In the United States, the demand for concealed carry guns is increasing yearly. In 2022, it was estimated that 22.01 million Americans held a concealed carry permit, marking a post-pandemic record of a 2.3% increase from the previous year. In 2023, this number increased by 0.5%.

In this article, we’re discussing what concealed carry is, how to choose the best gun and which weapons are best suited for it. Keep reading.

What Is Concealed Carry?

Concealed carry, or Concealed Carry Weapon (CCW), is when you discreetly carry a weapon, so as not to be visible to others. People who carry concealed often do so for self-defense reasons.

CCW comes from the Second Amendment, which guarantees the right to “keep and bear arms.” In 2022, following the decision of the Supreme Court, all states were required to allow concealed carry of a handgun either without or with a permit.

How to Obtain a Concealed Carry Permit for All States?

Well, you can’t, unless you are a police officer or retired police officer thanks to the Law Enforcement Officers Safety Act (LEOSA) in 2004.

For other U.S. citizens, permit regulations vary from state to state. Historically, there have been attempts at a nationwide permit, such as the ‘Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act of 2017’, however, that failed to pass the Senate.

If you are considering CCW, you have to familiarize yourself with the specific area regulations in order to obtain the necessary permit.

What Are the Best Concealed Carry Guns?

Moving on to the best gun for concealed carry. It is not like a “One ring to rule them all” situation. The best concealed carry weapon is the one that best serves the needs of the gun owner. Ideally you want to keep a few basic factors in mind when considering which gun to buy:

• If it doesn’t fit well into your hand, it is not your gun. You have to check how it feels, maybe it’s too big, or heavy. Comfort is everything.
• You need to feel comfortable when wearing it. Since you would carry concealed all day long, it has to attach to your body with ease. You shouldn’t feel it like a burden around your waist or chest. Keeping it in the right holster is a must; you don’t want to carry a gun stuck into your pants. It has to be attached and stay in place when you move, so ensure it fits tightly in your holster and consider the angle at which you carry it.
• It’s a good idea to opt for a firearm that isn’t too difficult to use and maintain. Prioritize simplicity, as it is connected with comfort. If you aren’t comfortable using or wearing it, you will likely give up on CCW at an early stage.
• Also, you need a reliable gun. After all, you are buying it for self-defense, and it has to be with the right capabilities to save your life in situations when it’s threatened.
  • Consider its stopping power: small caliber handguns are not that suitable for self-defense. Common choices are 9mm, .40 S&W, and .45 ACP.
  • Are you ready for the recoil? Make sure you can handle the kickback. Try before you buy.
  • Capacity: Balance capacity with concealability. Higher capacity is advantageous, but it shouldn’t compromise concealment.
• Choose a gun that is appropriate to be carried in public places. You want a discrete weapon.
• Finally, think about the price. Since most people have a limited budget, look for a gun that balances price and quality. Remember that there will also be other expenses like maintenance, so ask questions before buying as you don’t want a gun you can’t afford to maintain.

Best Concealed Carry Guns in 2024

Considering all the factors mentioned above, we have selected a few options that meet a wide range of needs. Here they are:

Glock 19

The GLOCK 19 Gen5 9mm Semi-Auto Pistol is a solid choice for those seeking a reliable, but versatile 9mm pistol. It is relatively small and that makes it suitable for everyday carry.

The Gen 5 has finger grooves on the grip, allowing instant customization by mounting different backstraps. It is compatible with a wide range of aftermarket accessories. However, it may not be as accurate as the Glock 45, and it might not be the best choice if you have large hands, as the front cutout in the magazine can present a challenge.

Staccato CS

This beauty is the smallest and lightest of the Staccato family which means it is suitable for women and people with smaller hands. It comes with excellent features such as the New Patent Pending Dawson Precision® 3.5″ Toolless Recoil System, and a 16-round magazine.

However, it might be challenging to find a holster for it. Furthermore, it is relatively expensive, so weigh the pros and cons before buying.

Sig Sauer P365

The Sig Sauer P365-XMACRO TACOPS is almost perfect for everyday carry. It is an up-sized version of the micro P365. Fitted with a P365XL length slide and a 3.7” barrel, this ultra-slim gun has the largest capacity in its class.

Kimber R7 Mako

The Kimber R7 MAKO is a polymer-framed, striker-fired, high-capacity, subcompact handgun. Designed to compete with the best, it comes equipped with a lot of desired features, ensuring excellent performance. It is ultra-compact, the grid has great texture, and it has well-designed sights and an optic mouth. It’s also affordable.

Smith & Wesson M&P9 Shield Plus

The Smith & Wesson Shield Plus is a micro-compact 9mm pistol designed for concealed carry and personal protection. It has increased magazine capacity and an 18-degree grip angle, allowing you to find your natural point of aim easily.

It is available in various configurations, including Performance Center models, that cater to different preferences and lifestyles.

Ruger LCP Max

The Ruger LCP Max is a small and lightweight semi-automatic gun. It is chambered in .380 ACP, and offers a balance between stopping power and compactness. Its capacity is 10+1 round. The tritium fiber optic front sight ensures quick target acquisition. Drawbacks include its recoil due to the limited capacity compared to larger handguns.

Wrap Up

Remember, the best concealed carry guns are those that offer a means to protect yourself discreetly while remaining easy to carry and effective. Whether it’s the Ruger LCP Max, the Sig Sauer P365, or something else, as long as you obtain the right permit and training, you can confidently choose from a variety of options to suit your needs and preferences.