Concealed Carry Guns

Caliber: Why 9mm Is the Right Answer for Most

For most concealed carry shooters, 9mm is the correct caliber. Modern 9mm hollow points from Federal HST, Speer Gold Dot, and Hornady Critical Defense match the terminal performance of larger calibers while offering higher capacity, less recoil, and lower practice ammunition cost. The FBI’s adoption of 9mm as its standard duty round after extensive ballistic testing confirmed what many had argued for years—the caliber gap between 9mm, .40 S&W, and .45 ACP with modern ammunition is negligible, and the 9mm advantages in capacity and controllability are real. .380 ACP is appropriate when platform size is the overriding concern and pocket carry is required. See: 9mm Ammo and Federal HST.

Size Categories: Micro-Compact, Compact, and Full-Size

Carry pistols fall into three practical categories. Micro-compact pistols (Sig P365, Springfield Hellcat, Ruger Max-9, Glock 43X) offer the easiest all-day concealment with 10–13 round capacity and a grip that fits most hands. These are the most popular carry guns for good reason—they balance concealability with genuine defensive capability. Compact pistols (Glock 19, Sig P320 Compact, S&W M&P Compact) are harder to conceal than micro-compacts but significantly easier to shoot accurately—the longer grip and sight radius matter under stress. Full-size pistols are typically home defense or open carry guns, though some experienced shooters carry full-size with proper holsters and clothing. Most first-time carry buyers should start in the micro-compact category.

Best Micro-Compact Carry Pistols

The Sig Sauer P365 and P365 XL are the most recommended micro-compact carry guns for their grip ergonomics, 10–12 round capacity in a truly compact package, and excellent trigger. The Springfield Hellcat offers 11+1 capacity in a similarly compact format with an aggressive grip texture. The Ruger LCP Max in .380 ACP is the best choice for pocket carry where minimum size is the absolute priority. The Glock 43 and 43X are the choices for Glock-platform loyalists who want to stay in the ecosystem. Our staff most frequently recommends the P365 as the starting point for new carry gun shoppers—it’s the benchmark the rest of the category is measured against.

Best Compact Carry Pistols

The Glock 19 remains the most widely carried compact pistol in America—its 15-round capacity, proven reliability, and enormous accessory ecosystem make it the logical choice for anyone who wants a do-everything carry gun. The Sig P320 Compact and S&W M&P 2.0 Compact are the top alternatives for shooters who prefer different ergonomics. For carry optics competition shooters who also carry, the Glock 19 MOS, P320 Compact RXP, and M&P Compact OR provide optic-ready slides without requiring milling.

Holsters: Carrying Actually Matters

The best carry gun in the wrong holster will not be carried consistently. IWB (inside the waistband) holsters are the standard for concealed carry—they keep the gun against the body and minimize printing. Appendix carry (AIWB) at the 1 o’clock position has become the dominant carry method for new shooters for its concealment while seated and fast draw. Kydex holsters from Alien Gear, Safariland, and Blackhawk provide consistent retention and a reliable draw. For pocket carry with the LCP Max or similar, a DeSantis Nemesis pocket holster is the standard. See: Holsters and Alien Gear.

State Laws and Carry Permits

Concealed carry laws vary significantly by state. Constitutional carry (permitless carry) is now legal in the majority of U.S. states as of 2026. States that require permits have varying training requirements, reciprocity agreements, and location restrictions. Always verify your state’s current concealed carry laws before carrying, and understand where carry is prohibited (schools, federal buildings, private property that posts restrictions). For state-specific firearm legality, see: State Legal Guns.