How to Choose a Concealed Carry Gun: A Comprehensive Guide

Introduction

Carrying a concealed handgun is a major responsibility. When choosing a concealed carry (CCW) weapon, you need to consider factors like size, caliber, capacity, ergonomics, and your own personal protection needs.

This article will help you:

• Evaluate your intended uses for a CCW handgun

• Understand key traits to look for in a concealable firearm

• Learn about popular concealed carry gun options

• Choose the best CCW for your lifestyle and needs

Selecting the right concealed carry handgun is an important decision. With some knowledge about key features, popular models, and your own requirements, you can confidently pick a reliable and effective CCW gun that fits your daily life.

Read on to choose the right concealed carry handgun to responsibly protect yourself and your loved ones.

TL;DR

Legal Considerations

When choosing a concealed carry (CCW) handgun, you must understand your state and local laws regarding permits, allowed firearms, magazine capacity, and other regulations. Concealed carry laws vary widely, so research requirements for your state.

Many states require permits, training courses, and more to legally carry concealed firearms or handguns. Some states restrict concealed carrying in certain designated areas.

It’s critical to know relevant concealed carry firearm laws in your jurisdiction prior to selecting your everyday carry gun to avoid legal issues.

You should also research what handguns and magazines are permissible in your area. Certain models or features like barrel shrouds, magazine capacity over 10 rounds, or fully automatic firing modes could be prohibited.

Choosing an illegal concealed carry gun could lead to criminal charges, even if you have a valid permit. When selecting your concealed carry weapon, be sure it aligns fully with your state and city’s specific concealed carry laws and restrictions to confidently and responsibly protect yourself daily.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Concealed Carry Gun

When picking a concealed carry (CCW) handgun, consider your intended uses, carry comfort, firearm action, caliber, accuracy, magazine capacity, size, recoil management, and ergonomics.

First, reflect on your needs for a concealed carry weapon. Do you want it for backup “deep concealment” use or more regular everyday carry? Deep concealment guns focus on maximum discreetness and portability while regular carry handguns emphasize firepower and shooting performance.

Next, consider carry comfort and positioning. The concealment carry gun should seamlessly fit your lifestyle – not limit activities or attire choices.

Determine your most likely concealed carry positions – inside the waistband, ankle, shoulder, or pocket. Then pick a firearm size, weight and shape optimized for that carry position.

The concealed handgun firing action is also important. Striker-fired pistols have a consistent trigger pull while single and double-action triggers differ between the first and subsequent shots. Select the trigger action you can shoot most accurately under pressure.

1. Size and Weight

When selecting a concealed carry (CCW) handgun, size and weight significantly impact comfort and concealability. Compact and subcompact handguns with shorter barrels and grips are best for discreet carry. However, very small CCW firearms can be harder to grip and shoot accurately. There’s a balance between portability and shootability.

For most people, compact 9mm handguns with a 3-4 inch barrel like the Sig Sauer P365 or Smith & Wesson M&P Shield provide the best combination of easy concealment and comfortable, controllable handling for concealed carry self-defense situations.

Highly compact subcompact pistols with less than a 3 inch barrel conceal slightly better but may have snappier recoil in larger calibers.

Consider your carry position too. If carrying inside the waistband, a fuller-grip compact handgun allows a solid grasp. For the pocket holster and ankle positions, tiny subcompacts disappear from sight. Make sure to test the armed and reloaded carry weight at your desired positions. Lightweight polymer-frame handguns help reduce fatigue.

2. Type and Action

With concealed carry (CCW) handguns, you’ll choose between revolvers and semi-automatic pistols.

Revolvers like the Ruger LCR shoot each time the hammer is cocked. Semi-autos feed from magazines, allowing faster reloads and often higher capacities with models like the popular Springfield Armory Hellcat micro-compact 9mm.

The semi-auto pistol action involves cycling the slide to chamber each round. This motion also cocks the firing action. Semi-auto actions can shoot quicker and handle recoil better for faster follow-up shots. However, revolvers have fewer moving parts to malfunction under stress.

For concealed carry self defense, compact and subcompact semi-automatic 9mm handguns dominate for their fast handling and higher magazine capacities. But small-frame revolvers like the Ruger LCR remain effective choices where allowed, especially for deep cover discreet carry needs..

3. Caliber Choice

Caliber determines gun’s stopping power, recoil, and ammunition capacity. Large calibers like .45 ACP offer significant stopping power with wider, heavier bullets. This comes at the cost of increased felt recoil that slows aiming for follow-up shots in fast-developing concealed carry self-defense situations.

Smaller calibers like .380 ACP reduce recoil, but less bullet mass means less penetration through barriers and clothing with questionable terminal effects on an attacker.

This makes the centered 9mm Luger round a versatile, commonly recommended choice for compact guns like the Sig Sauer P365.

High-tech 9mm bullet designs provide impressive stopping power, while moderate recoil facilitates shooting multiple controlled shots in stressful defense encounters when needed – increasing odds of ending the threat. Standard 9mm magazine capacities are also conducive to concealed carry at 10+ rounds.

4. Magazine Capacity

In concealed carry self-defense situations, magazine capacity determines how many rounds are readily available without reloading.

While experts debate exact figures, more rounds in your everyday carry handgun’s magazine generally equates to more effective stopping power in fast-unfolding defensive scenarios.

Compact single-stack magazines typically hold 6-8 rounds. But new micro-compact 9mm handguns like the Springfield Armory Hellcat hold over 10 rounds in flush-fit magazines for substantial concealed carry firepower with fast handling.

More magazine capacity also accounts for the significant possibility of missing shots under duress and averaged hit rates in shootouts. The average gunfight happens at 3 feet away, lasts 3 seconds and an average of 3 rounds are fired. FBI statistics show roughly 1 hit per 5 shots in gunfights.

So even trained shooters likely require multiple rounds on target to neutralize threats. This demonstrates the critical value of handguns with higher magazine capacities when your life hangs in the balance. The average gunfight happens at 3 feet away, lasts 3 seconds and an average of 3 rounds are fired.

5. Ergonomics

A gun’s ergonomics impact shooting comfort, accuracy, and control. Key factors are grip size/texture, trigger reach, and slide operation.

An optimal grip size lets you take a high, firm hold with your dominant shooting hand while achieving leverage and stability with the support hand. Thin grips disappear better for carry but make holding and controlling the subcompact handgun difficult.

Look for texture like aggressive checkering or granular stippling to resist slippage when firing or operating the slide with sweaty hands.

Also ensure you can easily reach the trigger when establishing your grip without uncomfortable joints or finger positions which hinder smooth trigger press technique. Test various small handguns to find the best personal fit.

Precision and power come from a comfortable, purposeful hold on the concealed carry gun.

6. Trigger Characteristics

The gun’s trigger directly affects shooting accuracy and safety.

A smooth, predictable trigger press is vital for precise shot placement, especially in chaotic critical incidents when mind-muscle coordination deteriorates under stress. Reliable triggers have a consistent pull weight through the firing arc without uneven resistance or excessive creep prior to firing.

The trigger reset after firing also matters greatly for quick subsequent shots. Short tactile resets allow better timing for fast follow-up shot sequencing without compromising your grip. This maintains sight alignment, critical for hitting assailants during concealed carry self defense scenarios.

While light, sensitive triggers allow great accuracy, excessively light triggers below 3 pounds increase chances of unintentional discharges from things like holster catches with tragic results.

Responsible concealed carriers balance fast, accurate shooting with safety through Shen testing. Confirm your selected carry gun’s trigger allows repeatable precision shooting without heightened negligent discharge risks from minor impacts.

7. Sights

Effective sights are critical for concealed carry handguns which may be used in low light, stressful situations.

Bold front posts and clear, glare-resistant rears allow fast alignment and target acquisition – no small feat when life depends on quickly drawing from concealment as threats attack from surprise angles.

Glowing tritium night sights like those on the Sig Sauer P365 XL facilitate sight visibility in darkened alleys or homes. White dot contrasts also help the eyes center sights on target naturally.

Red dot mini optics stand out for easiness of use – just place the dot on the threat. But they require batter changes and increase conspicuousness for concealed carry. Iron sights avoid these downsides while allowing accurate hits out to typical 7-10 yard self-defense distances with practice.

Test potential sights at the range drawing from holsters, shooting after sprints, from kneeling/barricade positions. Confirm you can see and utilize sights for precision hits when winded and stressed before relying on that concealed carry firearm.

8. Safety Features

Key safety mechanisms prevent unintentional discharges which could injure or kill innocents.

Common external safeties block firing pin or hammer falls until manually deactivated. Grip safeties build into the backstrap halt firing unless properly grasped. Internal firing pin blocks stop striker/hammer impacts without a trigger press.

While added safeties boost safety, they also complicate drawing/shooting under duress. This can cost precious time while assailed.

Striker-fired pistols like the popular Smith & Wesson M&P Shield have integrated internal safeties allowing consistent trigger pulls every draw. Revolver double-action triggers also prevent discharge if the hammer slips.

Consider your comfort with added manual safeties vs consistent trigger pulls for added confidence when carrying concealed. Test safety lever activation from holsters using shot timers to confirm reliable manipulation when rushed.

9. Reliability

Any firearm must work – without question – when deployed to protect innocent lives during violence. While range plinking shows basic function, it cannot replicate stresses guns face when carried daily: impacts from drops, accumulations of lint/debris, the bumps of strenuous activity, clothing snags, etc.

Top handgun makers like Glock obsess over reliability through exhaustive testing like high round counts and varied environmental exposures most guns will never undergo. This results in concealable firearms like the single-stack Glock 48 which cycle dependably despite years of sweaty waistband carry.

While cost plays a role in firearm selection, budget handguns risk failing when you (and loved ones) need them most. Vet your chosen model’s reputation from experts and owners to avoid potentially tragic reliability issues from manufacturers cutting corners.

Invest in established names like Smith & Wesson, Sig Sauer, Springfield Armory for proven everyday carry protection.

10. Concealability

A gun’s concealability depends on your body shape, typical wardrobe, positioning, and the firearm’s actual size/profile. Smaller single-stack subcompact pistols like the Sig Sauer P365 disappear most easily under clothing for discreet carry.

But barrel length, slide width, grip depth, and sight height all make compact handguns print or expose themselves unintentionally during daily activities.

Appendix or inside-the-waistband (IWB) carry allows the tightest tuck for solid concealment while shoulder rigs drape over clothing.

Big/tall body types and winter bulkier attire offer more wiggle room for slightly larger compact 9mms without obvious printing. Smaller folks may need micro .380 autos or tiny 5-shot revolvers for adequate discretion.

Analyze your lifestyle scenarios and attire along with prospective handgun dimensions to pick an everyday carry firearm innocuous enough for your conceal carry comfort zone.

11. Holster Selection

The right holster ensures safe, accessible carry while concealed and keeping your handgun securely positioned for a smooth, fast draw when needed.

Kydex IWB holsters retain shape for reliable draw stroke repetition while padded leather backing prevents discomfort. Shoulder rigs hide larger compact 9mms under light cover garments. Ankle holsters provide deep concealment but complicate access.

Avoid cheap nylon holsters which collapse and clutch guns detrimentally altering draw strokes. Precision molds allow a tailored grip and trigger guard security to prevent discharges from accidental triggers during carry. Passive retention around the ejection port locks guns in until the draw stroke disengages it.

Confirm any prospective concealed carry holster model retains its structural shape and firearm security after extensive bending and wear testing before trusting precious life to its performance.

12. Training and Skill Development

While modern handguns offer impressive traits, the shooter determines success hitting targets under pressure.

No substitute exists for professional instruction and regular training to build handgun manipulation skills and shooting accuracy from concealment – especially one-handed use while grappling or injured during violent attacks.

Seek respected firearm schools providing scenario-based training and defensive shooting courses. Then practice monthly at the range drawing from holsters, shooting on the move, and in darkness using handheld/weapon flashlights.

Force yourself to perform under pressure against shot timers to raise skills handling concealed handguns. Attend law of self defense legal seminars as well. Responsible concealed carry requires dedication across tactical, legal, and mental preparedness spectrums.

13. Maintenance and Cleaning

To ensure your handgun is always reliable, follow consistent cleaning and lubrication routines. Remove built-up carbon, metal fouling, and grime which impede function.

Field strip firearms to component levels following manual instructions then brush surfaces with solvents like Hoppe’s No. 9 before wiping down. Lightly lubricate friction surfaces (rails, locks, etc.) then reassemble properly gauging parts fitment by cycling actions manually. Replace weakened recoil springs causing jams.

Schedule cleanings based on round counts and exposure conditions. Range sessions warrant quick cleanings to prevent accumulation issues. Yearly detail strips inspect all components for abnormal wear possibly indicating unsafe conditions from parts failures down the line.

Don’t spray mystery lubricants into handgun actions expecting longevity miracles – apply the proper lube in optimal amounts at key friction points. And avoid excessive solvent flooding which can strip protective surface treatments or damage polymer handgun frames.

Consistent cleaning sustains any firearm to ensure its performance especially when your life may be on the line.

14. Holster Draw Techniques

Safe, effective concealed carry starts with proper grip and holster draw techniques practiced repetitively. Keep fingers clear of triggers during initial grip and draw motions. Perfect smooth draw strokes clearing concealment then acquiring threats using supportive two-hand grips without hesitation or extra movement.

Have an instructor monitor your draw technique with empty handguns ensuring proper execution.

Then practice monthly drawing from holsters, building draw speed and accuracy hitting targets at 7 yards in under 2 seconds. Smooth draw strokes and presentations separate proficient concealed carriers from unsafe, ineffective pretenders unable to protect when violence strikes.

15. Situational Awareness

Beyond the hardware lies cultivating a keen sense of situational awareness – the conscious ability to alertly scan, assess, and respond to environmental threats calmly. Criminals often exploit victims lost staring at smartphones rather than watching surrounding spaces.

Sharpen your ability to spot pre-attack indicators like aggressive body language, hands concealed in pockets, a group forming to isolate someone, raised emotional levels. Notice odd elements also like exit obstructions, poor lighting, and lack of cameras or others to deter crime.

Heightened ongoing analysis guides smart concealed carriers towards the right locations not traps and away from disturbances early. It also informs threat detection allowing a few additional seconds to put distance from concerns and time initial engagement if needed verses being ambushed.

Blending vigilant observational skill with appropriate concealed carry tools tilts the balance of power to responsible citizens for enhanced public safety.

16. Safe Storage

Safe firearm storage prevents accidents and unauthorized use especially at home.

Numerous fast-access solutions securely stow firearms including electronic/biometric pistol safes, retention holsters anchored near beds, and discreet wall-mounted lock boxes.

Consider the following:

• Avoid obvious locations like nightstand drawers and never showcase your guns to visitors.

• Monitor children closely in homes with firearms.

• Store ammunition separately from handguns as an added safety measure.

• Invest in quality locking devices resistant to attacks – cheap metal cabinets often fail brief prying attempts.

• Take advantage of free gun lock promotions from law enforcement agencies as well.

Responsible concealed carriers prioritize safe storage arrangements allowing rapid lawful access yet denying use by prohibited unauthorized parties like troubled teens.

Additional Tips and Considerations

Selecting an ideal everyday carry concealed handgun aligns with your budget. Quality guns cost $400+ with micro-compacts trending over $600.

But proven protecting power merits investments if carrying capacities are constrained. Used certified pre-owned compact pistols offer value as well.

If selecting cheaper concealed handguns, vet build quality and reliability thoroughly beforehand across credible expert sources.

Numerous online forums and local groups offer concealed carry discussions for advice navigating training, legalities, gear selection, holsters, insurance, and lifestyle integration. Books like “Concealed Carry Class: The ABCs of Self-Defense Tools & Tactics” provide further insights.

Articles at sites like the US Concealed Carry Association (USCCA) and Active Response Training share latest news impacting responsible concealed carriers nationwide.

Conclusion

Choosing a concealed carry handgun demands thoughtful research and evaluation driving your selection. Consider your routine concealment challenges, training required/needed, shooting proficiency level, and legal obligations within your jurisdiction.

Test fire top compact and micro-compact 9mm pistol candidates measuring ergonomics, accuracy, recoil control, and manipulations wearing likely conceal carry attire. Then inspect build quality and components for longevity sustaining years of EDC reliability protecting innocent lives.

Seek professional training molding your protocols, mindset, skills and gear towards confident, legal, safe, and ethical real-world application.

Responsibly elevating your readiness is a serious undertaking, concealed or not – arm yourself with knowledge and wisdom to uphold this civic duty well.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the most popular concealed carry position?

• The most popular concealed carry position is appendix carry (AIWB) inside the waistband at the 12:30-1:30 position. This allows easy access to the handgun and good concealment with the right cover garments.

What is the best caliber for everyday carry?

• The standout everyday carry caliber is the easy-shooting 9mm Luger. Modern self-defense 9mm loads offer impressive stopping power at realistic engagement distances of 3-10 yards. Moderate recoil facilitates fast follow-up shots in critical incidents.

What is considered the best handgun for carrying concealed?

• The Smith & Wesson M&P Shield in 9mm consistently earns recognition as the best handgun for its compact size, solid reliability reputation, and value pricing. Single-stack 9mms like the Sig P365 Micro-Compact and Glock 43X/48 also top lists for their balance of firepower, shootability, and concealment.