Recommended Concealed Carry Handguns (2026)
Quick answer: For most people, the best concealed carry handgun is a reliable micro-compact or compact 9mm you can shoot well — models such as the SIG P365 family, Springfield Hellcat, S&W Shield Plus and GLOCK 19 or 43X. These are the handguns we currently recommend, with tracked links to retailers.
Reviewed and updated October 31, 2026 by Daniel Guerra. Availability last checked October 2026; Concealed Carry Society may earn a commission from purchases through these links.
Learn more: best concealed carry guns · best micro-compact 9mm · best Glocks · handguns for beginners.
How To Choose a Carry Handgun
- Reliability first: a proven model that runs your carry ammo.
- Size you will carry: micro-compacts like the P365, Hellcat and Shield Plus conceal easily; compacts like the GLOCK 19 are easier to shoot.
- Fit and controls: you should be able to grip it fully, rack the slide and shoot it accurately.
- Support: popular models have the most holsters, sights and magazines.
Prices and stock change often; buttons go to the retailer’s current listing. Guns ship to a local FFL dealer; see how to buy a gun online. Compare picks in best concealed carry guns and what to look for in a carry gun.
Recommended Carry Handguns
- High Capacity: Comes with 2 17 round magazines, offering impressive capacity for its size.
- Optics-Ready: Features a cut for red dot sights, enhancing fast target acquisition.
- Ambidextrous Controls: Features ambidextrous controls, including a slide stop, to accommodate both left- and right-handed users.
- XRAY3 Day/Night Sights: Bright green front sight for easy targeting, with a rear sight designed for fast acquisition in both daylight and low light.
- High Capacity: Offers 10+1 or 12+1 rounds, more than many similar-sized pistols.
- Night Sights: Comes equipped with XRAY3 Day/Night sights for enhanced visibility in low-light conditions.
- Modular Design: Allows customization with various grip modules for different hand sizes.
- Ease of Concealment: Very small and lightweight make it easy to carry discreetly.
- Higher Capacity: Comes with (2) 13 round magazines and (1) 10 round flush fit magazine
- Smooth Trigger: Features a smooth, consistent trigger pull for improved accuracy.
- Optics-Ready: Comes with an optics-ready slide for easy red dot sight installation.
- Built for Reliability: Known for strong performance and minimal malfunctions.
- Durable Construction: Built with Glock’s trademark durability and reliability.
- Comes with Three Magazines: The Glock G19 Gen5 includes three 15-round magazines.
- Optics Ready (MOS): Mounts red dot sights for enhanced accuracy.
- Marksman Barrel: Designed for better accuracy and precision.
- Gen5 Features: Includes front serrations, reversible mag catch.
- Optics Ready (MOS): Mounts red dot sights for enhanced accuracy.
- Glock Marksman Barrel: Improved precision with match-grade rifling.
- Dependable: Known for unparalleled reliability in the firearms industry.
- Discontinued: Staccato began discontinuing the CS on November 21, 2025; remaining stock and used examples may still be available.
- Compact 2011: 9mm with a 3.5-inch bull barrel and 15-round magazines (current listing; earlier versions shipped with 16-round magazines).
- Light for its class: About 23 oz without a magazine.
- Controls: Ambidextrous safety levers; right-handed magazine catch and slide stop.
- Optics-Ready: Dawson Precision optic plate system for mounting a red dot.
High Capacity: Comes with a 15+1 and a 17+1 round magazine, offering excellent firepower in a compact design.
Optics-Ready: Features an optics-ready slide for quick installation of red dot sights.
U-Dot Sight System: Quick-to-align sights for faster target acquisition.
Front and Rear Slide Serrations: Provide improved grip for easier slide manipulation under pressure.
- High Capacity: 11+1 or 13+1 rounds in a micro-compact design, offering excellent firepower.
- Optics-Ready: Equipped with a micro red dot sight option for fast target acquisition.
- Low Bore Axis: Reduces recoil and improves accuracy, especially during rapid firing.
- U-Dot Sight System: Quick and intuitive sight system for easier aiming and faster target acquisition.
Before you order: get the free carry-gear checklist, which walks through the fit and compatibility checks to run before you buy a holster, belt or other carry gear.
Carry Handgun FAQ
What is the best handgun for concealed carry?
A reliable micro-compact or compact 9mm that fits your hand and that you shoot accurately.
Can handguns be shipped to my house?
No. Online gun purchases ship to a licensed dealer (FFL) where you complete the background check.