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Writer's pictureIvan Tsar

The matrix of EDC


When it comes to concealed carry handguns, the best choice often depends on individual preferences, including size, caliber, reliability, and ease of use. Here’s a list of widely regarded handguns and brands known for their quality and effectiveness in concealed carry:


Top Concealed Carry Handguns:


Sig Sauer P365

Caliber: 9mm

Notable for its high capacity in a very compact frame, making it a popular choice for everyday carry.


Glock 19

Caliber: 9mm

Known for its reliability and versatility, the Glock 19 is a favorite among both law enforcement and civilian carriers.


Smith & Wesson M&P Shield

Caliber: Available in 9mm and .40 S&W

Highly regarded for its slim profile and lightweight, it’s ideal for concealed carry without sacrificing firepower.


Ruger LCP II

Caliber: .380 Auto

Extremely compact and lightweight, making it an excellent choice for very discreet carry.


Colt Mustang

Caliber: .380 Auto

Offers a small frame and light recoil, combining the classic aesthetics with modern performance.


Springfield Armory Hellcat

Caliber: 9mm

Claims the highest capacity of any micro-compact, and it’s designed for optimal performance in a very small package.


Walther PPS M2

Caliber: 9mm

Known for its ergonomic design and smooth trigger pull, suitable for both beginners and experienced shooters.


Kimber Micro 9

Caliber: 9mm

Known for its craftsmanship and quality, it’s a smaller-frame handgun that doesn’t compromise on performance.


Taurus G2C

Caliber: 9mm

Offers a great balance of performance and affordability, with good capacity and a compact frame.


Beretta PX4 Storm Subcompact

Caliber: Available in 9mm and .40 S&W

Utilizes a rotary barrel design for reduced recoil and enhanced accuracy in a subcompact frame.



Choosing the Right Handgun

When selecting a concealed carry handgun, consider how well the gun fits your hand, your ability to conceal it based on your typical attire and lifestyle, its capacity and caliber relative to its size, and your comfort and proficiency with its operation. Each of these models offers different advantages, so handling a few at a range or consulting with firearms professionals can help you make the best choice for your needs.



CZ P-10 C

Caliber: 9mm

Known for its exceptional ergonomics, trigger, and accuracy, the CZ P-10 C is a striker-fired pistol that competes well with other popular polymer guns.


Glock 43

Caliber: 9mm

A single-stack 9mm that offers the reliability of a Glock in a slim, subcompact form factor, making it easier to conceal.


Sig Sauer P238

Caliber: .380 Auto

This is a small frame, semi-automatic handgun based on the 1911 design, which is highly regarded for its build quality and ease of use.


Kahr PM9

Caliber: 9mm

Notable for its slim profile and smooth trigger, the Kahr PM9 is a great option for those looking for a minimalist carry weapon.


Springfield Armory XD-S

Caliber: Available in 9mm, .40 S&W, and .45 ACP

Features a slim, single-stack design that makes it very concealable, combined with Springfield’s reputation for quality and reliability.


Bersa Thunder 380

Caliber: .380 Auto

Offers excellent value for money with good reliability and handling, particularly known for being user-friendly.


Heckler & Koch VP9SK

Caliber: 9mm

A subcompact version of the well-regarded VP9, this model maintains excellent handling and ergonomics in a smaller package suitable for concealed carry.


S&W Performance Center M&P 380 Shield EZ

Caliber: .380 Auto

Designed for ease of use, including easy slide operation and a built-in grip safety, making it a favorite among those with limited hand strength.


Glock 26

Caliber: 9mm

Known affectionately as the "Baby Glock," this subcompact model provides a good balance of size and capacity, maintaining Glock's standard of reliability.


Ruger SR9c

Caliber: 9mm

Compact size with a dual-stack magazine that offers a higher capacity than many other compact firearms, it’s praised for its accuracy and reliability.




When considering these additional options, it’s important to weigh factors like recoil, magazine capacity, ease of concealment, and personal comfort with the firearm’s operation. Many gun owners find that trying different models at a shooting range gives them a better feel for what works best for their specific needs and handling preferences.



Walther CCP

Caliber: 9mm

Features Walther's SoftCoil technology, which significantly reduces recoil, making it easier to shoot and control, especially beneficial for shooters with smaller hands or less grip strength.


FN Herstal FNS-9 Compact

Caliber: 9mm

Offers rugged construction with a grip angle that provides natural pointability and a fully ambidextrous controls setup, appealing for both right and left-handed shooters.


Glock 48

Caliber: 9mm

A newer addition to the Glock lineup, offering a slim profile similar to the Glock 43 but with increased capacity and a longer grip and slide for improved accuracy.


Beretta APX Carry

Caliber: 9mm

Beretta's answer to the single-stack subcompact segment, featuring a low-profile design for easy concealment and a modular grip frame to customize the handgun to the shooter's preferences.


Sig Sauer P320 XCompact

Caliber: 9mm

Part of the P320 line known for its modularity, the XCompact offers a shorter barrel and grip for concealability while maintaining a double-stack magazine capacity.


Ruger EC9s

Caliber: 9mm

An affordable and compact striker-fired pistol that is slim, lightweight, and designed for straightforward functionality and reliability.


Colt Cobra

Caliber: .38 Special

Revives the classic Colt double-action revolver with modern updates, including a fiber-optic front sight and a reinforced frame, suitable for those who prefer revolvers over semi-automatics.


Springfield Armory 911

Caliber: .380 Auto or 9mm

A compact design that mirrors the ergonomics and controls of the much larger 1911, which can be a significant advantage for shooters accustomed to that classic platform.


Kimber EVO SP

Caliber: 9mm

A premium offering with an all-metal construction and features aimed at enhancing reliability and performance in a subcompact frame.


Mossberg MC1sc

Caliber: 9mm

Mossberg’s first venture into the handgun market in recent years, offering a compact, well-designed pistol that’s excellent for everyday carry with features such as a flat profile trigger and clear-count polymer magazines.




These handguns are just a few additional choices among the many available on the market, each with unique features that cater to specific needs, preferences, and comfort levels of those carrying concealed. As always, it's important to handle a variety of models to find the best fit for your hand, your lifestyle, and your proficiency.



CZ 75 Compact

Country: Czech Republic

Caliber: 9mm

A more compact version of the iconic CZ 75, it retains the all-steel construction and exceptional ergonomics, making it a favored choice for those who prefer the heft and feel of traditional metal frame pistols.


IWI Masada Slim

Country: Israel

Caliber: 9mm

A slim, lightweight polymer-framed pistol designed for concealed carry, with features like an optics-ready slide and enhanced ergonomics for better concealability and comfort.


Grand Power K100

Country: Slovakia

Caliber: 9mm

Known for its rotating barrel lock-up, providing excellent accuracy and recoil management in a polymer frame pistol.


Heckler & Koch P30SK

Country: Germany

Caliber: 9mm

A subcompact version of the P30, featuring superb ergonomics and a choice between traditional double-action or LEM (Law Enforcement Modification) trigger systems.


Walther CCP M2

Country: Germany

Caliber: 9mm

Utilizes Walther's SoftCoil gas-delayed blowback system to reduce felt recoil, which is ideal for shooters with smaller hands or those who are recoil sensitive.


Bersa BP9CC

Country: Argentina

Caliber: 9mm

An ultra-compact, slim single-stack pistol that is very light and easy to handle, designed specifically for concealed carry.


Canik TP9 Elite SC

Country: Turkey

Caliber: 9mm

Offering an outstanding balance of performance and affordability, it features a double-stack magazine in a highly compact frame, with an optics-ready slide , and one of the smoothest triggers .


FN 509 Compact

Country: Belgium

Caliber: 9mm

A compact version of the FN 509 series, known for its rugged reliability and being fully ambidextrous, suitable for a wide range of shooters.


Beretta PX4 Storm Compact

Country: Italy

Caliber: Available in 9mm and .40 S&W

Features a rotary barrel design which helps reduce recoil and enhance accuracy in a compact polymer frame.


Steyr S9-A1

Country: Austria

Caliber: 9mm

A compact model known for its unique trapezoidal sight and low bore axis, which reduce muzzle climb and improve accuracy.




These handguns from around the world offer diverse options for concealed carry, each bringing its unique features and technologies to the table. When choosing an international brand, consider factors like availability of service and parts in your region, as well as compatibility with local laws and regulations.



Glock 42

Country: Austria

Caliber: .380 Auto

One of the smallest Glock models, making it ideal for concealed carry, especially in more discreet or formal settings where larger firearms are impractical.


Sig Sauer P938

Country: United States

Caliber: 9mm

A compact single-action pistol based on a 1911 design, known for its precision and easy concealment, with a range of finishes and grips.


FN 503

Country: Belgium

Caliber: 9mm

Marketed as FN's smallest and most concealable handgun, designed to be slim and easy to carry discreetly.


Taurus GX4

Country: Brazil

Caliber: 9mm

Taurus's entry into the micro-compact segment, offering enhanced capacity and features in a very compact, ergonomic design.


Beretta Tomcat

Country: Italy

Caliber: .32 ACP

Features a unique tip-up barrel design, making it easier for those with limited hand strength to load and chamber the first round without racking the slide.


HK VP9SK

Country: Germany

Caliber: 9mm

The subcompact version of the highly popular VP9, this model maintains all the innovations and ergonomic features of the full-size in a smaller package suitable for concealed carry.


Ruger American Compact

Country: United States

Caliber: Available in 9mm and .45 ACP

Offers a compact yet controllable size with a modular grip system and a good capacity, balancing performance and comfort.


CZ P-07

Country: Czech Republic

Caliber: Available in 9mm and .40 S&W

A compact DA/SA pistol that brings the versatility and performance of the CZ 75 family into a more concealable form factor.


Smith & Wesson M&P 2.0 Compact

Country: United States

Caliber: Available in 9mm, .40 S&W, and .45 ACP

A balanced and versatile handgun with advanced ergonomics and an improved trigger for more accurate and comfortable shooting.


Walther PPK

Country: Germany

Caliber: .380 Auto

Known for its association with James Bond, the PPK is a classic choice for concealed carry with its sleek, compact design and dependable performance.




Each of these handguns is backed by a strong reputation and is designed to meet various personal defense needs. Whether you prefer a pistol for its aesthetic, ergonomic fit, or specific action type, there's likely a model that aligns with your requirements. Always ensure to handle several options to see which feels best before making a purchase, and consider additional factors like local availability, customer support, and aftermarket parts accessibility.





























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