to protect yourself and your loved ones.

Concealed Carry FAQs