Lifestyle
The Best Concealed Carry Guns Of 2024
By CM Chaney · June 20, 2024
With the wide array of options on the market in various sizes, calibers, and price points, the choices can be overwhelming. In this article, we'll help narrow down the field to some of the top performing concealed carry guns available in 2024.
Our recommendations consider not only the guns that score highest in performance and reliability, but also those that provide great value. The list includes a range of options to fit different preferences and budgets. Whether you're an experienced carrier or looking to purchase your first concealed carry weapon, you're sure to find a quality choice here that will serve you well. Photo by seeetz on Unsplash
1.
The Ruger LCP Max, an improvement on the original LCP, boasts an impressive 13-round capacity with the extended magazine while maintaining a slim profile. This pocket-friendly .380 ACP pistol is reliable, easy to shoot, and effective at close range. Despite its snappy recoil, the LCP Max exhibits minimal muzzle flip and is highly controllable. With modern high-performance .380 ACP ammunition, this micro-compact pistol is a formidable choice for concealed carry. ruger.com
2. Glock G43X
The Glock G43X is a sub-compact pistol that keeps Glock's line competitive with other popular options. It features a 3.41-inch barrel, slim frame, and front and rear cocking serrations. The G43X uses a 10-round magazine, significantly increasing capacity compared to the standard G43's 6 rounds. While lacking frills, Glock enthusiasts know they're getting a reliable, ultra-comfortable pistol for carrying and shooting. The MOS version is optics-ready, and affordable packages are available. Although the newer G48 has generated interest with its slimmer design and equal capacity, many shooters still prefer the feel and performance of the G43X when shooting. us.glock.com
3. Sig Sauer P365 XMacro Tacops
Sig Sauer's P365 XMacro Tacops, an upsized version of the micro-compact P365, offers unmatched capacity in its class while remaining ultra-slim. The Tacops simplifies the XMacro design, featuring a longer barrel without the integral slide compensator and a small, effective magwell. With a similar footprint to the Glock G19 and Staccato CS, the XMacro Tacops is more comfortable for inside-the-waistband carry due to its slimmer profile. After an initial break-in period, the pistol has proven reliable and incredibly soft-shooting, pointing intuitively. Despite lacking a firm trigger wall, the P365 XMacro Tacops demonstrates only slightly more muzzle flip than the ported XMacro during rapid-fire strings. sigsauer.com
4. Walther PDP Compact Steel Frame 4-inch
The Walther PDP Compact Steel Frame pistol, despite its chunky feel and weight, surprises with its exceptional performance. As part of Walther's successful striker-fired lineup, this compact model aims to combine the recoil-mitigating characteristics of the match gun with a carry-friendly package. The pistol boasts wrap-around grip panels with excellent hexagonal texturing and superb ergonomics for large-handed shooters. It carries over popular PDP features such as ambidextrous slide stop levers, a reversible magazine catch button, and well-executed slide serrations and scalloping. With a 3-slot accessory rail and compatibility with various optics using adapter plates, the PDP Compact Steel Frame proves to be a formidable choice for concealed carry. guns.com
5. Taurus GX4 XL T.O.R.O.
Taurus' GX4 and GX4XL have proven to be excellent value options in the concealed carry gun market. The GX4XL, a sub-compact 9mm with a slightly longer barrel than its predecessor, comes with 11- and 13-round magazines. The T.O.R.O. model is optics-ready, featuring an RMS pattern and removable rear pillars. Built similarly to the Sig P365 line, the GX4XL's removable stainless steel chassis allows for modularity between models. The longer slide and recoil system contribute to the pistol's surprisingly soft shooting, while the crisp trigger adds to its overall performance. Despite minor reliability issues during the break-in period, the GX4XL T.O.R.O. offers an impressive feature set, shootability, and price point. taurususa.com
6. Colt Python 3-inch
The Colt Python 3-inch model is a favorite among revolver fans who trust their life to wheel guns. As part of Colt's revitalized Python line, this short .357 Mag revolver maintains the Python's essence in a more compact package. Featuring the same quality wood grips, frame, and cylinder as its larger counterparts, the 3-inch Python also includes reinforcement under the rear sight. With a six-round capacity and a transfer bar firing system, it can be safely carried with a round under the lowered hammer. While not the most concealable option, the Python's smooth operation and full-size grip make it a top choice for OWB or IWB carry under a jacket. colt.com
7. Ruger LCR .22LR
The Ruger LCR .22 is a compact 8-round revolver suitable for those who prefer a .22 LR for concealed carry. Featuring a comfortable Hogue grip, this easily concealable revolver can be used for pest control or self-defense. While some argue that .22 LR is underpowered for general self-defense, having a gun on hand is better than not having one at all. This issue can be mitigated by using purpose-built .22 LR self-defense ammunition. Despite its less-than-handsome appearance, the LCR .22 is fun to shoot, easy to maintain, and can serve as an everyday carry option or a trainer for larger-caliber revolvers. ruger.com
8. Springfield Armory Hellcat Pro OSP
The Springfield Hellcat Pro strikes a balance between concealability and magazine capacity, offering a 15+1 capacity with flush-mounted magazines in a package slightly smaller than a Glock 19. Its trimmer profile and low-profile controls make it ideal for snag-free carry. The Hellcat Pro OSP comes well-equipped with features like a reversible magazine catch, loaded-chamber indicator, quality magazines, a Melonite finish, a generous accessory rail, and front and rear cocking serrations. While the recoil may be slightly snappier than other similarly sized guns, the Hellcat Pro OSP remains a reliable and solid choice for concealed carry, excelling at packing a lot of ammunition into a slim, compact package. springfield-armory.com
9. Staccato CS
Staccato's CS, introduced in 2023, has proven to be a reliable, easy-to-shoot, and incredibly accurate downsized 2011 pistol. Slightly slimmer than a Glock 19, the CS features a redesigned magazine similar to the Sig P365's. While maintaining the 1911's controls and trigger, the CS incorporates an updated dual guide rod recoil system, making it the flattest-shooting compact 9mm tested. Though expensive and subject to supply bottlenecks, the Staccato CS justifies its price with build quality and on-target performance. Averaging 0.676-inch groups at 50 yards with various ammunition types, this pistol demonstrates the tangible benefits of its premium design and construction. staccato2011.com
10. Smith & Wesson Shield Plus
The Smith & Wesson M&P Shield Plus, an updated version of the popular Shield and Shield 2.0, offers increased capacity without compromising on grip texture, handling, and ergonomics. For fans of the M&P line who shoot them well, the Shield Plus is one of the best carry guns available. The 9mm version comes with flush and extended magazines, holding 10+1 and 13+1 rounds, respectively. The Shield Plus also shines in its early adoption of Federal's new .30 Super Carry cartridge, which delivers 9mm-like performance with even higher capacity—an impressive 13+1 and 16+1 rounds in its flush and extended magazines. smith-wesson.com
11. Sig Sauer P365
The Sig P365, one of the first micro-compact 9mm pistols to maximize capacity, holds 10 rounds in its small double-stack magazine while maintaining an ultra-discreet size. Well-thought-out and still holding its own among newer competitors, the standard black nitron model features Xray tritium night sights and two 10-round magazines (one with a slightly extended baseplate for pinky grip). The P365's excellent ergonomics, grip shape, and pointability make it a top choice for concealed carry, despite the slightly snappy recoil common to micro 9mms. The pistol's modularity allows for interchangeable fire control units, grips, and other parts, enabling users to customize their P365 to suit their needs. sigsauer.com
12. Glock G19
The Glock G19, one of the most prolific and effective concealed carry guns worldwide, is a pioneer in the realm of polymer-framed, striker-fired pistols. Its simplicity and reliability have kept it at the forefront of the compact 9mm market since the late 1980s, with a 15+1-round capacity that remains competitive. While factory sights are often replaced, the G19 benefits from a vast aftermarket offering sights, parts, and accessories. The Gen 5 MOS version features updates to the grip, an ambidextrous slide stop, and an optics-ready slide. Even after 35 years, the G19 remains one of the best carry guns available, with its influence evident in the numerous clones and aftermarket support. gearfire.com
13. Beretta PX4 Storm Compact Carry 2
Beretta's PX4 Storm Concealed Carry 2, an optimized version of the popular PX4 Storm, features a rotating barrel design with a heavier barrel for added mass and recoil mitigation. The CC2 version boasts an improved decocker, bobbed and snag-free hammer, and enhanced double-action trigger pull. While the pistol's soft and manageable shooting characteristics impressed the test team, its larger-than-expected size and thick, chunky feel divided opinions. The PX4's thickness provides a better grip, but considering the abundance of more compact and equally capable pistols on the market, it may not be the top choice for everyone. However, fans of Beretta 92 or those comfortable with double-action/single-action operation will likely appreciate the PX4 Storm. beretta.com
14. OA Defense OA 2311 Compact Pro
The OA 2311 Compact Pro takes the 2011 trend in a unique direction, incorporating elements of a 2011-style pistol while using more affordable and readily available Sig Sauer P320-pattern magazines. With a profile similar to a Glock G19, the Compact Pro features an aluminum frame, polymer grip module, and a magwell. The grip module, designed for user modification or stippling, includes ambidextrous controls, a reversible mag catch button, and gas-pedal-type thumb rests. The ported model tested exhibited exceptional recoil management, making it one of the flattest-shooting 9mm compacts available. Despite some ergonomic preferences and a rough 300-round break-in period, the OA 2311 Compact Pro proves to be a formidable concealed carry option when running smoothly. oadefense.com
15. Walther PDP-F 3.5-Inch
The Walther PDP-F series, designed with female shooters in mind, offers a concealed carry gun that appeals to a wide range of users. Retaining the best features of the PDP platform, the PDP-F features a slender grip and shorter trigger reach, making it more comfortable for IWB carry while maintaining excellent ergonomics. The pistol comes equipped with adjustable three-dot white sights and a removable slide cover plate compatible with Walther's optic adapter plates, allowing for the addition of a red dot sight. When tested with a Trijicon RMR, the PDP-F 3.5-inch proved to be a wonderful-shooting pistol, offering a balanced combination of concealability and performance.(This content was created with the help of AI, and edited by a human.) guns.com