Product Reviews and Comparisons - Top 10 Handguns for Concealed Carry: Reviews and Recommendations

Conceal Carry Class

Product Reviews and Comparisons - Top 10 Handguns for Concealed Carry: Reviews and Recommendations

Posted by 2nd Amendment Armory on Jun 4th 2024

Concealed carry has become a significant aspect of personal security for many Americans. With the increasing need for self-defense, selecting the right handgun for concealed carry is crucial. The right firearm should be reliable, easy to conceal, and comfortable to carry for extended periods. In this comprehensive review, we will explore the top 10 handguns for concealed carry, offering detailed reviews and recommendations to help you make an informed decision.

1. Glock 19 Gen 5

The Glock 19 Gen 5 is a popular choice among concealed carry enthusiasts and for good reasons. This compact 9mm handgun offers a perfect balance between size, capacity, and shootability.

Key Features:

  • Caliber: 9mm
  • Capacity: 15+1 rounds
  • Barrel Length: 4.02 inches
  • Weight: 23.63 ounces (unloaded)

Pros:

  • Reliable and durable
  • Large magazine capacity
  • Comfortable grip with modular backstraps
  • Ambidextrous slide stop lever

Cons:

  • Slightly bulkier than other options
  • Grip texture can be rough on the skin

Recommendation: The Glock 19 Gen 5 is ideal for those who prioritize reliability and capacity in a compact form. It is a bit larger but offers excellent performance.

2. Smith & Wesson M&P Shield 2.0

The Smith & Wesson M&P Shield 2.0 is renowned for its slim profile and ease of concealment, making it a top choice for everyday carry.

Key Features:

  • Caliber: 9mm, .40 S&W
  • Capacity: 7+1 or 8+1 rounds
  • Barrel Length: 3.1 inches
  • Weight: 18.3 ounces (unloaded)

Pros:

  • Slim and lightweight design
  • Aggressive grip texture
  • Crisp trigger pull
  • Affordable

Cons:

  • Lower capacity
  • Recoil can be snappy in .40 S&W

Recommendation: The M&P Shield 2.0 is perfect for those looking for a slim, lightweight, and affordable concealed carry option.

3. Sig Sauer P365

The Sig Sauer P365 has redefined the micro-compact handgun category with its impressive capacity and innovative design.

Key Features:

  • Caliber: 9mm
  • Capacity: 10+1, 12+1, or 15+1 rounds
  • Barrel Length: 3.1 inches
  • Weight: 17.8 ounces (unloaded)

Pros:

  • High capacity for a micro-compact
  • Excellent ergonomics
  • Night sights included
  • Smooth trigger

Cons:

  • Slightly heavier than other micro-compacts
  • May require an extended magazine for larger hands

Recommendation: The P365 is a game-changer for those who want a high-capacity, compact, and feature-rich concealed carry handgun.

4. Ruger LCP II

The Ruger LCP II is a highly concealable, lightweight pistol designed for deep concealment.

Key Features:

  • Caliber: .380 ACP
  • Capacity: 6+1 rounds
  • Barrel Length: 2.75 inches
  • Weight: 10.6 ounces (unloaded)

Pros:

  • Ultra-compact and lightweight
  • Improved trigger over the original LCP
  • Easy to conceal in any attire
  • Affordable

Cons:

  • Limited stopping power of .380 ACP
  • Low capacity
  • Small grip may be uncomfortable for larger hands

Recommendation: The LCP II is excellent for those who need an ultra-compact and lightweight option for deep concealment.

5. Springfield Armory Hellcat

The Springfield Armory Hellcat is a highly regarded micro-compact with a remarkable capacity and advanced features.

Key Features:

  • Caliber: 9mm
  • Capacity: 11+1 or 13+1 rounds
  • Barrel Length: 3 inches
  • Weight: 18.3 ounces (unloaded)

Pros:

  • High capacity for its size
  • Adaptive grip texture
  • U-Dot sight system
  • Optics-ready model available

Cons:

  • Recoil can be sharp
  • Pricey compared to some competitors

Recommendation: The Hellcat is perfect for those seeking a high-capacity micro-compact with modern features and excellent ergonomics.

6. Walther PPS M2

The Walther PPS M2 is a sleek, single-stack 9mm known for its comfort and accuracy.

Key Features:

  • Caliber: 9mm
  • Capacity: 6+1, 7+1, or 8+1 rounds
  • Barrel Length: 3.18 inches
  • Weight: 21.1 ounces (unloaded)

Pros:

  • Ergonomic grip
  • Smooth trigger pull
  • Low-profile, snag-free sights
  • Reliable and accurate

Cons:

  • Lower capacity compared to double-stacks
  • Slightly heavier for its size

Recommendation: The PPS M2 is ideal for those who prioritize ergonomics and accuracy in a slim, single-stack design.

7. Kahr PM9

The Kahr PM9 is a micro-compact, single-stack 9mm that excels in concealability and build quality.

Key Features:

  • Caliber: 9mm
  • Capacity: 6+1 or 7+1 rounds
  • Barrel Length: 3 inches
  • Weight: 14 ounces (unloaded)

Pros:

  • Very compact and lightweight
  • Smooth double-action trigger
  • Excellent build quality
  • Easy to conceal

Cons:

  • Higher price point
  • Smaller magazine capacity
  • Longer trigger pull

Recommendation: The PM9 is a premium option for those who need a high-quality, ultra-concealable handgun with a smooth trigger.

8. Taurus G2C

The Taurus G2C offers excellent value for those seeking a reliable and affordable concealed carry option.

Key Features:

  • Caliber: 9mm, .40 S&W
  • Capacity: 12+1 rounds (9mm)
  • Barrel Length: 3.2 inches
  • Weight: 22 ounces (unloaded)

Pros:

  • Affordable
  • High capacity for a compact size
  • Adjustable rear sights
  • Comfortable grip

Cons:

  • Heavier than some competitors
  • Trigger can feel gritty
  • Fit and finish not as refined

Recommendation: The G2C is great for budget-conscious carriers looking for a reliable and high-capacity handgun.

9. H&K VP9SK

The Heckler & Koch VP9SK is a subcompact version of the highly acclaimed VP9, known for its superior ergonomics and performance.

Key Features:

  • Caliber: 9mm
  • Capacity: 10+1 rounds
  • Barrel Length: 3.39 inches
  • Weight: 23.07 ounces (unloaded)

Pros:

  • Exceptional ergonomics
  • Ambidextrous controls
  • Smooth trigger pull
  • Interchangeable backstraps

Cons:

  • Higher price point
  • Slightly bulkier than some subcompacts

Recommendation: The VP9SK is ideal for those who seek top-tier ergonomics and performance in a subcompact handgun.

10. Glock 43X

The Glock 43X combines the slim profile of the Glock 43 with an extended grip, providing better control and capacity.

Key Features:

  • Caliber: 9mm
  • Capacity: 10+1 rounds
  • Barrel Length: 3.41 inches
  • Weight: 18.7 ounces (unloaded)

Pros:

  • Slim profile with extended grip
  • Reliable Glock performance
  • Comfortable to shoot
  • Good balance of capacity and size

Cons:

  • Limited magazine capacity
  • No accessory rail

Recommendation: The Glock 43X is perfect for those who want a slim, reliable handgun with an extended grip for better control.

Conclusion

Choosing the right handgun for concealed carry involves balancing size, capacity, ergonomics, and personal preference. Each of the handguns reviewed here offers unique benefits and considerations, ensuring there's an option for every need and preference. Whether you prioritize a high-capacity micro-compact like the Sig Sauer P365 or the slim profile of the Smith & Wesson M&P Shield 2.0, it's essential to handle and, if possible, test these firearms to determine the best fit for your concealed carry needs.

At 2nd Amendment Armory, we understand the importance of finding the right concealed carry handgun. Our expert staff is always available to provide personalized recommendations and ensure you make an informed decision. Visit us today to explore our wide selection of handguns and accessories tailored to your self-defense needs.

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