Concealed carry guns are essential tools for personal protection. They offer a balance of power and portability, allowing individuals to carry a firearm for self-defense discreetly. These compact weapons come in various sizes and calibers, catering to different needs and preferences.
Choosing the right concealed carry gun involves considering size, weight, and ease of use. A good concealed carry weapon should be comfortable to wear all day and easy to access when needed. It must also be reliable and accurate, as these qualities are vital in high-stress situations. Many gun manufacturers now offer models specifically designed for concealed carry, featuring slim profiles and enhanced ergonomics.
Here are 15 everyday carry options you won’t regret.
1. Kimber Micro 9
The Kimber Micro 9 is a compact pistol that takes cues from the classic 1911 design. It’s a small gun that packs a punch in 9mm. The pistol measures just 6.1 inches long and 1.06 inches wide. It’s very light at only 15.6 ounces when empty.
This gun holds 6 rounds in the magazine plus 1 in the chamber. While not high-capacity, its slim shape makes it easy to hide. The Micro 9 has an aluminum frame that keeps it strong yet light. Its barrel is match-grade, which helps it shoot straight for such a small gun.
2. Smith & Wesson M&P Shield Plus
The M&P Shield Plus builds on its predecessor’s design with key upgrades. This compact 9mm pistol packs 13+1 rounds into a slim frame just 1.1 inches wide and 6.1 inches long. Weighing 20.2 ounces unloaded, it balances portability and shooting comfort.
The Shield Plus sports an enhanced trigger and optional manual safety to suit different needs. Its 18-degree grip angle aims to improve natural pointing. This pistol fits easily in holsters while offering more firepower than many similar-sized options.
3. Ruger LCP II
The Ruger LCP II stands out as a top choice for concealed carry. This small .380 ACP pistol packs a punch in a tiny package. At just over 5 inches long and weighing about 10 ounces, it’s easy to hide.
The gun fits well in the hand and has a better trigger than its predecessor. It holds 6 rounds in the magazine plus 1 in the chamber. This makes it great for pocket carry or as a backup weapon.
A nice feature is the slide lock. It stays open after the last shot, which isn’t common in guns this size. This helps with faster reloads when needed.
4. Mossberg MC2c
The Mossberg MC2c is a compact 9mm pistol that blends size and capacity. It holds 13 rounds in the magazine plus one in the chamber. The gun measures 7.1 inches long and 1.1 inches wide, making it easy to carry hidden.
At 21 ounces empty, the MC2c is light enough for all-day wear. It has a flat trigger and magazine release that works for right or left-handed shooters. People who struggle with stiff slides will like how easy this one is to pull back.
A key safety feature is the STS (Safe Takedown System). This lets users take the gun apart without pulling the trigger, cutting down on accidents during cleaning.
5. Sig Sauer P365
The Sig Sauer P365 is a game-changer for concealed carry. This small 9mm pistol fits 10+1 rounds in a tiny package. It’s only 1 inch wide and 5.8 inches long, making it easy to hide. The gun feels good to hold and shoot. It comes with night sights for low-light use. At just 17.8 ounces empty, it’s light enough to carry all day.
Users can swap out parts like grips and slides to make the P365 their own. This flexibility lets shooters customize the gun to fit their needs. The P365’s mix of size, capacity, and shootability make it a top choice for self-defense.
6. Glock 43X
The Glock 43X is a popular choice for concealed carry. It builds on the single-stack 43 design, offering more rounds without losing its slim profile. The 43X holds 10+1 rounds of 9mm ammo. It has a full-length grip for better control when shooting.
This gun is compact and light. It’s 6.5 inches long and weighs 18.7 ounces empty. These features make it easy to hide in different carry spots. The 43X has a special finish that fights rust, this helps the gun last longer when carried daily.
7. Springfield Hellcat
The Springfield Hellcat stands out as a top choice for concealed carry. This micro-compact 9mm pistol packs a punch with its 11+1 round capacity. Its small size makes it easy to hide, measuring only 6 inches long and 1 inch wide. The gun weighs just 18.3 ounces when empty.
The Hellcat comes in two models:
- Standard: Features tritium night sights
- OSP: Allows for easy optics mounting
The grip has special “Adaptive Grip Texture” that gives a solid hold without damaging clothes. This texture helps shooters control the gun better. The Hellcat’s design balances size, capacity, and usability for everyday carry.
8. Walther PPS M2
The Walther PPS M2 stands out as a top choice for concealed carry. This slim 9mm pistol fits comfortably in hand and holster. Its single-stack design allows for easy hiding, measuring just 1 inch wide and 6.3 inches long. The gun holds 6+1 rounds with a flush magazine or 8+1 with an extended option.
Weighing 21.1 ounces, the PPS M2 balances well between recoil control and all-day carry comfort.
These provide both visual and touch-based cues about the gun’s status. The PPS M2’s mix of size, capacity, and safety make it a solid pick for those seeking a reliable everyday carry pistol.
9. Taurus G3C
The Taurus G3C packs a lot into a small frame. This compact 9mm handgun holds 13 rounds total. It’s easy to carry, measuring just over 6 inches long and about an inch wide. The gun comes with 3 magazines, good sights, and weighs less than 1.5 pounds empty.
The G3C is comfortable to shoot but still simple to hide. A neat feature is its ability to try firing again if the first try fails. This isn’t common in guns of this type. For its price, the G3C offers a lot of value in a small package.
10. Sig Sauer P938
The Sig Sauer P938 packs a punch in a small frame. This 9mm pistol fits easily in a pocket, measuring just 5.9 inches long. It weighs a mere 16 ounces when empty. The gun sports a single-action trigger, which helps shooters aim better despite its short 3-inch barrel.
This compact firearm holds 6 rounds in the magazine plus 1 in the chamber. Users can pick from different grip styles to suit their needs. The P938 comes with SIGLITE night sights, making it useful in dark settings.
For fans of metal-framed guns, the P938 offers a solid choice. Its 1911-inspired design appeals to many concealed carry fans who want 9mm power in a small package.
11. Smith & Wesson J-Frame Revolvers
Smith & Wesson’s J-Frame revolvers are compact and dependable. The 642 Airweight model is a prime example, packing 5 rounds of .38 Special into a small 6.3-inch frame. At just 14.4 ounces, it’s light and easy to carry.
These revolvers have no external hammer, reducing the risk of snagging when drawn. This makes them well-suited for pocket carry. While they hold fewer rounds than some pistols, their simple design is very reliable.
J-Frame revolvers can use +P ammo for extra power. This gives shooters more options for self-defense. Their small size and strong punch make them popular for concealed carry.
12. The Compact Glock 26
The Glock 26 is a small but mighty 9mm pistol. Its size makes it easy to hide, but it still packs a punch. The gun holds 10 bullets in its standard magazine, plus one in the chamber.
What’s cool about the Glock 26 is that it can use bigger magazines too. You can put in 15, 17, or even 33-round magazines from other Glock guns. This gives you more options.
The gun is about 6.4 inches long and weighs around 22 ounces when empty. It’s small enough to carry every day but big enough to hold onto when you shoot.
Even though it’s small, the Glock 26 is not hard to shoot. It has a special spring system that helps reduce the kick when you fire it.
13. Ruger EC9s
The Ruger EC9s is a compact 9mm pistol that packs a punch without breaking the bank. This slim firearm measures 6 inches long and weighs a mere 17.2 ounces when empty. Its small size makes it easy to hide in many spots on your body.
The gun holds 7 bullets in its magazine, plus one in the chamber. Its width is less than an inch, adding to its concealable nature. The EC9s keeps things simple, focusing on being reliable and cheap.
One cool feature is its sights. They’re cut right into the slide, which means less snagging and no chance of losing them if you drop the gun. This design choice adds to the gun’s streamlined look and feel.
14. Kahr CW9
The Kahr CW9 stands out as a compact 9mm pistol built for everyday carry. Its slim design measures just 0.9 inches wide, making it easy to conceal. At 5.9 inches long and weighing only 15.8 ounces empty, the CW9 is comfortable to carry all day.
This pistol holds 7 rounds in the magazine plus 1 in the chamber. The smooth trigger and simple controls help shooters use it well under stress. A polymer frame keeps it light, while the stainless steel slide adds toughness.
The CW9’s special barrel design sits lower in the frame. This helps cut down on muzzle rise when firing, letting shooters get back on target faster for follow-up shots.
15. Beretta Nano
The Beretta Nano is a compact 9mm pistol built for easy concealment. It has a smooth exterior without snag points, making it simple to draw. The gun’s size is small, measuring 5.63 inches long and less than an inch wide. It holds 7 bullets total.
At 19.8 ounces empty, the Nano is light but still handles recoil well. Its design lacks outside controls, which helps it stay hidden. The gun has a special frame that can be taken out, letting owners change parts as needed.
The Nano’s shape and size make it a good choice for those who want to carry a gun without it being seen.
Ed spent his childhood in the backwoods of Maine, where harsh winters taught him the value of survival skills. With a background in bushcraft and off-grid living, Ed has honed his expertise in fire-making, hunting, and wild foraging. He writes from personal experience, sharing practical tips and hands-on techniques to thrive in any outdoor environment. Whether it’s primitive camping or full-scale survival, Ed’s advice is grounded in real-life challenges.