Best Concealed Carry Guns of 2024

Choosing the best concealed carry guns can be overwhelming, given the number of great options on the market. The right gun for you depends on factors like size, weight, ease of concealment, and reliability. In this article, we’ll break down some of the top concealed carry guns for 2024, highlighting their unique features and what makes them stand out. Whether you’re looking for a compact pistol or a revolver, this guide covers them all. Let’s dive in.

How I Chose the Best Concealed Carry Guns

When choosing the best concealed carry guns, I prioritized several key factors to ensure that each firearm met the demands of concealed carry. First, I focused on size and weight. A gun needs to be compact and lightweight enough to carry comfortably but still large enough to offer good control and accuracy. Next, I evaluated capacity, ensuring a balance between size and the number of rounds it can hold, as more capacity can be a game-changer in defensive situations. Reliability was non-negotiable—each gun had to perform flawlessly in various conditions. Lastly, I considered factors like ergonomics for ease of handling and quick draw, and recoil management, which is crucial for accurate follow-up shots.

Compact and Concealable Handguns to Consider

Concealed carry guns are meant to be small and easy to hide, but they still pack plenty of firepower. Here are some of the top compact handguns that offer excellent concealability without sacrificing performance.

• Staccato CS
• Sig Sauer P365 XMacro Tacops
• Walther PDP Compact Steel Frame 4-inch
• OA Defense OA 2311 Compact Pro
• Glock G19
• Colt Python 3-inch
• Sig Sauer P365
• Walther PDP-F 3.5-Inch
• PSA Micro Dagger C-1
• Ruger LCP Max
• Taurus GX4 XL T.O.R.O.
• Glock G43X
• Smith & Wesson Shield Plus
• Springfield Armory Hellcat Pro
• Ruger LCR .22
• Beretta PX4 Storm Compact Carry 2

Best Concealed Carry Pistols for 2024

Staccato CS – Reliable Performance for Everyday Carry

The Staccato CS is a powerhouse in a small package. Known for its accuracy and smooth trigger pull, it’s favored by law enforcement officers and experienced shooters alike. What makes it ideal for concealed carry is its slim profile and lightweight build. It’s easy to tuck away under a jacket or in a holster.

• Slim and compact design
• Smooth trigger pull for accurate shooting
• Trusted by law enforcement professionals

Sig Sauer P365 XMacro Tacops – Expanded Capacity and Precision

For those looking for a balance between size and capacity, the Sig Sauer P365 XMacro Tacops is a top contender. It offers extended capacity while maintaining a manageable size, making it perfect for those who want more rounds without a bulkier gun.

• Extended capacity for more rounds
• Compact and easily concealable
• Known for precision shooting

Walther PDP Compact Steel Frame 4-Inch – Power and Control

The Walther PDP Compact Steel Frame provides an excellent combination of power and control. The steel frame adds a bit of weight, which helps reduce recoil. The 4-inch barrel gives it great accuracy, while still being short enough for effective concealed carry.

• Steel frame reduces recoil
• 4-inch barrel for improved accuracy
• Great for shooters who want more control

OA Defense OA 2311 Compact Pro – Tactical and Concealable

The OA Defense OA 2311 Compact Pro is a tactical choice for those who need a gun that’s easy to conceal but built for more rugged use. It has a sleek design and offers excellent grip and control for fast draw and accuracy in self-defense situations.

• Tactical design with enhanced grip
• Built for rugged environments
• Easy to conceal despite its robust build

Glock G19 – The Popular Favorite

The Glock G19 is one of the most popular choices for concealed carry. Its versatility and reliability make it a go-to for many. While slightly larger than other options, it is still compact enough for everyday carry and is favored for its high capacity and ease of use.

• High capacity in a compact frame
• Reliable and trusted by many shooters
• Slightly larger, but still manageable for concealed carry

Micro Pistols: Maximum Portability, Maximum Impact

Micro pistols are smaller and lighter, making them perfect for those who prioritize portability. These guns may be small, but they are built for quick, close-range defense.

Ruger LCP Max – Tiny but Mighty

The Ruger LCP Max is designed for those who need a pocket-sized pistol that still delivers excellent performance. It’s one of the most compact options on the market but doesn’t sacrifice reliability or capacity.

• Pocket-sized for ultimate portability
• 10-round magazine capacity
• Excellent reliability

Taurus GX4 XL T.O.R.O. – Compact and Optics-Ready

The Taurus GX4 XL T.O.R.O. is another great option for concealed carry. It’s optics-ready, allowing shooters to equip it with a red dot sight for faster target acquisition. Despite its compact size, it offers great accuracy and control.

• Optics-ready for enhanced targeting
• Compact and lightweight
• Offers great accuracy for its size

Glock G43X – Slimline and Sleek

The Glock G43X is slim and easy to conceal. Its compact size and narrow frame make it perfect for appendix carry. Despite its size, the G43X offers a great grip and is known for its accuracy and ease of use.

• Slim and easy to conceal
• Great grip for its size
• Ideal for appendix carry

Smith & Wesson Shield Plus – Enhanced Capacity in a Slim Frame

The Smith & Wesson Shield Plus is designed to offer enhanced capacity without making the gun too bulky. This makes it an excellent choice for those who want more rounds in a slim, easy-to-conceal frame.

• Enhanced capacity in a slim design
• Easy to conceal and carry
• Known for reliability and accuracy

High-Capacity Compacts for Concealed Carry

For those who want a bit more firepower, these high-capacity compacts deliver without adding much bulk.

Sig Sauer P365 – Trusted for Everyday Carry

The Sig Sauer P365 is one of the most popular concealed carry guns on the market. It offers a great balance between size and capacity, making it ideal for those who need a reliable everyday carry option.

• Popular for everyday carry
• High-capacity in a compact frame
• Known for reliability

Walther PDP-F 3.5-Inch – Ergonomics Focused

The Walther PDP-F with its 3.5-inch barrel is a great choice for shooters who value ergonomics. It’s designed to fit comfortably in hand while still being easy to conceal.

• Ergonomically designed for comfort
• 3.5-inch barrel for improved control
• Compact and easy to conceal

PSA Micro Dagger C-1 – Affordable and Reliable

The PSA Micro Dagger C-1 is a budget-friendly option for those looking for a reliable concealed carry gun. Despite its affordability, it offers excellent performance and reliability, making it a great choice for both new and experienced shooters.

• Affordable yet reliable
• Compact and easy to conceal
• Great for budget-conscious shooters

Top Revolvers for Concealed Carry

Revolvers offer simplicity and reliability, making them a great option for concealed carry. These revolvers are compact and easy to use.

Colt Python 3-Inch – A Classic Choice

The Colt Python 3-Inch is a classic revolver that offers power in a compact frame. While revolvers are generally bulkier than semi-autos, the Python‘s short barrel and sleek design make it a viable option for concealed carry.

• Classic revolver design
• Short barrel for better concealment
• Powerful and reliable

Ruger LCR .22 – Lightweight and Dependable

The Ruger LCR .22 is one of the lightest revolvers available. It’s perfect for those who want a simple and easy-to-carry gun. Despite its small size, it’s known for its reliability and ease of use.

• Lightweight and compact
• Easy to carry and use
• Reliable and durable

Best Choices for Compact Carry with Enhanced Features

These guns offer enhanced features like optics readiness or ergonomic design, making them excellent choices for concealed carry.

Beretta PX4 Storm Compact Carry 2 – Superior Ergonomics

The Beretta PX4 Storm Compact Carry 2 is known for its superior ergonomics and recoil management. It’s designed for comfort, making it easy to shoot and control, even during rapid fire.

• Ergonomically designed for comfort
• Great recoil management
• Ideal for rapid fire and control

Springfield Armory Hellcat Pro – Micro-Compact with Maximum Capacity

The Springfield Armory Hellcat Pro is a micro-compact gun that offers a high capacity of up to 15 rounds. This makes it a great choice for those who need a small gun but don’t want to compromise on capacity.

• Micro-compact with high capacity
• Up to 15 rounds
• Ideal for those who want more firepower in a small package

Comparison Table: Best Concealed Carry Guns

When selecting a concealed carry gun, it’s essential to consider the balance between size, capacity, and personal comfort. Whether you prefer a micro pistol for maximum portability or a compact model with enhanced features, this guide provides a range of options to suit different needs.