How To Choose A Concealed Carry Gun

shopping for a gun

One of the questions I am asked most often is, “What is the best gun for concealed carry?” Well, if you have been around me much and asked me this question, you know already that your best bet would be to pour a cup of coffee and pull up a chair because my answer will be long and probably leave you with more questions than you had to begin with.

However, in order to answer this, you have to ask yourself a plethora of questions because, as you will see, there is no one perfect gun.

What works best for you is based on a long list of topics to consider and balance before ultimately deciding which gun to purchase. The point of this article is to help those who are on the path to choosing a concealed carry handgun for themselves.

Sometimes you will have a local gun store employee or family member who has a good depth of knowledge when it comes to concealed carry handgun selection. Someone who has carried and used many different handguns over time. Instructors who teach regularly can also have a good insight on the guns they see students have issues with. Be leery when you hear something like ‘just get the gun that is best for you', or ‘whatever feels good is the best gun for you'. Lots of guns may ‘feel good' but that doesn't mean it is a good handgun for self-defense. Not everyone pressure tests their gear, spending time shooting thousands of rounds in various environments and situations. So if someone tells you they have ‘never had any issues' with a specific gun, that might be due to it sitting in a safe for the majority of its life.

Let’s be clear. I will not be advocating a particular handgun or even a particular brand. Instead, I want to present the criteria you should be considering, and then you can take these considerations and find what fits you best.

Let’s break down the considerations into four major topics: manufacturer, caliber, size and weight, and function.

Manufacturer:

With the number of firearms manufacturers, there is a handgun for everyone's budget. While some manufacturers produce higher-priced handguns, most manufacturers make handguns in various price ranges. When looking at price, understand that the old adage, “You get what you pay for” holds true in many instances.

However, there are quality firearms that are priced surprisingly reasonable. Personally, the “off brands” selling handguns for $100-$200 are the ones I would stay away from (and I would definitely not trust my life to a gun called “Yeet Cannon”).

Reliability is something you do not want to sacrifice in a personal defense/concealed carry gun. By no means am I saying all the “off brands” handguns are garbage, but the reliability can be hit or miss?

And when your life depends on it you don’t want to risk having one of the manufacturer “misses.”

Most manufacturers offer lifetime warranties on their firearms. However, dealing with different manufacturers' warranty programs can result in different experiences. Finding replacement or repair parts for off branded guns can be challenging and a simple fix may turn into a game-ending problem if a replacement cannot be found.

Additionally, finding aftermarket accessories for certain manufacturers is easier than others. When purchasing aftermarket items like grips, holsters, tac lights, night sights etc., you always want to go with something specific for your firearm.

Getting a one size fits all holster or grip, is not preferable to a holster that is designed to fit your firearm exactly.

Caliber:

Laying down is a 115 grain 9mm reload. Standing up is a .357 Sig S&B round.

Consideration of caliber is a factor that can really narrow down the selection process into a manageable list of contenders.

The problem is, oftentimes the caliber topic gets convoluted with misconception, opinion, and rumor. Without going into a full-on conversation on ballistics, I want to present some facts related to ballistics and caliber. We have all probably heard of “stopping power.”

Well sorry guys and gals, there is just no such thing as stopping power, in the sense that most people think it to mean. The laws of physics just do not allow a bullet weighing a few grams, to pack enough kinetic energy to stop a human being.

With today's advances in ammunition production, the ballistic differences between a 9mm and .45 self-defense round are minimal and both perform exceptionally.

In other words, if you feel you have to carry a .45 caliber round because that is the only one that will produce enough stopping power, please do some research on ballistics. All credible sources will point to shot placement and not caliber as the deciding factor on the ability for a handgun round to deter a threat.

On a side note, .22LR ammunition historically has not been favorable for personal defense. It isn't that it can't stop an attacker, but it has been shown to take far more shots to have an effect on the attacker. The .22LR also does not consistently penetrate deep enough to be considered appropriate for self-defense.

Another consideration when choosing caliber is the cost of ammo. Ammunition prices vary based on caliber, and hopefully, you will be routinely training with this firearm. If the cost or availability of your training ammunition prohibits you from training, this can be a serious issue.

Some guns require premium ammunition to function correctly. Just like a car that only runs on premium gas, this can be an ongoing hidden cost that you should be aware of when making your decision.

Caliber is a factor in the recoil of a handgun, but only part of the equation. The larger the caliber or the heavier the bullet, the more pressure will be needed to propel that bullet at optimum velocity. This theoretically should result in more recoil.

The above thought is certainly part of it–but the size and mechanics of the gun are actually bigger influences on recoil. Recoil is an important factor in choosing a self-defense gun.

The reason is that being able to manage that recoil and stay on target for follow-up shots is critical in a deadly force incident. If you cannot manage your gun, you are relying on one shot to end the incident, which is far from ideal.

The caliber of the handgun also influences magazine or cylinder capacity. The number of rounds you decide to carry is based on your personal preference, however, if looking at two guns of similar size, you will be able to carry more rounds with a smaller caliber.

Size & Weight:

In many ways the Honor Guard reminds me of the M&P Shield

When considering a concealed carry handgun, people often look to size and the ability to actually conceal the handgun as a deciding factor. Obviously it goes without saying that a smaller handgun will be easier to conceal. However, there are major differences in how the gun performs when it comes to size.

As stated above, size is a huge factor in how recoil is felt. In the case of semi-automatic pistols, the larger the gun, the larger the recoil spring, and thus, the ability for the gun to absorb much of the recoil.

The size also is directly associated with weight. When looking for a handgun to conceal, you have to carry a gun that you can practically conceal and that is comfortable. If you are unable to conceal the gun, or it is too heavy and uncomfortable, you will not carry it and it will be useless.

The size of one's hand is something that cannot be overlooked. Choose a gun that feels good in your hand and allows your trigger finger to fall in a natural position on the trigger. If you have to reach for the trigger or if your finger is so long that it falls poorly on the trigger, you may want to consider something else. Based on the means and location you decide to carry your handgun, you may be able to carry a slightly larger handgun.

Steel vs polymer … which is better? Steel guns are obviously going to weigh more, but the steel absorbs recoil better than polymer. Yet another consideration to weigh.

Function:

I believe the function is probably the most overlooked criteria people consider when choosing their concealed carry handgun.

An understanding of the basic mechanics of handguns helps you understand why it is important to choose a gun that fits your specific functional needs. For example, what is better: a double-action handgun, single action, double action only revolver, semi-automatic, etc.?

Let's first start with the differences between revolvers and semi-automatics. Yes, revolvers can be an outstanding choice for a concealed carry gun (provided it fits your needs).

Revolvers are extremely simple to operate and are not as susceptible to feeding and extracting malfunctions. Revolvers do not require magazines and people who have difficulty racking a semi-automatic slide like this fact. The calibers available for revolvers are plentiful and they can be economically priced.

Drawbacks to a revolver are low capacity and the fact that your hand and arm are the weapon's buffering system. Meaning, you bear the full recoil of the gun. Revolvers are not as susceptible to feeding issues, but they are not immune to malfunctions as some may think. Revolvers require a precise cylinder and hammer timing. The gun will not function if this timing is off. Furthermore, when revolvers malfunction the fix is much more involved compared to a tap, rack with a semi-auto. Sometimes the gun requires a gunsmith to get it up and running. Additionally, when considering a revolver over a semi-automatic, the long double-action trigger pull must be a consideration.

Single or Double … well it depends.

Double action handguns rely on the trigger to perform two actions: cocking the hammer and releasing it. This causes the double-action trigger to require more pounds of pressure to fire the cartridge.

Some shooters prefer this trigger pull for their concealed carry gun because it requires the shooter to take the deliberate and conscious action of pulling the trigger, potentially saving the shooter from accidentally pulling the trigger during a high-stress incident. And if possible, the hammer can be manually cocked, allowing the shooter to fire it in a single–action mode.

A single-action handgun’s trigger pull is light and sharp, requiring very little pressure. Often these guns are carried “cocked and locked” with the hammer back and the weapon’s external safety engaged. This way of carrying is not more or less dangerous in its design; however, the addition of the external safety requires the shooter to train in order to take the handgun off safe when drawing it from the holster. Without training, this can be something that becomes a hangup in a high-stress incident.

Let's talk about striker-fired pistols for a minute. Many of the pistols being produced today are striker-fired. This refers to a type of pistols whose action consists not of a hammer, but rather, a spring-loaded striker to activate the primer. These guns are categorized as double-action; however, their trigger pull is very light, more similar to a single action pull.

What about choosing a handgun with an external safety? Is it necessary?

An external safety is a mechanical device that can fail just like anything else.

If you rely on an external safety as your insurance to keep you safe from a negligent discharge, I would suggest you practice your weapon's safety skills more before carrying. You wouldn't feel safe pointing a loaded firearm at someone you love because you had the safety engaged right? So don't put all your eggs in this basket. No gun is more or less safe by itself, it is you who is responsible for the safe handling of the firearm. An external safety while necessary on certain guns is an optional feature on others and its benefit is based on personal preference.

Remember a mechanically sound gun will not fire without manipulation of the trigger, with or without an external safety present. No matter how many safeties are present on a handgun, if the owner is not safe the potential for problems exist.

There is an issue when speaking of function that is very important. For those shooters who are lefties, the function of the gun is critical in making a decision. It is important to ensure that the magazine release or if present, the safety, is ambidextrous. Several manufacturers make ambidextrous safeties and magazine releases to accommodate left-handed shooters.

You may have noticed a glaring omission to the factors I have included in this list. I will include it down here after all is said and done. Some guns' appearances have that wow factor: polished stainless, colorful handgrips, texturized portions of grip, sleek styling, etc.

These are without a doubt hard to not take into consideration. However, I would only allow this to be a deciding factor when all other factors have been weighed and considerations have been made.

Good luck with choosing your first or next concealed carry handgun. There are so many guns to choose from, but now you can have confidence that you have the knowledge to choose a gun that is just right for your needs and lifestyle. Good luck and stay safe!

About Matthew Maruster

I follow my Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ who is the eternal co-equal Son of God. I currently live in Columbus, Ohio with my wife and daughter. I served in the Marine Corps Infantry. I was a Staff Sergeant and served as a Platoon Sergeant during combat in Iraq. After I was a police officer at a municipal agency in San Diego County. I have a Bachelors's Degree in Criminal Justice from National University. MJ Maruster Defense.

5 Comments

  1. Merle Jarvis on July 17, 2019 at 9:06 am

    Personally I like the Smith & Wesson brand. I’ve had a .40 cal all metal it’s a great weapon but heavy. I just obtained the conseal & carry permit. I looked on Utube & looked at many different guns & brands & calibers. I decided on the S&W MP .9mm & am very happy.

  2. Ron on July 17, 2019 at 11:49 am

    I went with the SIG P365, 17 ounces, extended magazine is 12+1 and allows excellent grip.

  3. Doug Timmons on July 31, 2019 at 2:55 pm

    Very good article. Should help people make the correct design on the type of gun for conceal carry instead of the gun store making those decisions for you. That happened to my ex-wife the gun store showed her a 38 Special snub nose and she hates it to much recoil she says. I invited to the range with me and I’ll watch her shoot it and also bring some of my smaller guns for her to try. and we can trade, legally. I also asked her what she wanted to do if she was attacked and she said scare the attacker. My statement was any women with a gun not matter what size will scare the attacker.

  4. Alice Carroll on January 24, 2021 at 11:14 pm

    It’s good to know that revolvers are quite good options for concealed carry. I’d like to visit a gun shop soon in order to start browsing for what I could buy. I’d like to have some degree of self-defense whenever I’m travelling quite far from my home so having a gun would be good.

  5. Olivia Smart on February 8, 2022 at 11:24 am

    Thank you for explaining that size and weight are important factors to consider when choosing a concealed carry weapon. My husband and I have decided to take some classes and have been wondering what kind of weapon we should look to use. We’ll be sure to keep this in mind since it will be important for us to choose something that we will be able to carry around with us conveniently.

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