The Finest Hid Carry Weapons of 2023

A concealed-carry handgun is a vital software. You want one thing that you need to use successfully and, extra importantly, carry daily comfortably. Go to any gun retailer and also you’ll see that the choices could be staggering. There’s all kinds of sizes, types, calibers, and worth factors, so I’m right here that can assist you kind by way of just a few of the perfect hid carry weapons you should purchase as we speak. 

How I Selected the Finest Hid Carry Weapons

I chosen a dozen hid carry weapons that both I or the Out of doors Life employees have shot or examined strenuously. I carry daily, and spend a number of time taking pictures varied handguns. I’ve fired over 10,000 rounds of pistol ammunition in 2023 (as of April), and I’ve gotten an in-depth take a look at how a number of these pistols stack up. I made my picks based mostly not solely on what the best performers are, but in addition on dependable weapons at a very good worth. This supplies a spectrum of choices from which nearly anyone can discover one thing they may like and might afford. 

Finest Hid Carry Weapons: Critiques & Suggestions

Finest Compact: Staccato CS

Key Options

• Caliber: 9mm
• Capability: 16+1
• Barrel size: 3.5 inches
• Weight: 27 ounces
• Dawson Precision optics mounting system
• Twin rod and spring recoil system
• Value: $2500

Execs

• Excessive-quality elements and match
• Very correct
• Nice set off
• Smooth recoil

Cons

• Costly
• Bulkier grip than another compact striker-fired pistols

Staccato 2011 (previously STI) launched the CS for 2023, and after placing a collective 2,500-3,000 rounds by way of two of them,  I’m bought. I’ve discovered them to be very dependable with each kind of ammunition I may discover—from 115-grain ball by way of 147-grain hollowpoints. straightforward to shoot, and extremely correct. The common of 10 teams I fired from a supported place at 50 yards with three several types of ammunition was .676 inches. Learn a full overview of the Staccato CS right here.

At across the dimension of a Glock 19, simply barely slimmer, the Staccato CS is a downsized 2011 pistol. It has some key variations from bigger 2011’s and 2011-style pistols just like the Staccato P and Springfield 1911 DS Prodigy. The grip and body are smaller, and the CS makes use of a re-designed journal that’s comparable in form and dimension to the Sig P365’s magazines. It nonetheless makes use of the 1911’s controls and set off, however the recoil system has been up to date to a twin information rod system that makes the CS the flattest-shooting compact 9mm I’ve fired. 

The Staccato CS is an costly gun, and the provision bottleneck is leading to some being scalped for fairly wild costs. Ordered from Staccato, the pistol will price $2,500, however we’ve seen the tangible advantages you’re getting for the cash—each within the construct high quality and on-target efficiency.

Sig Sauer P365 XMacro Tacops

Key Options

• Caliber: 9mm
• Capability: 17+1
• Barrel Size: 3.7 inches
• Weight: 23 ounces
• Three-dot evening sights
• Optics-ready
• Value: $800

Execs

• Nice ergonomics
• Finest in-class capability
• Low recoil impulse
• Modular hearth management unit

Cons

• Set off is a little bit mushy

Sig Sauer has been busy over the previous few years, producing an array of variations of their front-running fashions. The Sig Sauer P365 XMacro Tacops is the second iteration of the P365 XMacro, which is an up-sized model of the micro-compact P365 that includes a compensator-cut slide. If the XMacro Tacops appears a little bit redundant, it’s, however it is among the greatest compact hid carry weapons proper now. It’s extremely slim, with unmatched capability in its class.

The most important distinction between the Tacops and normal XMacro is a slight simplification. The Tacops is similar total dimension, however has an extended barrel as a result of it lacks the integral slide compensator. The XMacro Tacops additionally includes a small magwell that’s efficient, however unobtrusive. In comparison with the smaller normal P365, the XMacro Tacops has a bigger grip and longer slide. The 17-round magazines are the identical, they usually match within the P365, they’re simply longer. The XMacro Tacops has an identical footprint to the Glock G19 and Staccato CS, however it’s a little bit extra snug to hold contained in the waistband as a result of it’s thinner. 

I’ve expended about 1,800 rounds between two of those pistols, and apart from a pair failures to feed within the first 100-round break-in interval, they’ve run nice. The P365 XMacro Tacops is an extremely soft-shooting pistol, and factors intuitively. The set off isn’t too heavy, however it doesn’t have a agency wall. At our 2023 gun check, we did some slow-mo video evaluation of fast hearth strings between the Tacops and ported XMacro, and located that the extra reasonably priced Tacops confirmed solely barely extra muzzle flip. I couldn’t inform the distinction whereas taking pictures them. You possibly can learn a full overview of the Sig P365 XMacro Tacops right here.

Key Options

• Caliber: 9mm
• Capability: 15+1
• Barrel Size: 4.02 inches
• Weight: 21 ounces
• Gen 5 MOS model is optic-ready
• Ambidextrous slide cease and reversible mag-catch
• Value: $570

Execs

• Time confirmed and dependable
• Good capability
• Many aftermarket upgrades out there
• Generally out there holsters

Cons

• Iron sights aren’t nice
• Grip angle is completely different than most different pistols

Glock’s nineteenth mannequin, the Glock G19, is among the most prolific and efficient hid carry weapons on the earth. Glock was an unique innovator and remains to be a superpower on the earth of polymer-framed, striker-fired pistols, and the G19 is certainly one of many profitable Glock fashions. It’s one of many unique compact, 9mm poly pistols, and nonetheless top-of-the-line hid carry weapons available on the market as we speak. 

The Glock G19’s magnificence is in its simplicity. Let’s face it, it’s not lovely in some other approach. The G19 is efficient although. It’s comparatively straightforward to hide, straightforward to shoot, and quite simple to function. Glock’s constructed a repute of reliability over the many years, and the G19 has managed to remain on the entrance of the pack for the reason that late 80s. Not many similar-sized pistols have bested its 15+1-round capability, and it’s out there in nearly each gun retailer. 

Regardless of their motto of “perfection,” there are some issues that shooters generally modify on their Glock G19’s. The manufacturing facility sights should go instantly. Actually they aren’t horrible, however they might be a lot better, and there’s a whole business of aftermarket Glock-compatible elements, sights, and equipment that has grown up alongside the G19. Corporations like Shadow Techniques and Palmetto State Armory even supply G19 clone pistols. If you happen to get the Gen 5 MOS model of the G19, you’ll see some updates to the grip, an ambidextrous slide cease, and an optics-ready slide. Even after 35 years, the G19 is among the greatest carry weapons you should purchase.

Colt Python 3-inch

Key Options

• Caliber: .357 Magnum
• Capability: 6
• Barrel Size: 3 inches
• Weight: 38 ounces
• Polished chrome steel
• Interchangeable entrance ramp sight
• Value: $1,472

Execs

• Wonderful match and high quality
• Clean double- and single-action set off
• Improved body energy from older Pythons
• Adjustable sights

Cons

• Full-size grip isn’t the best to hide

There are some people who subscribe to the speculation that actual weapons are wheel weapons, they usually’d belief their life to nothing however a revolver. There are some nice revolvers to select from, however certainly one of my favorites has been the Colt Python 3-inch mannequin. Lately, Colt has breathed new life into its traditional Python line, and the 3-inch mannequin is certainly one of their most up-to-date. The quick .357 Magazine revolver is perhaps a little bit stubby, however it’s all Python. For a revolver fan that wishes to hold beneath a jacket, it’s top-of-the-line hid carry weapons you may select. 

Every thing in regards to the Colt Python 3-inch is Python, simply with a shorter barrel. It options the identical high quality wooden grips, similar body and cylinder, and the modern Pythons have a little bit of reinforcement added to the body beneath the rear sight. They maintain six rounds and use a switch bar firing system in an effort to safely carry it with a spherical beneath the lowered hammer. 

The Chilly Python 3-inch is as a lot about nostalgia as efficiency, and it performs very nicely. Operation is butter-smooth, and the full-size grip makes full-power defensive masses fairly manageable. This revolver isn’t essentially the most concealable, however for OWB carry beneath a jacket, and even IWB beneath a free shirt, you don’t discover too many choices higher—or cooler—than the Python. You possibly can learn a full overview of the Colt Python 3-inch right here.

Key Options

• Caliber: 9mm
• Capability: 10+1
• Barrel Size: 3.1 inches
• Weight: 22 ounces
• Beveled slide for hid carry
• Modular hearth management unit and grip design
• Value: $499

Execs

• Extremely-concealable
• Nice grip texture
• Factors naturally
• Cross-compatible with different OEM and aftermarket P365 elements

Cons

• Triggers are a little bit mushy

The ember that seemingly lit the blazing sizzling micro 9mm pistol market is the Sig P365. There have been many different micro-compact 9mm pistols, however the Sig P365 was one of many first to maximise capability of the tiny platforms. The Commonplace P365 holds 10 rounds in its small double-stack journal, whereas holding its ultra-discreet dimension. 

Many different tiny nines have hit the market lately, however the P365 is nicely thought out and nonetheless holding its personal. The usual black nitron mannequin comes with three-dot Xray tritium evening sights and two magazines. Each mags maintain 10 rounds of 9mm, however one has a barely prolonged baseplate to provide the pinky finger some actual property to grip.  The ergonomics and grip form of the P365 are glorious, and the pistol factors nicely. Recoil is a little bit snappy, however consistent with what most micro 9mm pistols really feel like. 

There are a lot of P365 fashions, however the usual remains to be top-of-the-line hid carry weapons available on the market. The energy of the P365 is not only in its efficiency, however its modularity. The fireplace management models (FCU’s) of each 9mm P365 are appropriate, and you will get upgraded FCU’s, grips, and different elements. You possibly can even swap some elements, similar to carrying the P365 XL/P365 XMacro Tacops slide meeting put in in your normal P365 for an extended sight radius and softer recoil whereas holding the quick grip. You possibly can learn a full overview of the Sig Sauer P365 right here.

Key Options

• Caliber: .380 ACP
• Capability: 10+1, 12+1
• Barrel Size: 2.8 inches
• Weight: 10.6 ounces
• Cocking ears on slide
• Tritium entrance sight
• Value: $329

Execs

• Tiny footprint
• Nice cocking serrations
• Wonderful capability for dimension
• Very reasonably priced

Cons

• Not very correct at longer distances

Though small, the .380 ACP cartridge remains to be in style among the many greatest weapons for hid carry. Ruger noticed nice success with their single-stack LCP pistol, however acknowledged room for enchancment. Because the micro-compact pistol market has surged, and producers have boosted the capability of those tiny weapons, Ruger adopted go well with. 

With the marginally prolonged journal, the LCP Max holds 13 rounds of ammunition, and is just barely thicker than the unique single-stack design. It’s straightforward to shoot, dependable, and sufficiently small to stay in a pocket. With the high-performance projectiles we’ve got as we speak, a high-capacity .380 pocket pistol remains to be a formidable defensive hid carry gun. 

The Ruger LCP Max is fairly correct out to fifteen yards or so, however it’s best at very shut vary. The slide cycles quick, and the recoil feels a bit snappy, however there isn’t a lot muzzle flip and the pistol may be very straightforward to regulate. You possibly can learn a full overview of the Ruger LCP Max right here.

Taurus GX4 XL T.O.R.O.

Key Options

• Caliber: 9mm
• Capability: 11+1, 13+1
• Barrel Size: 3.71 inches
• Weight: 20 ounces
• Beveled slide for simple holstering
• Interchangeable backstraps
• Value: $400

Execs

• Very concealable
• Good optic-mounting system
• Smooth-shooting
• Very reasonably priced

Cons

• Some pistols have reliability points throughout break-in

Taurus is understood for reasonably priced pistols, and their GX4 and GX4XL have turned out to be glorious values out there of hid carry weapons. The GX4XL is a sub-compact 9mm with a barely longer barrel (3.7 in.) than its predecessor, the GX4 (3.06 in.). It comes with an 11- and 13-round journal, and the T.O.R.O. mannequin comes optics-ready with an RMS sample and detachable rear pillars.

The GX4 and GX4XL are constructed similarly because the Sig P365 Line. Reasonably than slide rails molded into the body, the set off meeting and slide rails are in a detachable chrome steel chassis that sits within the grip module. Just like the P365, this permits modularity between fashions, and the GX4XL is just like the P365 XL in dimension. With the longer slide and recoil system, the GX4XL is surprisingly delicate taking pictures. It has a very good set off that isn’t gentle, however it’s crisp. 

In placing greater than 1,000 rounds by way of two completely different GX4XL T.O.R.O. pistols, I famous that certainly one of them had some reliability points at first. When chambering, the slide would cease about ¼-inch out of battery. After about 250 rounds fired, the gun broke in and I didn’t encounter any extra perform points. The second pistol by no means malfunctioned. These pistols could be discovered for between $350 and $400. Contemplating the function set, shootability, and worth, this can be a nice worth among the many greatest hid carry weapons. You possibly can learn the complete overview of the GX4XL T.O.R.O. right here.

Kimber R7 Mako

Key Options

• Caliber: 9mm
• Capability: 11+1, 13+1
• Barrel Size: 3.37 inches
• Weight: 23 ounces
• Enclosed slide with ejection port
• Optics-ready
• Value: $400

Execs

• Extremely compact
• Nice grip texture
• Good sights and optic mount
• Reasonably priced worth

Cons

• Distinctive design that isn’t modular

The R7 Mako was new territory for Kimber once they launched it a short while in the past. They’re higher identified for nice 1911-style handguns. This polymer-framed, striker-fired pistol performs as a heavy-hitter within the micro-compact 9mm market. It includes a delightfully contoured and textured body and, notably, a top-covered ejection port. It’s designed from the bottom up as a hid carry pistol. 

Appears aren’t the pistol’s strengths, and it isn’t one which I’d usually decide off the shelf. I had the possibility to place fairly just a few rounds by way of it at our 2022 gun check, and I used to be rapidly received over. It’s a tiny-but-effective 9mm pistol that’s actually nice to shoot.  

The Kimber R7 is obtainable each in optics-ready format and outfitted with a Crimson Hint CTS-1500 reflex sight. It comes with two high-quality magazines with capacities 11+1 and 13+1 rounds of 9mm. The prolonged journal includes a good base plate fairly than {a magazine} grip sleeve that many different producers use. Recoil feels a little bit snappy, however all-in-all, it’s an amazing micro 9 and a prime contender among the many greatest hid carry weapons. See the complete Kimber R7 Mako overview right here.

Key Options

• Caliber: 9mm
• Capability: 10+1
• Barrel Size: 3.41 inches
• Weight: 23.1 ounces
• MOS mannequin is Optics-ready
• Entrance and rear cocking serrations
• Value: $448

Execs

• Very dependable
• Improved grip
• Elevated capability from G43
• Snug to shoot

Cons

• Not best-in-class capability

The G43X is the pistol that retains Glock’s sub-compact line within the operating with different pistols just like the P365. The Glock G43 has lengthy been top-of-the-line hid carry weapons, however the single-stack format has fallen out-of-favor with many shooters. 

Including capability to the Glock 43, the 43X incorporates a 3.41-inch barrel, and slim body with entrance and rear cocking serrations. It makes use of a 10-round journal, a major enhance over the usual G43’s 6 rounds. You received’t discover a number of frills, however should you’re a fan of Glocks, what you’re getting—a dependable pistol that’s ultra-comfortable to hold and shoot.

The MOS model of the G43X is optics prepared, and you will discover G43X and optic packages at an reasonably priced worth. The newer G48 has generated a lot of curiosity too—it’s slimmer and has the identical capability. Nevertheless, a number of shooters I’ve talked to weren’t happy with the texture of the G48 when taking pictures and nonetheless favor the G43X.

Smith & Wesson Protect Plus

Key Options

• Caliber: 9mm
• Capability: 10+1, 13+1
• Barrel Size: 3.1 inches
• Weight: 20 ounces
• Stainless-steel slide and barrel
• Orange-ring tritium evening sights
• Value: $399

Execs

• Wonderful grip
• Good sights
• Streamlined form
• Flush and prolonged journal

Cons

The M&P Protect Plus from Smith & Wesson is an up to date model of the Protect and Protect 2.0, with elevated capability. Though it doesn’t embody a lightweight rail, the grip texture, dealing with, and ergonomics of the Protect Plus are glorious. For people who’re keen on the Smith & Wesson M&P line and shoot them nicely, this is among the greatest carry weapons on the market.

Within the quickly creating subject of micro-compact pistols, capability is necessary, and the 9mm Protect Plus comes with flush and prolonged magazines with 10+1 and 13+1 capability respectively. 

The M&P Protect Plus actually shines in its early adoption of the brand new .30 Tremendous Carry cartridge from Federal. The smaller-diameter cartridge produces comparable ballistic efficiency because the 9mm however with elevated capability. The .30 Tremendous Carry Protect Plus will maintain a powerful 13+1 and 16+1 rounds in its flush and prolonged magazines, whereas delivering 9mm efficiency. 

Key Options

• Caliber: 9mm
• Capability: 15+1
• Barrel Size: 3.7 inches
• Weight: 20.7 ounces
• Tritium entrance sight, U-notch rear sight
• Value: $599

Execs

• Wonderful grip and grip texture
• Good sights
• Optic-ready
• Flush journal with nice capability

Cons

Like a lot of its friends, the Springfield Hellcat Professional seeks to strike an ideal steadiness between concealability and journal capability. In that regard, it does a very good job. It’s a hair smaller than a Glock 19 and a hair bigger than the Micro-9s however has a 15+1 capability with flush-mounted magazines. It’s also trimmer than a G19 and has low-profile controls for snag-free carry.

Like different Springfield pistols, it’s spec-ed out with a strong record of options. It has a reversible journal catch, a loaded-chamber indicator on the highest of the slide, it comes with two high quality magazines, has a tricky Melonite end, a generously-sized accent rail, and cocking serrations on the entrance and rear of the slide.

The Hellcat Professional OSP is a heavy-hitter within the sub-compact market, and it’s a dependable, strong selection among the many greatest hid carry weapons. Though the muzzle flip isn’t unhealthy, the Hellcat pistols are inclined to have barely snappier recoil than different similar-sized weapons, however they nonetheless aren’t unhealthy to shoot. They’re top-of-the-line at packing a number of ammunition right into a slim, small bundle. 

Ruger LCR .22LR

Key Options

• Caliber: .22 LR
• Capability: 8
• Barrel Size: 1.87 inches
• Weight: 14.4 ounces
• Low-profile sights
• Value: $627

Execs

• Handy and compact
• Good ergonomics
• Nice coach
• Good capability

Cons

• Aesthetics aren’t distinctive.

Everybody has completely different wants and preferences with regards to  a carry gun, and a few people discover {that a} compact .22 LR revolver fits them nice. The Ruger LCR .22 holds 8 rounds of ammo, and includes a snug Hogue grip. The revolver is well hid, and could be continuously on-duty for pests or threats. The .22 is arguably underpowered for common self-defense functions, however the gun you will have on you is best than the one you don’t. One strategy to resolve that subject is to go along with .22 LR ammo that’s purpose-build for self protection. 

This revolver isn’t as good-looking as many others available on the market, however it’s enjoyable to shoot, straightforward to keep up, and could be carried as an EDC choice, or used as a coach for larger-caliber revolvers. OL Capturing Editor John B. Snow examined the Ruger LCR arduous and you’ll learn his full overview right here.

Learn Subsequent: The Finest Hid Carry Holsters of 2023

The right way to Select the Finest Hid Carry Gun

If you happen to’re questioning, What’s the perfect hid carry gun?, nicely, the reply relies upon. Selecting the perfect hid carry gun for you means contemplating a number of elements:

• Carry place and the place you favor to hold your gun
• Your clothes type and the way nicely it conceals a gun
• How nicely the hid carry gun matches your hand
• Your finances

Choosing a hid carry gun is a private matter, and everybody can have completely different preferences based mostly on their particular person wants. Nevertheless, there are glorious beginning factors, and our crew has been in a position to completely check and vet each gun on this record. Whether or not the function set, dimension, or finances is most necessary to you, you’ll probably discover a hid carry gun on this record that can suit your wants. Most significantly, get some certified coaching earlier than you begin carrying. 

Learn Subsequent: Finest 9mm Ammo

Finest Hid Carry Weapons FAQs

Closing Ideas on the Finest Hid Carry Weapons

Selecting which gun to hold daily is a vital determination, and the perfect hid carry gun shall be completely different for many individuals. There’s a lot of issues to think about when selecting one, however a lucky certainty is that you’ve a number of choices to select from. Choose one thing which you could shoot nicely, and that you simply’ll carry daily. An EDC pistol received’t do you any good sitting within the gun protected at dwelling.