Concealed Carry Guide: Guns, Holste...

Top Pick

Staccato CS

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Best New Micro 9mm

H&K CC9

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Best Glock Clone

Ruger RXM

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A concealed-carry handgun is a crucial software. You want one thing that you should utilize successfully and, extra importantly, carry every single day comfortably. Go to any gun retailer and also you’ll see that the choices might be staggering. There may be all kinds of sizes, types, calibers, and value factors, so I’m right here that will help you type via a number of of one of the best hid carry weapons and my high suggestions on holsters, ammo, lights, belts, and purple dots primarily based on my in depth gear exams. 

Compacts↓

Sub-Compacts↓

Revolvers↓

Best Concealed Carry Accessories: Holsters, Lights, Belts, Ammo, and Red Dots↓

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Finest Compact Hid Carry Weapons: Evaluations & Suggestions

Staccato CS

Staccato 2011 (previously STI) launched the CS for 2023, and after placing a collective 2,500-3,000 rounds via two of them,  I’m bought. I’ve discovered them to be very dependable with each kind of ammunition I may discover—from 115-grain ball via 147-grain hollowpoints. straightforward to shoot, and extremely correct. The typical of 10 teams I fired from a supported place at 50 yards with three various kinds of ammunition was .676 inches. Learn a full review of the Staccato CS here.

At across the measurement of a Glock 19, simply barely slimmer, the Staccato CS is a downsized 2011 pistol. It has some key variations from bigger 2011’s and 2011-style pistols just like the Staccato P and Springfield 1911 DS Prodigy. The grip and body are smaller, and the CS makes use of a re-designed journal that’s related in form and measurement to the Sig P365’s magazines. It nonetheless makes use of the 1911’s controls and set off, however the recoil system has been up to date to a twin information rod system that makes the CS the flattest-shooting compact 9mm I’ve fired. 

The Staccato CS is an costly gun, and the availability bottleneck is leading to some being scalped for fairly wild costs. Ordered from Staccato, the pistol will price $2,500, however we’ve seen the tangible advantages you’re getting for the cash—each within the construct high quality and on-target efficiency.

Glock’s nineteenth mannequin, the Glock G19, is likely one of the most prolific and efficient hid carry weapons on the earth. Glock was an unique innovator and continues to be a superpower on the earth of polymer-framed, striker-fired pistols, and the G19 is one of many successful Glock models. It’s one of many unique compact, 9mm poly pistols, and nonetheless probably the greatest hid carry weapons available on the market at this time. You too can get a 1-to-1 coach for the G19, chambered in .22 LR — the Glock G44.

The Glock G19’s magnificence is in its simplicity. Let’s face it, it’s not stunning in some other means. The G19 is efficient although. It’s comparatively straightforward to hide, straightforward to shoot, and quite simple to function. Glock’s constructed a repute of reliability over the many years, and the G19 has managed to remain on the entrance of the pack because the late 80s. Not many similar-sized pistols have bested its 15+1-round capability, and it’s obtainable in nearly each gun retailer. 

Regardless of their motto of “perfection,” there are some issues that shooters generally modify on their Glock G19’s. The manufacturing unit sights should go instantly. Actually they aren’t horrible, however they might be a lot better, and there may be a complete business of aftermarket Glock-compatible elements, sights, and equipment that has grown up alongside the G19. Corporations like Shadow Methods and Palmetto State Armory even supply G19 clone pistols. When you get the Gen 5 MOS model of the G19, you’ll see some updates to the grip, an ambidextrous slide cease, and an optics-ready slide. Even after 35 years, the G19 is likely one of the finest carry weapons you should purchase.

Ruger RXM

Within the extremely aggressive Glock clone market, the RXM, a collaboration between Ruger and Magpull, caught lots of people unexpectedly. It’s a clone of Glock’s legendary G19 Gen 3, however a number of hundred {dollars} cheaper. It’s obtainable for $400, or generally much less.

Externally, the RXM incorporates some adjustments that many shooters have paid additional to realize. It’s acquired a properly contoured slide with enticing and purposeful slanted ahead and rear slide serrations, and is minimize for an optic. Fairly than Glock’s MOS plate system, the RXM is adaptable to some footprints together with Delta Level Professional, RMR, and RMSc, with the assistance of pins that may be put in to adapt to explicit optics. This permits a low mount and co-witnessed iron sights.

Magpul’s contribution to the collaboration is the interchangeable grip module. Not like Glocks or different Glock clones, this module homes a detachable hearth management group or chassis. The grips are crafted with nice ergonomics and a grippy stipple texture. Primarily, these are just like what many shooters have been remodeling their OEM Glocks into for years. What’s even higher is that the detachable chassis design continues to be appropriate with aftermarket Gen 3 Glock set off elements, permitting for additional upgrades.

On the vary, this gun carried out in addition to any pistol we’ve seen at this value level, and a number of other members of our annual gun take a look at crew most popular it over a inventory Glock. It’s correct, handles nicely, and has a pleasingly gentle recoil impulse. We don’t assume that there’s at the moment a greater worth for a hid carry gun than the RXM.

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Professionals

• Glorious grip and grip texture
• Good sights
• Optic-ready
• Flush journal with nice capability

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Key Options

• 
  Caliber:

  
  9mm

• 
  Capability:

  
  15+1

• 
  Barrel Size:

  
  3.7 inches

• 
  Weight:

  
  20.7 ounces

• 
  Optic Compatibility

  
  Suits most micro purple dots

• 
  Value:

  
  $599

Like lots of its friends, the Springfield Hellcat Professional seeks to strike an ideal stability between concealability and journal capability. In that regard, it does a superb job. It’s a hair smaller than a Glock 19 and a hair bigger than the Micro-9s however has a 15+1 capability with flush-mounted magazines. It is usually trimmer than a G19 and has low-profile controls for snag-free carry.

Like different Springfield pistols, it’s spec-ed out with a strong listing of options. It has a reversible journal catch, a loaded-chamber indicator on the highest of the slide, it comes with two high quality magazines, has a troublesome Melonite end, a generously-sized accent rail, and cocking serrations on the entrance and rear of the slide.

The Hellcat Professional OSP is a heavy-hitter within the sub-compact market, and it’s a dependable, strong selection among the many finest hid carry weapons. Though the muzzle flip isn’t dangerous, the Hellcat pistols are inclined to have barely snappier recoil than different similar-sized weapons, however they nonetheless aren’t dangerous to shoot. They’re probably the greatest at packing plenty of ammunition right into a slim, small bundle. 

Finest Sub-Compact Hid Carry Weapons

Sig Sauer P365 XMacro Tacops

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Professionals

• Nice ergonomics
• Finest in-class capability
• Low recoil impulse
• Modular hearth management unit

Cons

• Set off is slightly mushy

---

Key Options

• 
  Caliber:

  
  9mm

• 
  Capability:

  
  17+1

• 
  Barrel Size:

  
  3.7 inches

• 
  Weight:

  
  23 ounces

• 
  Optic Compatibility

  
  Direct mount, Protect RMSc

• 
  Value:

  
  $800

Sig Sauer has been busy over the previous few years, producing an array of variations of their front-running fashions. The Sig Sauer P365 XMacro Tacops is the second iteration of the P365 XMacro, which is an up-sized model of the micro-compact P365 that encompasses a compensator-cut slide. If the XMacro Tacops appears slightly redundant, it’s, however it is likely one of the finest compact hid carry weapons proper now. It’s extremely slim, with unmatched capability in its class.

The most important distinction between the Tacops and normal XMacro is a slight simplification. The Tacops is identical total measurement, however has an extended barrel as a result of it lacks the integral slide compensator. The XMacro Tacops additionally encompasses a small magwell that’s efficient, however unobtrusive. In comparison with the smaller normal P365, the XMacro Tacops has a bigger grip and longer slide. The 17-round magazines are the identical, they usually match within the P365, they’re simply longer. The XMacro Tacops has an identical footprint to the Glock G19 and Staccato CS, however it’s slightly extra snug to hold contained in the waistband as a result of it’s thinner. 

Learn Subsequent: How to Hold a Pistol

I’ve expended about 1,800 rounds between two of those pistols, and except for a pair failures to feed within the first 100-round break-in interval, they’ve run nice. The P365 XMacro Tacops is an extremely soft-shooting pistol, and factors intuitively. The set off isn’t too heavy, however it doesn’t have a agency wall. At our 2023 gun take a look at, we did some slow-mo video evaluation of speedy hearth strings between the Tacops and ported XMacro, and located that the extra reasonably priced Tacops confirmed solely barely extra muzzle flip. I couldn’t inform the distinction whereas taking pictures them. You possibly can learn a full review of the Sig P365 XMacro Tacops here.

H&K CC9

In early 2025, H&Ok launched their all-new CC9. It’s a pistol that’s designed particularly to satisfy the calls for of American shooters searching for an EDC pistol. The CC9 is a splendidly executed micro-compact 9mm that ships with each 10- and 12-round magazines. It’s not dramatic or flashy, and that’s what we like about it. We not too long ago examined the CC9 at our annual gun take a look at at Gunsite Academy, and everybody on the take a look at crew commented on the pistol’s good ergonomics and delicate function set.

The CC9’s body has a grippy stipple-type texture in all the fitting locations, and there aren’t any snaggy corners or surfaces anyplace on the gun. The slide is properly rounded however affords good buy with it’s entrance and rear slide serrations. It comes fitted with low-profile dovetail-fit night time sights, and is minimize for and RMSc- or 407k-pattern purple dot optic. Fitted with a low-profile purple dot, it’s nonetheless conveniently concealable and fast to get heading in the right direction. It handles nicely each two- and one-handed, and is lefty pleasant with low-profile slide cease levers and journal catch buttons.

Most micro-compact 9mm pistols are snappy or flippy beneath recoil resulting from their small measurement and brief, gentle slides. We discovered the CC9 to be fairly straightforward to regulate, putting rounds heading in the right direction shortly and precisely. We had been even in a position to rating common hits on vital-sized metal plates from 50 yards. Even skeptical members of the take a look at crew had been satisfied that they may simply want a brand new CC9 for themselves.

Walther PDP-F 3.5-Inch

Walther’s PDP-F sequence is designed with feminine shooters in thoughts, however it is a hid carry gun that virtually anybody will like. It’s acquired what we like concerning the PDP platform, however with a slender grip and shorter set off attain. In comparison with the chunky full-sized PDP, the PDP-F is extra snug to hold contained in the waistband, however nonetheless affords wonderful ergonomics.

Like the usual PDP pistols, this Walther options three-dot white sights with a rear sight that’s adjustable for windage and elevation. The slide additionally encompasses a detachable cowl plate and might be fitted with considered one of Walther’s optic adapter plates and fitted with a purple dot. I examined one with the Trijicon RMR and it was a wonderful-shooting pistol. You possibly can learn a full review here.

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Professionals

• Tiny footprint
• Nice cocking serrations
• Glorious capability for measurement
• Very reasonably priced

Cons

• Not very correct at longer distances

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Key Options

• 
  Caliber:

  
  .380 ACP

• 
  Capability:

  
  10+1, 12+1

• 
  Barrel Size:

  
  2.8 inches

• 
  Weight:

  
  10.6 ounces

• 
  Cocking ears on slide

• 
  Tritium entrance sight

• 
  Value:

  
  $329

Though small, the .380 ACP cartridge continues to be widespread among the many finest weapons for hid carry. Ruger noticed nice success with their single-stack LCP pistol, however acknowledged room for enchancment. Because the micro-compact pistol market has surged, and producers have boosted the capability of those tiny weapons, Ruger adopted go well with. 

With the marginally prolonged journal, the LCP Max holds 13 rounds of ammunition, and is barely barely thicker than the unique single-stack design. It’s straightforward to shoot, dependable, and sufficiently small to stay in a pocket. With the high-performance projectiles we have now at this time, a high-capacity .380 pocket pistol continues to be a formidable defensive hid carry gun. 

Learn Subsequent: 30 Super Carry vs 9mm: Which is the Better Self-Defense Cartridge?

The Ruger LCP Max within reason correct out to fifteen yards or so, however it’s best at very shut vary. The slide cycles quick, and the recoil feels a bit snappy, however there isn’t a lot muzzle flip and the pistol could be very straightforward to regulate. You possibly can learn a full review of the Ruger LCP Max here.

Beretta PX4 Storm Compact Carry 2

Beretta’s PX4 Storm has been a well-liked carry gun, and the brand new PX4 Storm Hid Carry 2 is additional optimized for the duty at hand. Just like the common PX4, it encompasses a rotating barrel design, however the CC2 model has a heavier barrel that provides mass and mitigates recoil. Notably, it additionally has an improved decocker and bobbed, snag-free hammer and improved double-action set off pull. 

The entire take a look at crew discovered the PX4 to be a gentle, manageable shooter, and a few actually preferred it. We had combined emotions although. A few of us plainly thought it will be smaller than it’s, and it actually does have a thick, chunky really feel to it. That thickness does assist the shooter get extra buy on the gun, however contemplating the considerable variety of manageable pistols which might be extra compact with equal or better capability, we had a tough time falling in love with this one. 

The double-action/single-action operation isn’t what most shooters will select, however for those who’re already a Beretta 92 fan or snug with these pistols, you’ll most likely just like the PX4 Storm.

Finest Revolvers for Hid Carry

Colt Python 3-inch

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Professionals

• Glorious match and high quality
• Easy double- and single-action set off
• Improved body power from older Pythons
• Adjustable sights

Cons

• Full-size grip isn’t the best to hide

---

Key Options

• 
  Caliber:

  
  .357 Magnum

• 
  Capability:

  
  6

• 
  Barrel Size:

  
  3 inches

• 
  Weight:

  
  38 ounces

• 
  Value:

  
  $1,472

There are some people who subscribe to the idea that actual weapons are wheel weapons, they usually’d belief their life to nothing however a revolver. There are some nice revolvers to select from, however considered one of my favorites has been the Colt Python 3-inch mannequin. In recent times, Colt has breathed new life into its traditional Python line, and the 3-inch mannequin is considered one of their most up-to-date. The brief .357 Magazine revolver could be slightly stubby, however it’s all Python. For a revolver fan that desires to hold beneath a jacket, it’s probably the greatest hid carry weapons you may select. 

Every thing concerning the Colt Python 3-inch is Python, simply with a shorter barrel. It options the identical high quality wooden grips, similar body and cylinder, and the up to date Pythons have a little bit of reinforcement added to the body beneath the rear sight. They maintain six rounds and use a switch bar firing system so as to safely carry it with a spherical beneath the lowered hammer. 

The Chilly Python 3-inch is as a lot about nostalgia as efficiency, and it performs very nicely. Operation is butter-smooth, and the full-size grip makes full-power defensive masses fairly manageable. This revolver isn’t essentially the most concealable, however for OWB carry beneath a jacket, and even IWB beneath a unfastened shirt, you don’t discover too many choices higher—or cooler—than the Python. You possibly can learn a full review of the Colt Python 3-inch here.

Smith & Wesson 351 PD .22 WMR

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Professionals

• Mild and compact
• Simple to shoot
• Good ammunition capability
• Helpful for extra than simply self protection

Cons

• Costly for a rimfire
• Not very correct past 15 yards
• Not as potent as bigger cartridges

---

Key Options

• 
  Caliber:

  
  .22 WMR

• 
  Capability:

  
  7

• 
  Barrel size:

  
  1.88 inches

• 
  Weight:

  
  11.4 ounces

• 
  Sights

  
  Fiber-optic entrance sight

• 
  Value:

  
  $810

The Smith & Wesson 351 PD is an AirLite sequence J-frame revolver that’s chambered in .22 Magnum. It’s gentle even when loaded, and boasts a powerful 7 spherical capability. Different J-frames chambered in .38 Particular and .357 Magnum are actually stronger, however they’re additionally way more tough to shoot with velocity and precision — even at shut vary. The .22 Magazine. chambered 351 PD affords the identical concealable measurement and really feel, however it’s a lot simpler, and extra enjoyable, to shoot.

This can be a nice possibility for a follow gun for somebody who carries a bigger cartridge in a J-frame often, and is well-suited for anybody who would possibly wrestle to regulate the sharp, flippy recoil of a .38 or .357. Although .22 Magnum won’t be essentially the most potent self-defense cartridge, it’s efficiency has been elevated by defense-specific masses like Federal’s Punch and Speer Gold Dot.

Greater than only a devoted EDC revolver, the 351 PD could be fairly helpful as a carry gun for a trapper or backwoods hunter. It’s not particularly correct, however could be helpful for small sport beneath 15 yards, and is usually a enjoyable and reasonably priced revolver to shoot. You’re assured to shoot it way more than the identical platform chambered in .357 Magazine., and for a software you might need to make use of in essentially the most traumatic of conditions, that counts for lots. You possibly can learn our full evaluation of the Smith & Wesson 351 PD here.

How We Check and Select the Finest Hid Carry Weapons

There are lots of nice hid carry weapons to select from, and plenty that aren’t so nice. Relaxation assured that any weapons on this or different purchaser’s guides have been hands-on examined by our workers. I shoot about 20,000 rounds via handguns yearly, and every gun — whether or not examined by me or one other workers or take a look at crew member — will get each accuracy and reliability testing. We hearth a minimal of a number of hundred rounds via every pistol, working drills, drawing from holsters, and, on this case, carrying hid. We take a look at for accuracy by firing from a standing place at 15 yards, supported on a sandbag-topped tripod as described on this story on how to shoot a pistol accurately.

On this story, we have now chosen our favourite concealed-carry pistols throughout all kinds of classes, sizes, and functions.

Learn Subsequent: The Best Concealed Carry Holsters of 2025

The way to Select the Finest Hid Carry Gun

When you’re questioning, What’s one of the best hid carry gun?, nicely, the reply relies upon. Selecting one of the best hid carry gun for you means contemplating a number of elements:

• Carry place and the place you favor to hold your gun
• Your clothes model and the way nicely it conceals a gun
• How nicely the hid carry gun matches your hand
• Your price range

Choosing a hid carry gun is a private matter, and everybody may have completely different preferences primarily based on their particular person wants. Nonetheless, there are wonderful beginning factors, and our crew has been in a position to completely take a look at and vet each gun on this listing. Whether or not the function set, measurement, or price range is most necessary to you, you’ll possible discover a hid carry gun on this listing that can suit your wants. Most significantly, get some certified coaching earlier than you begin carrying. 

Finest Hid Carry Weapons FAQs

The Finest Hid-Carry Equipment

Choosing a pistol or revolver is simply step one in setting your self up for secure, efficient hid carry. Gearing up with good equipment like these could make your EDC setup extra snug and sensible.

Really useful Holsters

Learn Subsequent: Best Concealed Carry Holsters

Belts

Learn Subsequent: Best Gun Belts

Magazine Carriers

Lights

Learn our full Best Pistol Lights evaluation for more information.

Crimson Dots

Learn Subsequent: Best Pistol Red Dots

Ammo

Learn Subsequent: Best 9mm Ammo

Ultimate Ideas on the Finest Hid Carry Weapons

Selecting which gun to hold every single day is a crucial resolution, and one of the best hid carry gun will likely be completely different for many individuals. There’s numerous issues to think about when selecting one, however a lucky certainty is that you’ve plenty of choices to select from. Choose one thing you can shoot nicely, and that you simply’ll carry every single day. An EDC pistol gained’t do you any good sitting within the gun secure at house.