Introduction
More than ever, there is a need for individuals to carry a pistol with them everywhere they go. There are are a lot of factors to consider when choosing the one that works best for you like size, power, concealability, budget, caliber, and reliability. It can get a little overwhelming to pick one.
This article aims to guide you through the key factors to consider when choosing a conceal carry gun, explore different types of firearms, and highlight some of the best models on the market. By the end, you’ll be equipped with the knowledge you need to make an informed decision tailored to your lifestyle and needs. Let’s dive in and explore what makes the perfect concealed carry gun for you!
Best Overall
In my opinion, the best gun to have for everyday use is the Sig Sauer P365X. When I took my wife to the gun range to see which one she liked to shoot best, we went through around 5 different brands and this one as by far her favorite. It is extremely compact, light, and has a controlled recoil that makes it easier to aim. It is also easy to conceal with whatever you wear. I’m could almost hide this thing in my sock without any discomfort. It holds 12 rounds in a magazine and 1 in the chamber. The cost is just over $600 brand new.
Best Budget
If you’re looking to save a little bit of money and it doesn’t matter what you carry as long as you can hide it, the CZ P-10 M. A $300 pistol is an incredible deal. It’s concealability is similar to the Sig Sauer P365X and Hellcat pistols which are known for being praised for it’s small size. Based on other reviews, the trigger on this gun was just average which doesn’t matter that much in a life-or-death situation and with plenty of practice and training.
Best for Concealability
My favorite pick in this category is the Kel-Tec P-32 Auto. This pistol is called a pocket gun (it fits in your pocket but you should still highly consider using a holster.) If you don’t complain about carrying your smart phone around then you definitely won’t complain about the size of this. However, the .32 has less power than other calibers but with sufficient training and good placement, it might be enough to get the job done. Don’t expect to fire at long distances with this firearm but it’s certainly better than carrying nothing. If you worry about recoil and hand strength and need something that you can just about put in your sock without noticing, this is the gun for you.
Best .380 Caliber
If you want something more powerful than a .32 but less than a 9mm, the .38o caliber is a perfect fit. My pick for this category is the Glock 42. Although highly debated in the gun community, Glock is considered by many to be America’s favorite and most reliable manufacturer. This particular model is tiny and easy to conceal. With some training and choosing the right ammunition, it should be enough to stop a threat. Due to the size of this firearm, it is easy to carry while out on a jog (assuming you have a good holster to keep it from jumping around).
Honorable Mentions
The Springfield Hellcat Micro-Compact is considered a favorite to conceal carry by many gun owners. It’s size is similar to the Sig Sauer P365X. It’s surprisingly manageable and easy to fire. Additionally, you are able to customize this gun to your liking.
Things to Remember
Remember that any gun is better than no gun when it comes to self-defense. However, consistent practice and training will help you become comfortable and effective with whatever you choose to carry. If you decide to carry a .22 (which is a tiny, tiny caliber) but you’re able to consistently shoot a dime from 10 yards away, this might be a good choice for you. It’s important to try several different options, see what feels most comfortable to fire, and then train regularly with your selection. When you go to the gun range, consider giving the guns mentioned in this article a try.
