What is the best concealed carry gun? Spoiler alert — there isn’t one.
The real question you should be asking is, "What is the best concealed carry gun for me?"
People who choose to carry come in all shapes, sizes, and skill levels. Sometimes it may just come down to what you are wearing that day.
All these factors mean different market feedback, which is reflected in the sheer amount of different guns available.
Whether you're a first-time buyer or an experienced gun owner looking to expand your collection, our comprehensive list is tailored to help you find the perfect firearm for self-defense, personal safety, and recreational shooting.
We'll help you understand what makes a great concealed carry gun, and how to choose one that fits your lifestyle and experience level.
Keep reading!
THE QUICK LIST
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Best Overall Concealed Carry Gun
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Best Compact 9mm for Concealed Carry
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Best .380 ACP for Concealed Carry
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Best Concealed Carry Revolver
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Best High-End Concealed Carry Gun
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Best .45 ACP For Concealed Carry
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Best Budget Concealed Carry Gun
Table of Contents
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How We Tested the Best Concealed Carry Pistols
The entire Pew Pew Tactical team, as well as freelance writers, pitched in on this review to offer different opinions based on hand size and body type. Every gun on this list has been hands-on tested and carried by someone on our team. We've shot and carried dozens of guns and chose our favorites based on a combination of reliability, shootability, ergonomics, and value.
Our team comes from a variety of backgrounds, including NRA and CCW instructors and previous military and law enforcement.
The handguns mentioned represent the models we have carried are some of our favorites.
Best CCW Handguns
1. SIG Sauer P365 Series - Best Overall Concealed Carry Gun
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Prices accurate at time of writing
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Sig Sauer P365 Pros & Cons
Pros
- 10+1 9mm capacity with up to 15+1 with extended mags
- Tritium night sights
- Excellent grip
- Controllable given the size
Cons
- Tight fit with full mag and one in the chamber
- Thumb may rest on slide stop negating last round slide hold open
Sig Sauer P365 Specs
- Caliber: 9mm Luger
- Action: Double Action Only / Semi-Auto
- Weight: 1.11lbs, 17.8oz
- Barrel Length: 3.1in
- Overall Length: 5.8in
- Mag Capacity: 10+1 rounds
Sig has been leading the micro-compact charge with its ultra-successful P365 series.
These guns are just over an inch thick, but depending on the particular model, they boast anywhere from a 10-round (P365) to a whopping 17-round capacity (X-Macro).
Excellent ergonomics, good triggers, OEM night sights, and solid accuracy and reliability have propelled these to the top spot for many gun owners worldwide.
I own both a base P365 and the P365XL, and even among my extensive carry gun rotation, I routinely find myself coming back to these guns for concealed carry.
These guns fit nicely in my medium-sized hands, and although they are small, they deliver great accuracy and are relatively easy to shoot. Here are some targets from my P365XL equipped with a Holosun EPS carry.
The XL version is also what our Pew Pew Tactical founder carries.
Hard to argue against 12+1 9mm in a small compact form that has always gone bang!
Additionally, the P365’s modularity and rapidly growing aftermarket have pushed it even further, making it one of the most supported guns on the market today.
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Check out our full reviews on other P365 models: P365, P365XL, and the P365 X-Macro!
What do you think of the P365 Series? Rate it below!
2. Springfield Armory Hellcat OSP - Best Micro Compact 9mm for Concealed Carry
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Prices accurate at time of writing
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Springfield Armory Hellcat Pros & Cons
Pros
- Great for concealment
- Aggressive texturing
- Easy to shoot
- Great iron sights
Cons
- May be too small for larger hands
- Less aftermarket support
- Snappier than some other micro-compacts
Springfield Armory Hellcat Specs
- Caliber: 9mm luger
- Action: Semi-auto
- Safety: No
- Weight: 1.15lbs
- Barrel Length: 3in
- Overall Length: 6in / 7in
- Trigger Pull: ~5.5lbs
- Mag Capacity: 11+1 rounds, 13+1 rounds
Much like the P365, the Springfield Hellcat is another top-tier option for those wanting a micro-compact.
A standard capacity of 11+1 gives it a slight capacity advantage over the base P365, but that’s not all.
As a P365 owner, I wasn't sure how much I would like the Hellcat. After having shot a few different versions and examples, I can say that it stacks up.
In my opinion, the Hellcat’s factory U-notch rear and tritium front sight is one of the best stock sight setups on the market. If that doesn’t tickle your fancy, you can toss a micro red dot on the optics-ready models.
The trigger is not as light as the P365, but I find it more consistent across different guns. Accuracy has been great for me, whether I am doing 7-yard Mozambique drills or 40-yard Dicken drills.
Aggressive grip texturing, a crisp trigger, optional 13-round extended mags, and overall solid performance make the Hellcat a homerun choice.
After extensive trigger time behind both the P365 and the Hellcat, I can confidently say, "Pick whichever one feels best."
You can read up on our full review of the Hellcat!
3. Walther PDP Compact - Best Compact 9mm for Concealed Carry
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Prices accurate at time of writing
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Walther PDP Compact Pros & Cons
Pros
- Excellent trigger
- Optics ready
- Ambidextrous
- Extremely accurate
Cons
- High bore axis
- Optics plates must be ordered through Walther
Walther PDP Compact Specs
- Caliber: 9mm Luger
- Action: Semi-Auto
- Weight: 1.78lbs
- Barrel Length: 4.6in / 4in
- Overall Length: 7.5in / 8.5in
- Mag Capacity: 15+1 rounds
We love Walther at Pew Pew Tactical, and it is no secret, but with good reason.
The PDP Compact is a true Glock 19-sized compact gun that can double as a duty gun or a concealed carry piece.
What places the PDP above its peers is the exquisite Performance Duty Trigger — a crisp 4-pound trigger with a clean break, almost no overtravel, and a very short reset.
Trigger aside; you get an optics-ready pistol that is boringly reliable, dead-nuts accurate, and extremely ergonomic.
For concealed carry, the 4-inch barreled compact model with the 15-round compact grip module is my personal choice.
The PDP can trace its design roots all the way back to the P99. This means that the PDP's core operating system has been proven for over 25 years.
When push comes to shove, I find these guns to be best in class. I frequently recommend them, and one of my most trusted duty guns is a 4-inch PDP with a Holosun 508T.
Check out our 10,000-round review of the Walther PDP or the video below.
There's also a PDP F line that's slimmer for smaller hands...check out the full review of the PDP F here.
4. Ruger LCP Max - Best .380 ACP for Concealed Carry
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Prices accurate at time of writing
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Ruger LCP Max 380 ACP Pros & Cons
Pros
- 10+1 Rounds of .380 ACP
- Super lightweight 10.6 oz
- Decent sights with a Tritium front
- Good value at around $400 street price
- What our editor carries for athleisure days
Cons
- Hates steel-cased ammo and required a break-in of 200 rounds
- Snappy shooter that requires a disciplined trigger finger
- Requires a tool to field strip
Ruger LCP Max Specs
- Caliber: 380 ACP
- Action: Single-Action
- Safety: No
- Weight: 0.68lbs
- Barrel Length: 2.58in
- Overall Length: 5.2in
- Mag capacity: 10+1 rounds
Sometimes, when you are concealed-carrying, you want to ensure your gun is concealed.
That is where the Ruger LCP Max comes in.
Even in today's world of tactical this or extreme that, I feel that tiny carry pistols still have a large (pun intended) role to play.
Sometimes I want to carry a full-size duty gun, and sometimes I just want something small enough to tuck away or shove into my pocket, and the LCP fits that bill to a tee for me.
Pew Pew Tactical founder Eric Hung describes it as “the ultimate combination of weight, size, and capacity for a .380 concealed carry gun.”
The LCP Max comes in under an inch thick and is only 10.6 ounces. It is 5.17 inches long, 4.12 inches tall, and has a capacity of 10 or 12 rounds (extended).
With those stats, we agree with Eric.
A set of solid sights helps achieve surprising levels of accuracy for a gun of its size, and the gun’s popularity means holsters are plentiful.
Take a peek at Eric’s hands-on review of the LCP Max!
5. Kimber K6s - Best Concealed Carry Revolver
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Prices accurate at time of writing
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Kimber K6s Pros & Cons
Pros
- Reliable
- Snazzy design
- Smooth trigger
Cons
- Need a speedloader to load effeciently
- Little aftermarket support
- May not work for larger hands
Kimber K6s Specs
- Caliber: 357 mag - 38 Special / 38 Special
- Action: Double Action Only / Double/Single Action
- Weight: 1.44lbs
- Barrel Length: 2in / 3in / 4in
- Overall Length: 6.6in / 7.6in / 8.6in
- Mag Capacity: 6 rounds
Kimber surprised everyone when they released what is arguably the best gun the company has ever produced — the K6s.
I get it, revolvers are a bit dated, but damn, do I still love them, and damn, do they work. There is something about a finely fitted revolver that exudes elegance but also gives you peace of mind that it will go off when you need it to.
The first time I picked up a K6s, I melted.
What I held in my hand felt like a combination of old-school Smith and Wesson fitment combined with that sturdy Ruger feeling but with modern styling. It took me a moment to wrap my head around the fact that this is a freaking Kimber product.
At 23 ounces, these guns are the lightest 6-shot .357 revolvers on the market, already making them a great candidate for concealed carry.
On top of that, the sights are snag-free and offer an excellent picture, the trigger is great, and the build quality is absolutely top-notch.
Not only are these guns built well, but they also shoot well and are gorgeous to boot.
Kimber offers the K6s 2, 3, and 4-inch barrel lengths, with the 2 and 3-inch variants available in either hammerless or exposed hammer (DASA) versions.
It may not be the cheapest revolver out there, but its price reflects its outstanding quality.
If this one is calling your name, you can read more in our full review of the Kimber K6s.
6. Staccato CS - Best High-End Concealed Carry Gun
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Prices accurate at time of writing
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Staccato CS Pros & Cons
Pros
- Accurate
- Improved Longevity
- Reliable
Cons
- Price
Staccato CS Specs
- Caliber: 9mm
- Action: Semi-Auto, Single Action
- Width: 1.45in
- Height: 5.6in
- Weight: 1.44lbs; 22.7oz
- Barrel Length: 3.5in
- Overal Length: 7.1in
- Trigger Pull: 4-4.5lbs
- Mag Capacity: 16 rounds
The Staccato CS is a departure from the rest of the list in that it is the only gun north of $1,000.
So what do you get for all that dough?
Just a hand-fitted barrel, frame, and slide, precision machined parts, extreme accuracy, an ultra-crisp 4-pound single-action trigger, and arguably the flattest shooting concealed carry gun on the market.
While that might sound like quite a claim, the CS backs it up thanks to years of building experience by the industry-leading 2011 manufacturer Staccato (formerly STI).
I am going to be level here. Is this the best gun on the list? Arguably yes. Is it worth it? Not for everyone.
The gun gets high marks for me in most categories but does fall short when it comes to overall value. Guns like my Cajunized CZ 75 D PCR and Walther PDP compact achieve similar results for much less money.
The CS is a popular choice for those looking for a high-end gun, and it certainly fits that bill. Most of the money is in hand fitting and the exacting manufacturing process. Our resident content man, Sean, has one that has been reliable as heck and is a smooth operator.
With a 3.5-inch match-grade bull barrel and 16 rounds of 9mm on tap, the CS offers the same capacity as its bigger brother, the C2, but keeps things a bit slimmer and more concealable.
Every Staccato CS is optics-ready, meaning you can squeeze even more accuracy and speed out of an already blazing-fast gun. If you are looking for a pocket sniper rifle, this is the one.
You can read more in our full review of the Staccato CS!
7. Springfield XD-M Elite OSP .45 - Best .45 ACP For Concealed Carry
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Prices accurate at time of writing
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Springfield Armory XD-M Elite Compact OSP 45 ACP Pros & Cons
Pros
- Optics Ready
- 10+1 capacity
- CCW sized
Cons
- Backstrap safety may be issue for some
- Hefty recoil
Springfield Armory XD-M Elite Compact OSP Specs
- Caliber: 45 ACP
- Action: Double Action Only
- Height: 4.6in
- Width: 1.2in
- Weight: 1.56lbs
- Barrel Length: 3.8in
- Overall Length: 6.8in
- Mag Capacity: 10+1 rounds
Although it may be associated with older guns and the older crowd, .45 ACP is far from dead.
Shooters who enjoy this caliber will want to take a look at the Springfield XD-M Elite OSP.
The Elite XD-M line brings some awesome features, such as an improved META flat-face trigger, a removable flared magwell, fully ambidextrous controls, and an optics-ready slide.
Although the barrel is a carry-friendly 3.8 inches, the XD-M Elite OSP keeps 10+1 rounds of .45 ACP on tap, pushing you above the capacity of most 1911s and other single-stack .45s of similar lengths.
Every once in a while, I want to carry something with a bit more oomph, but I don't always want a huge hunk of steel on my hip. It is okay to want modern features on guns that aren't 9mm.
So why Springfield? Well, I looked high and low, and almost no one else is offering a .45 ACP pistol with these features in this configuration. Double stack .45, compact, and optics-ready? Sign me up. (oh...it also comes in 10mm too!)
If you love moving big bullets out of small guns, this might be the one for you.
8. Canik TP9 Elite SC - Best Budget Concealed Carry Gun
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Prices accurate at time of writing
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Canik TP9 Elite SC Pros & Cons
Pros
- Excellent trigger
- Accurate
- Great value with included accessories
- Optics-ready
Cons
- Wider than most micro-compacts
- Higher bore axis
Canik TP9 Elite SC Specs
- Caliber: 9mm
- Action: Semi-Auto
- Width: 1.45in
- Height: 4.6in
- Weight: 1.55lbs
- Barrel Length: 3.6in
- Overall Length: 6.7in
- Mag Capacity: 12+1 or 15+1 rounds
While micro-compacts currently rule the roost, not everyone fancies an ultra-thin gun. Alternatively, some people still want something shorter than the standard 4-inch compact barrel.
Whether it is hand size, comfort, or control, there is still a solid argument for the good ole’ basic sub-compact handgun — especially one as good as the Canik TP9 Elite SC.
I own various sub-compacts, and in addition to typically having mag compatibility with their full-size brethren, I find them to just feel a little more "substantial" than micro-compacts, so to speak.
Canik has come on strong in the last few years with the TP9 lineup, which are Walther-derived guns. The Elite SC is no exception and features Canik’s famously good triggers, great accuracy, and reliability.
With the Walther PPQ SC being among the best shooting sub-compacts I have ever handled, it is no wonder the suspiciously similar Elite SC is right on par with it, if not better.
The TP9 Elite SC features a 3.5-inch match-grade barrel, blacked-out rear, and phosphorous front sight, ambidextrous slide release, and an optics-ready slide cut for Shield RMS/RMSc pattern dots.
Standard flush fits magazines offer you 12 rounds on tap, with extended 15-round magazines also available.
If you want something short and easy to conceal but isn’t overly thin, the Elite SC might be for you. Oh, and it is easy on the wallet, too!
You can read more about why I love this gun in our full review!
Best Concealed Carry Gun Upgrades
Best Gun Belt - Kore Essentials
You'll need something firm but doesn't scream, "I'm carrying a gun." We have a couple of our favorites here in our Best Gun Belts article.
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But our favorite is the Kore Essentials X7 which ticks all the boxes.
Best Holster - Concealed Carry Holster
You'll also need a concealed carry holster that safely covers your trigger, feels comfortable, and allows for a quick draw.
See all our favorites at Best Concealed Carry Holsters since there are a bunch of different styles and carry types.
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Prices accurate at time of writing
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However our favorite is Hidden Hybrid Holsters for their super comfy leather backer and rigid Kydex shell.
FAQs
What is the best caliber for concealed carry?
The best caliber for CCW is the one that you feel most comfortable using -- whether that's .380 ACP or .45 ACP, it's a matter of what you feel confident shooting.
What features should I look for in a concealed carry handgun?
When shopping for a CCW pistol, look for things like size, shootability, reliabilty, features (red dot ready, external safety, etc), and of course what fits within your budget.
How do I chose the best concealed carry gun for me?
While we have some great recommendations above, we highly suggest you head to a local range that offers rentals and try some out. The best way to find the one you like is to shoot a few.
Is concealed carry allowed in every state?
Concealed carry laws vary by state, so be sure to research what your state allows in specific.
Final Thoughts
Covering all the great concealed carry guns out there would take ages; thus, sacrifices had to be made (including some of my personal favorites).
This list is meant to cover some of the best and easily available carry guns that work well for a majority of shooters.
If your gun didn’t make the list, don’t fret, and remember, the best concealed carry gun is the one that works for you.
What are your thoughts on these guns? Let us know in the comments below! Still, considering more options? Check out our articles on the 8 Best Compact 9mm handguns and Best Micro Compact 9mm Handguns.
Latest Updates
- May 1, 2024: Added more information to how we test and additional supplemental information.
- March 3, 2024: Replaced Staccato C2 with Staccato CS.
335 Leave a Reply
Hell I carry a Beretta Tom Cat in my front pocket as it’s hot and humid here.
None of those guns mentioned are available in the area where I work so we make do with what we have. Baby Glocks are popular too.
A little surprised the Hellcat was chosen over the S&W M&P 45. The Hellcat is a fine gun but except for 1 round less capacity the S&W 45 performs just as well, I believe is a bit thinner & at least $200 less than the Hellcat.
For a budget but reliable gun, consider the SCCY DVG-1.
Thanks for the “promotional” article. I hope you enjoy your commissions.
I’ll stick with my Beretta PX4 compact.
I was about to apply for a job at your place, but, nahhh… I might even just cancel the whole email notifications and whatever…
There’s one guy I like from your videos…
I’ll try to follow him elsewhere…
Gregory in Tejas
I am new to the gun world and armed self defense. Can you point me to any other sites that provide this type of information? I am primarily interested in concealed carry, comparable guns and holsters, and a complete breakdown comparison of insurance in case I need to actually shoot someone in defense of myself or my family. Appreciate any information, just started less than a year ago, a total beginner. Thank you, especially if your site is free since I am retired on a fixed income.
I carry either my J body S&W Airweight 38 + P while riding motorcycles or my G43 for everything else.
The right answer is a Glock 43, everything else is less reliable. Agree with the Walther and would rate it higher then you did. In general, the Sig is a piece of trash.
Can’t argue with the reliability of Glock. The 26 and 43 (as well as 43X and 48) are definitely great choices, and should be on any list for concealed carry. I’m a fan of thumb safeties for my CCW, so I prefer makes / models that have that option. I understand and respect differences in opinion regarding this. Lots of great choices out there.
Dang. I usually enjoy these articles. While I don't always agree with every choice the staff makes in every category, this is the first one of these that I truly feel that you missed the boats. Every. Single. One.
I thought about this long and hard, but I can't make myself change my mind. However, I am looking forward to the next installment.
To repeat your comment,
Every.
Single.
One.
This article/(opinion) was a joke.
Surprised that the S&W Shield Plus didn’t make the list. It is as good as (and better than IMHO) the Hellcat. Nothing against Sig or Springfield, but I prefer the Shield. Just as reliable, and probably a bit less expensive than some of the others.
I second your well-educated opinion.
No p10m? ...too boring and generic guess...
How is it there is no CZ or S&W on this list is nuts....
I carry a Shield. Great pistol for the price and dead reliable. Not a rich man by far.
God forbid something happens - the PD will take your EDC on the spot.
Let them take a $400 pistol rather than a $2200 one. IMHO
Well, I am certain I will not be the only one to point out a glaring omission in the list! But first, I own the P365, with modifications, and truly consider it the best concealed carry option out there. As for the Hellcat, I think the ONLY reason it sells is because buyers fail to shoot other guns first. The grip is small, it is SUPER snappy, almost to a fault, and the aftermarket is virtually non-existent. The Ruger LCP is just a KelTec P3AT copy, and if KelTec was smart enough to discontinue it, so should Ruger! In fact, I cannot believe KelTec did not enforce patent infringement against Ruger for this blatant copy.
Oh, and regarding the obvious omission: The Glock model XXX (insert 43, 46, 48, 19, 45, or other) CERTAINLY is a better choice than many models listed based on cost, reliability, capacity (especially with Shield mags), and unrivaled aftermarket support, and ease of cleaning/upgrading.
I am fairly certain this omission was a calculated chance for the author to be provocative and to elicit comments like mine. You win!
I agree with you about the Glocks being omitted from this list. I own the Sig P365XL and a Ruger LCP, but the Glock 43X MOS with Holosun 507K optic is what I carry every day unless it’s real warm and I got to a pocket pistol and then it’s the Glock 43 with Crimson Trace. I must say the Ruger is cheapest and smallest, but it’s “snappy”.
That Kimber K6 looks sweet
I love my GX4XL
Had a Canik Elite SC and sure, the gun has a great trigger, decent sights, good ergonomics and fit and finish. Trouble is it’s unreliable. I got rid of mine as soon as it started dropping the striker without discharging a round when riding that beautiful trigger. There was no dimple on the primer and I only used brass cased, new factory 124gr ammo.
My full size METE is better, but I think it happened to it once or twice too. I’ll keep the METE since my wife likes to plink with for now, but I’ll never buy another Canik again.
The customer service is responsive, but they don’t test fire. So they cannot replicate the issue nor can they test to see if it was remedied after whatever repairs are performed.
Moral of the story is stick to proven designs/brands. I was always partial to Glocks (I currently own a G43) and now I also have an X Macro and a P229. Steyr L9-A2 MF as well. Zero malfunctions so far on those. I trust my life to my G43 and P229. I will be able to say the same once I have enough rounds through the X Macro and the Steyr, but so far so good.
I just bought the new P365X AXG Legion, and love it. Same 365 frame, though all metal. Very accurate. My wife shoots the P365X Rose edition and loves it. My legion is replacing my Walther PDP full size as my EDC.
"What is the best concealed carry gun? Spoiler alert — there isn’t one."
Words to live by. People who claim in the world of firearms (long guns, handguns, calibers) that there's a "best" are either blowing smoke or deluded.
Or selling something?
Easiest to carry that is also very concealable, reliable, ergonomic, AND inexpensive: Ruger EC9S.
a great choice
One of the things you mentioned about to P365 is “putting your thumb on the slide stop.” If you get one with a manual safety, that will fix that problem, assuming that you put your thumb on the safety, like I do.
I have to ask why the Smith and Wesson Shield Plus was removed from this lineup with the recent update. It stood as one of the go to concealed carry weapons for quite a while. What changed?
Kenny, the team here constantly discuss lists like these amongst ourselves to try and come to a group consensus that hopefully conveys what we like the best. The Shield Plus is an excellent pistol, I have one myself, but do tend to lean towards other models after putting in some solid range and carry time with it. We just happened to conclude that we liked the Hellcat as a whole a little more than the Shield Plus, although we like both guns pretty well. Can't go wrong with either!
I don't know the answer, but an alternative is that nothing changed with that pistol but other pistols rose (in the estimation of the author, anyway).
just food for thought
Great review, Wyatt, as usual. However, I have a comment/question. You state that the Staccato C2 is perhaps the flattest shooting concealed carry gun on the market. This is an interesting statement, because I feel a gun does not impact flat shooting characteristics, but ammo does? Logic may dictate that a decent quality 4" barrel from any manufacturer would produce similarly "flat" trajectories, using the same ammo. I feel that the ammo characteristics of the 357 Sig rounds produce the flattest trajectory I have experienced, in a carry pistol, but I never considered a particular make of a pew pew could impact trajectory dynamics? Your opinion?
Bill, good question. Some people use the term flat shooting to describe two different things. The first being the actual trajectory of the bullet based, like you mentioned, and the second is how flat the gun stays in your hand under recoil. Essentially it is just another industry-standard term for a gun that has very little muzzle flip. For me, when I refer to a gun as flat shooting, I mean very little muzzle flip/rise, and when I am talking about trajectory, I will usually say the cartridge is flat shooting.
I bought the Sig P365 because CT makes a laser for it, but ended up with the Sig lema laser because it was cheaper and worked just as well. My local guns store had a Sig days sale and I got rocking deal. I am retired age so need the laser. Point, put the red dot where you want the bullet to hit and squeeze. I upgraded from reliable Kel Tec PF9. Strongly considered the SA Hellcat but no CT laser available so easy decision to get the Sig P365/lema laser and I am super happy, I shoot it well. I used to front pocket carry the Kel Tec and that worked well, I can also pocket carry the Sig.
Amazed that only one revolver made the list.
For my money, I’d rather NOT carry a pistol utilizing sub-munitions. Are there other options? Yes, many — including derringers — or small revolvers.
LCol. Jeff Cooper said that the purpose of a handgun is to fight your way to your main weapon. Could that main weapon be a full-frame pistol and magazines, particularly while away from home? A pocket handgun may best be used to give you a few moments to get to a larger firearm with a better ammunition supply.
VERY wise to liberally include definitions of terms in your articles or as footnotes. When readers hit a word/phrase they don't get, only the dedicated push past it...and then they start going foggy.
Old hands might object, but aren't we trying to get more people interested in safe firearm practice?
Great article. Your mention of the Springfield XD-M prompts me to ask, how about an article devoted exclusively to compact — or at least concealable — 45 ACPs? In addition to the XD-M, Springfield still makes the larger XD Compact for those who can’t get a grip on the XD-M’s awkwardly-placed flared mag well; Glock has the 30 and the 36; Sig makes the P320 Nitron; Kahr the CW45; and Smith has the Shield in 45 as well as their M&P45 Compact. And this is before you even get to the compact versions of the old DA/SA stalwarts by Sig, H&K, and FN. If you want to stretch the definition of compact, you could look at a couple of the smaller full-size guns like the Walther PPQ or the Beretta PX4 Storm. Add in a Charter Arms Pit Bull for your wild card and you’ve got yourself an article. As a final aside, I wish Beretta would make the PX4 Compact in .45 ACP; that, IMNSHO, would be the ideal .45 carry gun.
Brad, it is nice to hear other people are still in the market for smaller .45s. While the list is pretty thin compared to 9mm, there are still some good ones out there like you mentioned. There might be room in the future for an article like that.
I enjoyed your reviews on firearms! Very informative
to grasp the description your writing style. Obviously not every make is on your list, I was wondering your view of Glock 19 3rd generation, 4th, or even 5th ? CCW is my interest, weight, capacity.
Chris, thanks! I have a Gen 4 Glock 19, and I have extensive time behind other generation Glock 19s as well. They are solid guns - dead reliable with a huge aftermarket. However, if you are focused on weight/size to capacity ratio, you should really check out the P365 X-Macro or P365XL. I find those guns to be more concealable than the G19 and also better shooters for my money.