{"id":3080,"date":"2020-09-22T15:57:30","date_gmt":"2020-09-22T15:57:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.ammunitiontogo.com\/lodge\/?p=3080"},"modified":"2025-10-08T19:20:59","modified_gmt":"2025-10-08T19:20:59","slug":"best-concealed-carry-gun","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.ammunitiontogo.com\/lodge\/best-concealed-carry-gun\/","title":{"rendered":"The Best Concealed Carry Gun – Sometimes Bigger is Better"},"content":{"rendered":"

Choosing the best concealed carry gun is no easy task. There are hundreds of options available and plenty of \u201cadvice\u201d on which option is best. Many shooting \u201cexperts\u201d are quick to promote small, sub-compact models for concealed carry and other self-defense applications. The idea is the smaller the handgun, the easier it will be to conceal. <\/span><\/p>\n

However, size isn’t everything. The ability to hide a weapon is just one factor in how effective that weapon will be in a defensive situation. A weapon\u2019s effectiveness can\u2019t be gauged only by how undetectable it is on your person. The ultimate purpose of the weapon isn\u2019t to be hidden, it is to stop an attacker. In order to do that, it needs to be a weapon you can comfortably shoot accurately and efficiently, particularly when under duress.<\/span>
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Don’t carry what makes the best concealed carry gun the best? Click here to skip right to our top 3 recommendations<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Your Gun’s Size Matters<\/span><\/h1>\n

\"DemonstratingWhen it comes to concealed carry, the size of the gun is an important factor to consider. However, don\u2019t be seduced by the tiniest bantam weight models. Sure those puppies are cute, and effective concealment is practically effortless. Without concern for a bulky profile or obvious bulging beneath clothing, a small-size handgun is obviously easier to hide. <\/span><\/p>\n

However, size matters for more than concealment. Generally, the smaller the handgun, the less forgiving it is. This goes for aiming as well as recoil. <\/span><\/p>\n

Handgun Size Affects Recoil and Shoot-ability<\/h3>\n

\"A<\/p>\n

As a general rule, smaller lighter handguns will produce more felt recoil. This is a matter of physics. If you can remember back to high school science class, you might recall a guy named Newton and his Third Law. <\/span>
\n<\/span>
\n<\/span>\u201cFor every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction.\u201d<\/span><\/i>
\n<\/span>
\n<\/span>For firearms, this principle breaks down like this: when you pull the trigger, the bullet and hot gases go forward (the action), while the gun goes backward (the opposite reaction). That backward motion is recoil. <\/span>
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What Impacts Recoil?<\/h4>\n

There are several factors that affect how much felt recoil a firearm produces. One of these is the mass of the firearm. All things being equal, a heavier gun will absorb more energy and therefore produce less felt recoil for the shooter. Because recoil can upset shooter confidence and target accuracy, a larger heavier handgun may actually be more appropriate for weaker, recoil sensitive shooters. <\/span><\/p>\n

Size is one area where perception does not always equal reality. Larger handguns can seem more intimidating. Inexperienced and small-framed shooters may shy away from a larger weapon. They may look at a weapon with some size and heft and think it will be louder, harder to shoot, and produce more recoil. This is not usually the case. Instead, the size of the handgun can actually reduce recoil and feel more stable in the hand, allowing for better target accuracy, especially for multiple shots.<\/span><\/p>\n

While a larger handgun could pose some problems with concealment, don\u2019t forget concealment isn\u2019t the ultimate goal. You need a weapon you can handle effectively, shoot accurately, and carry with confidence. The real work of the handgun must happen after it leaves its concealed place to neutralize a threat. <\/span><\/p>\n

Understanding Handgun Size<\/span><\/h2>\n

\"The<\/p>\n

Generally speaking, handguns fall into one of four size categories, although many models blur the lines, falling easily into more than one. <\/span><\/p>\n

Full Size Handguns<\/span><\/h3>\n

The most common size pistol, full-size guns generally measure 5 or more inches in height, and 7 or more inches in length. The magazine capacity of a full-size pistol is typically high, with some models capable of holding close to 20 rounds. <\/span><\/p>\n

In spite of the size and overall weight, which may be intimidating to some, full-size handguns are actually the easiest to shoot. The major drawback is the larger size and weight makes them more difficult to conceal.<\/span><\/p>\n

Popular full-size pistols include the Glock 17, Beretta 92, Sig Sauer P226, and the Ruger SR 1911.<\/span><\/p>\n

Compact Handguns<\/span><\/h3>\n

Slightly smaller than full-size handguns, compact pistols are often created by shortening the barrel, slide, frame length and height of their full-size counterparts. The magazine capacity is often the same (although sometimes slightly reduced) as a full-size. \u00a0Some compact models accept full-size magazines, increasing capacity without major modifications. <\/span><\/p>\n

Handguns in this category are somewhat easier to conceal, although some shooters still consider them problematic. However, most pistols in the compact category are still relatively easy to shoot in most calibers. Often affectionately referred to as \u201cGoldilocks\u201d guns, compact handguns seem to hit the \u201cjust right\u201d sweet spot between small enough to carry and big enough to shoot with confidence and accuracy. <\/span><\/p>\n

Some examples of common compact pistols are the Glock 19, Smith & Wesson M&P, Springfield XD(M), and the Sig Sauer P320.<\/span><\/p>\n

Sub-Compact Handguns<\/span><\/h3>\n

Even smaller and easier to conceal than a compact pistol, sub-compact handguns usually have a barrel length of less than three inches and an overall length of around six inches. The small size is easy to hide under most loose-fitting wardrobe options, although they can be somewhat more difficult to shoot, especially for extended periods. Shoot-ability varies greatly in this category. Some models provide easier shooting than others, so test-driving is imperative.<\/span><\/p>\n

The magazine capacities of handguns in this category are significantly less, with most falling in the 7-10 round range. <\/span><\/p>\n

Popular sub-compact handguns include the Glock 26, \u00a0Sig Sauer P239, Smith & Wesson M&P Shield, and the Ruger LCR.<\/span><\/p>\n

Micro-Pistols. <\/span><\/h3>\n

Handguns in this category are the smallest possible pistols. Some are so small, they can fit easily into your trouser pocket. Many shooters choose these pistols as a backup gun or when deep concealment is necessary. The magazine capacity of the average micro pistol is small. Some hold only five or fewer rounds.<\/span><\/p>\n

Most sub-compact models come in smaller calibers, such as .25 ACP, .32 ACP, and .380 Auto. Even experienced shooters admit sub-compact handguns are often difficult to shoot, producing significant recoil, despite the small calibers. <\/span><\/p>\n

The Glock 42, Beretta Pico, Smith & Wesson M&P Bodyguard, and the Sig Sauer P290RS are some of the most popular micro-pistols on the market. <\/span><\/p>\n

Selecting the Right Caliber for Concealed Carry<\/span><\/h3>\n
\"Demonstrating
With modern advancements in ammunition, smaller caliber have become more effective for personal defense.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

One of the most controversial topics in the shooting world is the proper concealed carry caliber.<\/span><\/p>\n

Self-defense projectiles effectively incapacitate a threat through tissue damage and blood loss. Therefore, a larger wound channel is generally more effective, working to neutralize the threat faster. Larger more powerful calibers are more likely to accomplish this because the larger diameter naturally creates more tissue devastation. Also, a larger wound channel is more likely to hit vital organs and major arteries, increasing blood loss for quicker threat neutralization. <\/span><\/p>\n

While some calibers are obviously more effective at creating blood loss than others, there is always a trade off. Handguns in larger calibers will definitely produce larger wounds, but also naturally produce more recoil. As we\u2019ve said before, more felt recoil can have a negative effect on shooter confidence and accuracy, especially for weaker or recoil sensitive shooters.<\/span><\/p>\n

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