The Best Pistols For Concealed Carry (CCW)
One of the most common questions from those who have completed their carrying a concealed weapon (CCW) certification and licensing is, “What type of gun should I carry?”
Ask a group of CCW permit holders this question and you’ll get answers that range from “I only carry Glocks” to “a .22 is the ideal carry gun” to “I carry a full-bore 1911 in .45-auto.”
There is no one-size-fits-all approach to concealed carry guns. Taking a CCW class will help you determine the right handgun for you.
What are the best pistols to carry concealed in 2023?
There are a few guns that offer a terrific balance of all of the attributes you’ll likely want: an appropriate caliber, lightweight frame, compact dimensions, reasonable price tag, and reliability.
Visit The Range 702, your Las Vegas shooting range, and test-fire each of these models.
Compact pistols
Compact pistols are designed to offer the same power as a traditional handgun. These pistols are a top choice for individuals who have just completed their CCW permit class. Compact units are designed to fit in small spaces and be virtually inconspicuous.
1. Sig Sauer P365 XMACRO
The Sig Sauer P365 XMACRO is a popular choice for individuals wanting a well-concealed compact pistol, due to the pistol’s light weight, ergonomic grip, and quality performance. The P365 XMacro has a lot going for it, including great recoil control, round capacity, and easy optics mounting — something not always offered with compact pistols.
The P365 XMacro measures one inch wide and features a 9mm 17-round steel magazine. From the end of the beavertail to the front of the slide, this unit measures 6.62 inches. From the top of the slide to the underside of the magazine, it measures 5.24 inches.
Grip and handling are great, and there are a variety of accessories and attachments to choose from, making it an ideal unit for novice shooters.
2. CZ P10C
From grip to handling to shooting, the CZ P10C is a great compact pistol for novice and experienced shooters. The grip on the CZ P10C is ergonomic and comfortable, and while the first shoot requires an average of a 4.5lb pull, the following shots are effortless.
The CZ P10C features a 9mm luger and has an oval weight of just 26 oz. It’s offered in either a 10+1 magazine capacity or a 15+1 magazine capacity, depending on the model.
The barrel measures 4.02 inches, while height and width are 5.2 inches and 1.26 inches, respectively. This unit offers an overall length of 7.3 inches. The CZ P10C is equipped with a metal three-dot sight and is made of a durable fiber-reinforced polymer, allowing it to withstand the toughest environments.
3. Glock 19
The Glock 19 is a classic choice for gun owners who want a powerful yet compact pistol. This 9mm caliber pistol has a barrel length of 4.02 inches and weighs 21.16 oz outright (30.16 oz with a fully loaded magazine). The magazine capacity comes standard with 15 rounds, but there is an optional 17/19/24/31/33/10 capacity if you need more power.
The design of the Glock 19 allows it to stand out against most other compact pistols, and fewer parts to worry about makes it a great choice for new shooters. After a few rounds of practice, it’s surprisingly easy to get comfortable with handling.
4. Smith & Wesson M&P9 M2.0
Smith & Wesson pistols are known for their ease of use, comfortable grip, and undeniable power. The M&P9 M2.0 delivers on this brand reputation and has become one of the most popular compact pistols for shooters of all levels.
This 9mm pistol has a magazine capacity of 15 rounds. It measures 1.16 inches in width and five inches in height, and it weighs 25.9 oz. The M&P9 M2.0 enters its second generation and features an improved trigger, better grip texture, and interchangeable palm grip inserts to accommodate the comfort of different shooters.
Features include an optimal 18-degree grip angle for a natural point of aim and a flat face trigger that allows for consistent finger placement, helping improve accuracy. The quality of this pistol stands out in M&P’s patented take-down lever and sear deactivation system and Armonite durable corrosion-resistant finish.
Sub-compact pistols
Sub-compact pistols were designed for concealed carry, with smaller, lightweight models. These are great entry-level units for those new to the world of firearms.
5. Smith & Wesson Shield Plus
Discover the impressive power of a subcompact pistol when you grip a Smith & Wesson Shield Plus pistol. This ultra-compact pistol measures 1.1 inches in width, 4.6 inches in height, and weighs only 20.2 oz.
This 9mm micro-compact unit is available in a 10+1 and 13+1 carrying capacity and tucks nicely into a tight storage place. The Shield Plus features an enhanced grip texture that allows for exceptional handling. The ergonomic grip allows you to manage the recoil and keep a firm grip on the pistol.
The Smith & Wesson Shield Plus features M&P’s patented take-down lever and sear deactivation system that allows you to unassemble the unit without pulling the trigger. There’s also an optimal 18-degree grip angle for a natural point of aim, and Armornite durable corrosion-resistant finish.
6. Glock 43X
The Glock 43X is the best carry gun for owners of all experience backgrounds. This 9mm pistol features a compact slimline frame with a black slide and allows for a 10-round magazine. The ergonomic design and small structure are ideal for concealed carry.
The Glock 43X measures 3.41 inches in barrel length, an overall width of 1.10 inches, and an overall length of 6.50 inches. When it’s not loaded, it weighs 16.40 oz (23.07 oz when fully loaded).
The ergonomic design is made for concealed carry, giving it exceptional handling. It’s this easy handling that makes them popular options for novice shooters and those who want a simple and easy-to-fire pistol.
7. Sig Sauer P365X
The Sig Sauer P365X offers power in a compact design. This 9mm pistol features an XSERIES 365 grip module and flat trigger for better handling, accuracy, and consistent shooting capacity. The P365X is also equipped with an XRAY3 day and night front sight.
With an overall length of 6 inches and a 1.1-inch width, this pistol is extremely lightweight at 17.8 oz. Handling is exceptional, thanks to the clean, crisp trigger pull. The 12-round magazine offers a flush fit and easy load.
Shop the best concealed carry pistols today
At The Range 702, our team is excited to help you explore the best concealed carry gun for your safety needs. No matter your experience level, our team is here to help. We are committed to providing top-quality hands-on experience with the best CCW gun options available. If you want to learn more about getting your CCW concealed carry permit in Nevada, contact us today! Our experienced marksmen can give you insight into the specs and details that matter most to you so you can make an informed decision on your next gun purchase.
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