The 10 Most Common Concealed Carry Pistols: Pros and Cons

#RightToCarry

The 10 Most Common Concealed Carry Pistols: Pros and Cons

Choosing the right concealed carry pistol is a personal decision, often influenced by factors like size, weight, caliber, and personal comfort. Below, we'll explore ten of the most common and popular concealed carry pistols, highlighting the pros and cons of each.

1. Glock 19

Pros

**Reliability:** The Glock 19 is renowned for its reliability, making it a trusted option for concealed carry.

**Size:** It's compact but still offers a 15-round capacity, which is excellent for a concealed carry pistol.

**Ease of use:** Simple controls and minimal maintenance requirements.

Cons

**Grip Size:** Some shooters with smaller hands may find the grip too bulky.

**Lack of Safety Features:** It lacks a manual safety, which may concern some users.

2. Smith & Wesson M&P Shield 9mm

Pros

**Slim Profile:** The M&P Shield is known for its slim design, making it easy to conceal.

**Weight:** Lightweight and easy to carry all day.

**Trigger:** The trigger pull is smooth and predictable.

Cons

**Capacity:** The standard model has a lower capacity (7+1 or 8+1) compared to some competitors.

**Recoil:** Due to its lightweight, it may have more perceived recoil.

3. Sig Sauer P365

Pros

**High Capacity:** The P365 offers an impressive 10+1 capacity in a very compact frame.

**Size:** Extremely small and easy to conceal, making it a popular choice for everyday carry.

**Trigger:** Known for its crisp trigger pull.

Cons

**Grip:** The small grip may be uncomfortable for shooters with larger hands.

**Learning Curve:** The compact size might require some practice to handle effectively.

4. Ruger LCP II

Pros

**Size:** The LCP II is extremely small and lightweight, perfect for deep concealment.

**Price:** It's one of the more affordable options on the market.

**Ease of Carry:** Easily fits in a pocket holster for convenient carry.

Cons

**Caliber:** Chambered in .380 ACP, it’s less powerful than larger calibers.

**Recoil:** Surprisingly snappy for such a small caliber, making it less comfortable to shoot.

5. Springfield Armory Hellcat

Pros

**Capacity:** With an 11+1 or 13+1 capacity, the Hellcat offers impressive firepower for its size.

**Optics Ready:** Comes with an option for mounting a red dot sight.

**Ergonomics:** Well-designed grip and controls.

Cons

**Grip Texture:** Some shooters find the aggressive grip texture uncomfortable for extended carry.

**Price:** Slightly higher priced compared to some competitors in its class.

6. Glock 43

Pros

**Size:** A slim and compact design ideal for concealed carry.

**Reliability:** Like all Glocks, it’s highly reliable and easy to maintain.

**Simple Controls:** The minimalist design is easy to learn and operate.

Cons

**Capacity:** Limited to 6+1 rounds, which is lower than some other options.

**Recoil:** Its lightweight design can result in noticeable recoil.

7. Walther PPS M2

Pros

**Ergonomics:** Known for its comfortable grip and easy handling.

**Trigger:** One of the best factory triggers in the single-stack category.

**Slim Design:** Easy to conceal, even under light clothing.

Cons

**Magazine Release:** The paddle-style magazine release is unique and may require adjustment for some shooters.

**Capacity:** Limited to 7+1 or 8+1 rounds.

8. Smith & Wesson M&P Bodyguard 380

Pros

**Size:** Ultra-compact and lightweight, ideal for pocket carry.

**Built-in Laser:** Some models include an integrated laser for quick target acquisition.

**Price:** Affordable, making it accessible to many shooters.

Cons

**Caliber:** Chambered in .380 ACP, which some may find underpowered.

**Trigger:** The trigger pull is long and heavy, which can be challenging for some shooters.

9. Kahr CW9

Pros

**Slim Design:** The CW9 is slim and easy to conceal.

**Trigger:** Smooth double-action-only trigger.

**Price:** It’s a budget-friendly option without sacrificing quality.

Cons

**Recoil:** The lightweight design can lead to noticeable recoil.

**Capacity:** Limited to 7+1 rounds, which is lower than some competitors.

10. Taurus G2C

Pros

**Price:** Very affordable, making it a popular choice for budget-conscious buyers.

**Capacity:** Offers 12+1 capacity in a compact size.

**Manual Safety:** Includes a manual safety, which some shooters prefer.

Cons

**Trigger:** The trigger has a long, somewhat gritty pull.

**Finish:** The finish quality is not as high as some of the more expensive options.

Conclusion

Choosing the right concealed carry pistol comes down to finding the balance between size, capacity, and comfort that works best for you. It's essential to consider not only the pros and cons of each firearm but also how it feels in your hand and how confident you are in using it effectively. Trying out different models at a range can help you make an informed decision and ensure that you select the best concealed carry pistol for your needs.