Best Concealed Carry Guns: [Field-Tested]

This is a question I get all the time – what is the best concealed carry gun? And I understand – this is a very important question because it really depends on things like how you intend to carry it, what your preferences are and even your desired caliber.

Now that being said, there truly are certain handguns that are a cut above the rest in different categories. Therefore, to best answer the question of what is the top concealed carry gun, I’ll break down my personal favorites, as well as those that I think are the best in certain categories like best compact, full size, revolver as so forth.

However, before we jump right to that list, I want to take a second to go over what makes a gun a good concealed carry gun, and then some of the different category of concealed carry handguns, and some of their pros and cons. This way, you can start by deciding which type of concealed carry you would like, and can jump to that particular gun.

However, if you already know what type you are looking for, and just want to get to the list, then you can jump straight to our Best Concealed Carry Gun list, Click here!

Types of Concealed Carry Guns 

The entire purpose of a concealed carry gun (also called a CCW gun) is to ensure that you can not only effectively use it if you have to, but also be able to carry it on your persons and ensure that other people can’t see it.

It is for this reason, that one person’s preferred CCW gun can be different than another’s.

Handguns come in a wide variety of sizes, and obviously, the smaller the gun is, the easier the gun can be to conceal. However, on the inverse, a smaller compact handgun can be tougher to shoot. The larger a firearm is, the more control you can exert over the gun, and most people shoot more accurately with a larger gun. 

It’s very much a give-and-take scenario. Let’s cover some of the more popular sizes of firearms that meet concealed carry level so you have an idea of what to look for. 

Pocket Pistol: Pocket pistols and mouse guns are the smallest of firearms. As the name implies, a pocket pistol is small enough to fit in your pocket. These firearms are often 380 ACP and below, but a tiny 9mm occasionally pops up. Pocket pistols are weapons of convenience and are often tough to shoot accurately for new shooters.  Example – Ruger LCP 2; you can find a full rundown in our dedicated 380 pistol article.

Micro Compact: Micro compacts are a new genre of size, and they blend a small pistol with a 3 to 4-inch barrel with a relatively high capacity for the size. Typically these guns are too big for the pocket but suitable for IWB, OWB, and AIWB carry. These are almost universally 9mm guns. Example – Sig p365

Single Stack Compact: The single stack compact is a very thin firearm with a single stack, limited capacity magazine, and a barrel length between 3 and 4 inches. Although they’ve become dated in the face of the Micro Compact, they are still quite popular. They often come in 9mm and 40 S&W, with the occasional 45 ACP variant. Example – Glock 43. Note: single-stack pistols are becoming ever more ubiquitous. They are so prevalent, in fact, that we have a separate article dedicated strictly to them.

Snub Nose: Snub nose is a term that applies to small revolvers. Smith and Wesson call these J-frames, and they are known for being compact and powerful. Calibers made from .22 LR to 357 Magnum. These guns feature barrels typically 2 inches or shorter and pack 5 to 6 rounds of ammunition. Example Ruger LCR. Note: As with the single-stack options, we have a dedicated comparison of wheelguns in a different article.

Subcompact: Subcompact pistols are often double-stack pistols with a short frame and barrel of roughly 3 to 3.5 inches. They come in 9mm, 40 S&W, and 45 ACP, most commonly. These guns have fallen out of favor in the face of single stacks and micro compacts but remain for sale widely. Example – Glock 26.

Compact: Compact pistols have a deceitful name as most feature a barrel near 4 inches long and have been a choice for police forces. They are smaller than full size and, for many, are just right for concealed carry and home defense. Calibers include 9mm, 40 S&W, 45 ACP, 10mm, and more. Example – Glock 19. 

Full Size: Full-size firearms often have barrel lengths ranging from 4 to 4.5 inches, with some like the 1911 reaching the 5-inch mark. These firearms are not the most popular for concealment, but some hard-chargers prefer the advantage size offers. 

Now, there are other types out there, however, these are generally the categories we feel best represent the purpose of a concealed carry gun – or at least could be argued as one. So, as you can see, there really are different types, and this makes the question of what is the best concealed cary gun specific to your needs and preferences.

Because of this, we’ve instead listed the best concealed carry guns by category instead of a ranking.

List of the Best CCW Guns

Okay, so now that we understand the types of concealed carry guns, and what makes it a good one, let’s jump into our list of the top concealed carry guns on the market and the category they receive:

Best Concealed Carry Guns

Editor’s Choice SIG P365		Excellent Size to Capacity Ratio Optics Ready options Various Capacity Magazines	See Lowest Price
Best Premium H&K VP9sk		Multiple grip options Excellent crisp trigger Excellent Ergonomics	Check Lowest Price
Best Large CCW CZ P10C		Compact Sized Firearm Optics Ready Options Easy To Control	See Lowest Price
Best Revolver Ruger LCR		Polymer Frame Revolver Multiple Caliber Options Exposed or Enclosed Hammer Options	See Lowest Price
Best Pocket Pistol LCP Max		Pocket Pistol Design Single Action Trigger Upgrade version of the LCP 2	See Lowest Price
Best Optics Ready Hellcat OSP		Optics Ready Micro Compact 9mm Outstanding Sights	See Lowest Price
Best Classic CCW Glock 19		Classic Compact Pistol Easy to Accessorize and Find Holsters For Glock Brand Glock Reliability	See Lowest Price
Best for Rural Carry Glock 20		Full Size 10mm Powerful, but Controllable Versatile	See Lowest Price
Best for Women S&W Shield EZ 9mm		Powerful Affordable Reliable	See Lowest Price

Best CCW Guns Compared Side-By-Side

Below we’ve lined up our best of list, so we can compare the individual specs as we look at these side-by-side.

Best Concealed Carry Guns

The best concealed carry gun on the market broken down by category are:

• SIG P365 – Editor’s Choice
• H&K VP9sk – Premium Choice
• CZ P10C – Best Large Size for a CCW
• Ruger LCR – The Best Revolver
• LCP Max – Best Pocket Pistol
• Springfield Armory Hellcat OSP – Best Optics Ready
• Glock 19 – Best Budget
• Glock 20 – Best for Rural Carrier
• S&W Shield EZ 9mm – Best for Women

Review of the Top Concealed Carry Handguns

In the above tables, I quickly listed what I think are the best guns for concealing. Since I’ve shot them all, in the below section I’m going to give you a quick synopsis on my thoughts, the grades they received and even other CCW guns people might think should fit in that category. If you’d like to learn more about a specific gun, I usually put a link to my full review on the gun in that section as well. So, be sure to keep a lookout for those as well.

SIG P365 Review

I’m giving this the editor’s choice award because I think this is the best overall concealed carry gun on the market. When Sig first came out with it, I thought it looked like a single stack subcompact 9mm pistol and it even had the dimensions to match. However, it packed 10 rounds instead of six or seven. 

Therefore, with the slim and small design, plus the 10 rounds (later, the Sig p365XL added even more rounds), this truly is a concealed carry pistol that has enough rounds but a small frame so as to be effective and efficient at concealing.

However, what really makes this stand out though is the ergonomics. Usually for a smaller pistol, you lose ergonomics and have something that feels really small in your hands. However, I think Sig knocked this out of the park with their design. With the ten-round magazine, you could fit your entire hand on the gun without a hanging pinky. Plus, a little beavertail keeps your hand from getting slide bite, something common with small firearms. 

The P365 also comes with a fantastic front and rear sight, a great trigger, and the option for 10 and 12 round magazines. The P365 line extended to include the larger P365 XL, the P365 Spectre Comp, the P365 SAS and other variations of the line. Any of these firearms make a great carry gun. It’s perfectly sized for most shooters and provides a fair bit of firepower with its small size. 

Now, some might argue about that the Springfield Hellcat should take this spot, if I’m such a big fan of the Sig. Well, we did a side-by-side comparison of the two guns, and based on the pricing being about the same, but there being some deficiencies in the Hellcat, the p365 won.

To learn more about the p365, you can read my full review here.

SIG P365 Pros and Cons

SIG P365 Deals

H&K VP9sk Review

The HK VP9sk, the subcompact version of the popular HK VP, gets second place on this list and the category of best highend concealed carry gun because of its amazing reliability, and incredible ergonomics. As a matter of fact, I believe the H&K VP9sk has some of the greatest ergonomics for a concealed carry pistol. One of the things I enjoy most about this weapon is that it comes with a variety of interchangeable grip panels. Now I can personalize the perfect grip for my hand.

However, one of the things that is a bit of a drawback on this is that the VP9sk is a little thicker than a gun like the Sig p365. Therefore, it is not the smallest option you can get and doesn’t ride as comfortably as an appendix carry. However, I still don’t feel as though the size of the VP9sk is that much of a deal breaker, and it is still comfortable. I think the size is just right and coupled with the grips, I personally handle this model better than I do other smaller sized CCW firearms. 

As for dependability, I’ve fired at least 1000 rounds and haven’t had any problems. I’ve fired 9mm ammo of various types, and as of yet there has been no problem or any malfunctions, and has given me great accuracy.

This product is impressive because it has a lot of features and it is backed by a good reputation. I have used this product in many different situations and it has never let me down.

One of the biggest issues for most though is its pricing. Like I mentioned above, this is probably one of the more expensive options out there. However, you are getting quality and reliability. As you’ll see in my full review of the HK VP9sk, it’s well worth that price.

H&K VP9sk Pros and Cons

H&K VP9sk Deals

CZ P10C Review

When it comes to slightly larger option for a concealed carry handgun, one of my favorites for this is the CZ P10C.

Sure, it’s larger and thus not as easy to conceal, however, carrying a ‘compact’ firearm isn’t that difficult with the right combination of holster and belt. The CZ P10 C is a compact firearm that’s I believe is one of the best on the market. The Glock 19 long ruled this seat, but I feel as though Glock has fallen behind lately. 

The P10C packs 15 rounds of 9mm, a compact size, a polymer frame, and a striker-fired design. It sounds basic but packs several features that make it a step above the rest. First, the flat-faced trigger is smooth and exceptionally well done. The grip is very aggressive and will cling to your hand. 

A trigger guard undercut and a high beavertail makes the gun very easy to get a high comfortable grip to control the weapon better. This is one of the few guns that features a slide lock that’s not easily pinned down with a thumb’s forward grip. Plus, it comes with metal sights. It just does everything the Glock 19 can do but does it a bit better. 

Basically, when it comes down to it, this slightly larger gun gives you better control, and comes with some premium features. Just remember, it will not be as slim as the p365 and is even larger than the H&K VP9sk.

So, in the end, if you don’t mind a little extra size, then the CZ P10C has your back. 

CZ P10C Pros and Cons 

CZ P10C Deals

Ruger LCR Review

Revolvers aren’t dead. As much as we all know and love the old automatic pistol, the revolver still holds a special place in our American hearts. Picking one ‘snub’ nose is tough, but I think the Ruger LCR offers the most bang for your buck. You can get it in 22 LR, 22 WMR, 327 Magnum, 38 Special, 357 Magnum, and even 9mm. 

This polymer-infused revolver keeps things light and stubby. The trigger, I think, is an absolute dream and likely the best stock revolver trigger on the market. It’s wonderfully smooth. The LCRx offers shooters an exposed hammer should they want it, and the standard encloses the hammer for a snag-free design – which is important for concealed carry purposes.

I feel as though most LCRs are pretty affordable, with a bit of a premium attached to the 9mm model. This little snub nose gives you an extremely reliable weapon that packs a big punch in a small size. If you insist on a .22 LR or 22 Magnum for concealed carry gun, this is the one I’d carry. Heck, if you want a wheel gun, I don’t think you can find a more practical option that’s also lightweight, with a great trigger pull. 

If you’d like to learn more about the LCR, you can check out my full review of it here. It is a focus on the 9mm version, however, if you’re looking for a different caliber, this review should still help.

Now, perhaps you like the idea of a revolver, but the Ruger LCR isn’t floating your boat? No problem. I also wrote an article listing the best revolvers out there. Just keep in mind that you’re best served going after snub nose revolver for concealed carry purposes.

Ruger LCR Pros and Cons

Ruger LCR Deals

LCP Max Review

Pocket pistols champion convenience, and sometimes you just don’t want to strap on that big mohaska. Sometimes the way you dress doesn’t allow it. A good pocket pistol with a pocket holster is tough to beat.

So, what is the best pocket pistol for CCW? I think the Ruger LCP is it. The Ruger LCP Max took the standard LCP 2 and upped the firepower to ten. Yep, this little pocket pistol packs ten rounds of 380 ACP on tap in a flush-fitting magazine. 

If 10 isn’t enough, Ruger produces a slightly extended 12 round magazine so you can pack a punch. The trigger is an impressive design. It’s not the lightest, but ultimately, not the worst I’ve seen in an LCP. The original LCP’s DAO trigger was much worse. This seven-pound fella is crisp and far from tough to pull. 

Even with the amped-up capacity, the Ruger LCP Max remains a fantastic option for a pocket pistol. It might be a hair wider, but the + 4 rounds are well worth it. It still squeezes with ease into a pocket and provides a comfortable concealment option in both board shorts and tuxedos. Make sure you get plenty of practice, though, because little 380 ACP are a literal handful. 

If, however, you like the idea of a pocket pistol, but you aren’t a fan of the LCP max, no worries because I also did an article on my favorite pocket pistols. Just remember that for the concealing, there are certain elements you need to keep in mind. On the other hand, if you are looking for the best 380 ACP instead, you can check this out. There are some good options out there.

LCP Max Pros and Cons

LCP Max Deals

Hellcat OSP Review

Now, I’ll admit, I personally don’t like putting optics on my concealed carry handgun. I find it adds bulk, and can snag more easily. However, there are a lot of people out there that would disagree with me on this. Fair enough.

So, what is the best optics ready pistol on the market? Honestly, I think the Springfield Hellcat OSP wins.

There are lots of optics-ready pistols out there for concealed carry. Hell, the majority of firearms on this list are optics ready. So, why does the Hellcat OSP take first prize? Well, it’s because Springfield Armory wisely designed the gun and its optic platform. Like most Micro Compacts, it uses the Shield footprint. Also, it utilized iron sights that could co-witness with the mini red dot sights. 

No need to purchase extra sights. Your stock Hellcat sights work perfectly. Plus, unlike other companies, Springfield offers packages that include both the gun and the optic preinstalled. This often comes at a little cost savings and makes it easy to grab and go. Not only that, but the Hellcat is a great gun that offers you capacities of 10, 11, 13, and 15 rounds for concealed carry. 

You get a flat face trigger, fantastic day/night sights, and an excellent grip texture. They came out swinging after the release of the SIG p365 and produced the first true competitor to the little fella. What’s not to love? Plus, the RDP model includes not only a Hellcat and optic but a compensator to help fight recoil. 

Sure, the Hellcat didn’t beat the Sig p365 for editors choice, but when it comes to the optics, this one holds a great one-two punch and was made for each other.

Hellcat OSP Pros and Cons

Hellcat OSP Deals

Glock 19 Review

Okay, there are a lot of classics out there. Dave Chesson, one our writers swears by the HK P7, however, I didn’t add this because that is one of the more expensive guns out there and was discontinued – so they are hard to come by.

So, what makes the best classical concealed carry gun? I’ll go with the Glock 19.

I know I mentioned the CZ P10 C does everything the Glock 19 does, but better, but I couldn’t leave the warhorse off the list. Let’s be specific, this is the Gen 5 model. Glock made some worthwhile changes to the Gen 5 Glocks to make them a little more ergonomic and a fair bit more accurate. They cut those stupid grooves off, added a marksman barrel and ambi slide locks. And even though it is a classic, it still holds pretty true, even when there was a Sig 320c comparison.

The Glock 19 is a compact fighting pistol trusted by generations of law enforcement officers, special operations forces, and concealed carriers. It became the standard-bearer for both Glock and the world of compact handguns. The little Glock 19 is exceptionally easy to shoot and plenty easy to carry. 

It does fall on the larger side, but as a bigger gun, it’s easier to shoot accurately, easier to control, has a higher capacity, and is faster to reload. Glock brand Glock reliability is also worth noting. The Glock 19 is so popular that you’ll easily find several holsters dedicated to the gun, making it very easy to conceal. 

Glock 19 Pros and Cons

Glock 19 Deals

Glock 20 Review

Rarely do people address the issues a rural concealed carrier may have, but as a rural living pistol-packing padre, I have concerns that exceed two-legged vermin. My issue is hogs, which could be several hundred pounds and easily kill me. In these situations, I need something with more punch than the 9mm or even 45 ACP. 

Also, killing coyotes is a neighborly duty. For either, I like the 10mm. For hog, because it can penetrate deeply and cut through their thick hide, fat, and muscle. For coyotes, I like the flat shooting design because they are often outside of the average pistol range.

So, it is with this in mind that I think of the Glock 20 as the perfect rural concealed carry gun on the market.

This double-stack 10mm brings Glock reliability to the 10mm. It’s a big handgun, but with a little effort, it can relatively easily be concealed. It’s big enough to make the 10mm easy to control and tame. Plus, it’s an affordable platform, and most 10mms aren’t. With 15 rounds of 10mm, you can easily use the weapon in a personal defense encounter again two-legged vermin, hogs, coyotes, and heck, even bears. 

Glock 20 Pros and Cons

Glock 20 Deals

S&W Shield EZ 9mm Review

Okay, so let me be frank – I chose to call the the best concealed gun for women but really this should be names best concealed carry for someone who either has a smaller frame, or has some condition where they ned something that makes it easier to handle and rack the slide.

Let’s say you have arthritis, small hands or poor hand strength. What kind of gun will work for you? Many might say a .22 of some kind, but I’d point you to the S&W Shield EZ 9mm. Smith Wesson MP made this weapon easy to use for anyone with reduced hand strength of any kind from the ground up. The Wesson Shield EZ 9mm provides an easy to cock slide, an easy to load magazine, and a size of gun that’s easy for anyone to handle. 

It’s not massive, and it’s not a pocket pistol. It’s just the right size to be easy to conceal and easy to shoot which makes it a great concealed carry gun. The S&W Shield EZ also comes in 380 ACP, but I think the extra oomph and affordability of the 9mm round make it a better choice. The magazines are single stack, and you only get 8 rounds. However, 8 rounds of 9mm you can shoot accurately and confidently is much better than 15 rounds you can’t hit squat with. 

The MP Shield EZ serves an often under-appreciated demographic in the gun world. It’s not a gun for everyone, but for a great trigger pull and for those with reduced hand strength, it’s a godsend. The S&W Shield EZ features a manual and grip safety, and I think it’s a little overdone, but it can be overcome with the proper training. 

It is because of all of this, that I really think the S&W Shield EZ is the best concealed carry for women or those with a smaller frame or needing assistance with handling.

S&W Shield EZ 9mm Pros and Cons 

S&W Shield EZ 9mm Gun Deals

Staying Concealed – Buyers Guide

Let’s walk you through some of the considerations you should make when purchasing a pistol. These considerations could apply to any of the above pistols, as well as any pistols you might be considering in their stead. 

Caliber – Caliber refers to the cartridge and projectile these firearms discharge. The four most common for automatic pistols are 380 ACP, 9mm, 40 S&W, and 45 ACP. 10mm is a more niche round but pops up here and there as well. For revolvers, the most popular carry calibers are 38 Special and 357 Magnum. 

We’ve covered gun size, and gun size has a lot to do with control. As you get smaller in the firearm’s size, you begin sacrificing control. As you get into larger calibers, you also get into higher recoil. It’s all give and take. 

When you get a 45 ACP or 40 S&W in a small, subcompact, or single stack design, you’ll find it best described as ‘snappy.’ That snap can involve a healthy amount of muzzle rise and the gun trying to wrestle its way out of your hands. Larger guns are easier to control but harder to conceal. 

Calibers like 380 ACP, 9mm, and 38 Special make small guns typically comfortable to shoot, easy to control, and offer you a higher capacity. Ultimately it’s always your choice, but I typically steer people to 9mm. 9mm is a do it all cartridge that with modern ammunition keeps up with larger calibers. 

380 ACP is typically the minimum in projectile size and strength one should consider. Anything lower often lacks the penetration necessary to reach vital organs and shut the central nervous system down. Smaller calibers like 32 ACP, 25 ACP, 22 LR, and 22 Magnum are all very lethal, don’t get me wrong. However, they simply don’t consistently penetrate deep enough to consistently stop a threat. 

Availability of Defensive Ammo 

One of my favorite cartridges is the 7.62 Tokarev round. It’s a hot little cartridge designed before WW2 for SMGs and handguns. It’s really neat and very capable…but I wouldn’t carry one for defensive use because finding good defensive ammo is tough. Actually, finding a modern gun in 7.62 Tok is tough as well. 

So with that in mind, when you consider a caliber, whatever it may be, you need to consider your ability to purchase capable defensive ammunition for it. I always suggest a jacketed hollow point from a reputable ammunition company like Speer, Hornady, SIG, or Federal. 

I avoid gimmick ammo like G2 Research RIP because it’s not proven to work. Stick with the classic. They’ve been around for a reason.  

Holster Options 

Defensive ammo is one consideration, but a second is holster consideration. You need a holster to conceal carry. Lots of guns come and go, and never seen dedicated holster support. Those SAR pistols are reportedly solid little guns that are budget-friendly…but it can be tough to find a variety of holsters that allow for effective concealed carry. 

You typically want options for the best concealed carry gun. Obivously you’ll want to match a good quality holster designed specifically for it, not some cheap piece of nylon. You want a holster that is safe, retains your firearm, makes it easy to access, and doesn’t collapse when the weapon is drawn. If you use an unusual or sometimes new-to-the-market firearm, finding a good holster can be tough. 

Optics Or Not 

I’ve mentioned the phrase optics-ready a few times throughout this article. A new shooter might wonder whether they need an optics-ready handgun. Need is a strong word, but I always suggest an optics-ready handgun. If, at first, you need “just” a good carry gun, then you don’t necessarily need an optic. However, if later down the road you decide you want one, it’d be nice to have one that is already set up to take one.

Optics refers to mini red dots. Mini red dots on a handgun can be a very valuable piece of gear. An average shooter will find themselves shooting faster, shoot further, and shooting with greater accuracy with the addition of a red dot sight. They work day or night and provide an eye-catching reticle that forces your eye to see it. Plus, you can have a target focus and just lay the dot on the target. 

Carry On 

Concealed carry is a right and a responsibility. It’s a responsibility to yourself and those you protect, as well as a responsibility to your community to be a safe gun owner. You are not armed because you own a gun any more than a man who owns a guitar is a musician. Guns are part of the equation, and obviously, you’ll want the best concealed carry gun you can afford or for mission and lifestyle, but so are steady practice and competent training.

Being safe, armed, trained, and prepared makes you an effective concealed carrier.  Also, don’t forget that now that you have the best concealed carry gun, it would be best to start thinking about getting some CCW insurance to protect yourself against potential legal problems..

Concealed Carry Starter Pack

So what’s next? Well, if you decide to get one of the pistols off this list above or even if something else catches your eye, you’re going to need to pick up some must-have basics. Here’s our recommendation for what you need to get started.

• Gun Cleaning Kit: Otis All Caliber Elite Range Box on Amazon or build your own personalized cleaning kit with premium components.
• Shooting Glasses: All it takes is one piece of rogue hot brass, and you’ll learn the importance of shooting glasses. But not all glasses are built the same. See our recommendations for the Best Shooting Glasses.
• Hearing Protection: Firing a gun without wearing proper ear pro can be very dangerous and detrimental to your hearing. Find out the best hearing protection for you in our full length review.
• Storage: Check out our article on the Best Biometric Gun Safes
• Targets – If you’re wanting a great resource for shooting practice or zeroing your optics on your optics rifle or pistol, download our FREE Sighting in Targets below.