Top 5 Concealed Carry Handguns in 2023

Top 5 Concealed Carry Handguns in 2023

Going into a new year, a lot of people may be looking to finally purchase their first firearm for concealed carry/self defense. It's no secret to anyone that the world is a dangerous place, and protecting yourself and your loved ones needs to be a top priority. For many of these people, the first question is going to be: "what gun do I need to buy?" Now this answer is going to be different for everyone, but in this post I hope to provide some helpful insight, and help you find the best concealed carry handgun for you.

Before You Buy

I wanted to put this at the front end of this post because I believe this is extremely important. Before buying your first firearm, especially if it is for self defense purposes, the most important thing you can do is go to a gun range and try shooting a variety of guns. Every person is different, and based on your size or personal preference, a certain gun might feel more comfortable in your hands. Comfort is extremely important because it leads to accuracy, and the most important thing in a self defense situation is hitting your target. So please, before you buy anything, go to your local range and put some shots down range. You'll thank me later. Alright now lets get on to the list!

Sig Sauer P365

Easily one of the most popular pistols on the market is the Sig P365, and for many reasons. Sig Sauer is a well known and respected brand, so much so that their P320 model has been officially adopted by the US Military. The P365 is a micro-compact pistol which makes it easily concealable for a vast majority of people, in a variety of carry positions. It also comes standard with a 10 round magazine with the option of a 12 or 15 rounder available to purchase separately if you want more round capacity. To top it off the P365 comes standard with night time iron sights which gives the shooter the ability to acquire targets easier in a night time setting. In addition to these great features, this gun is also a great option for those who live in states with magazine restrictions or strict concealed carry laws as it comes with only a 10 round magazine, and has an option to have a manual safety. Overall the Sig P365 is a great firearm and a go-to option for countless concealed carriers across the country.

Canik TP9 Elite SC

The Canik TP9 Elite SC is a gun that's hard not to like. Canik definitely doesn't have the same brand recognition that some other manufacturers do such as Glock or Smith & Wesson, but they make amazing quality firearms at a great price. Having owned one of these myself, I may be a bit biased, however it's hard to deny this as a viable carry option in 2023. The TP9 Elite SC comes with a 12-15 round magazine capacity, is fully ambidextrous for you lefties out there, and has one of the best out of the box triggers I've ever seen. It also is sized perfectly to where most people would have no issue concealing this pistol with a good holster, however this does introduce the one drawback of the SC, accessories. At least at the time of posting this, there is not very much variety in terms of available accessories for the SC at all. Canik does offer a few options on their website, but they're basically never in stock, and third party options are few and far between. The Elite SC does come with an in house IWB/OWB holster in the box, however I'd describe that holster as mediocre at best. Ultimately I think the TP9 Elite SC is a great gun and worth taking a look at to see if it's right for you.

Glock 19

It's a Glock...what more do I need to say? Seriously the Glock platform has been notoriously reliable over the past few decades and are always at the top of anyone's handgun list. Now you should never buy a gun just because someone told you to, but the Glock 19 has been battle tested by many, and is definitely worth the consideration. One thing I will say is depending on your body type, height, weight, etc. the Glock 19 may be a little difficult to conceal. The 19 is by no means a massive gun, and of course clothing plays a factor in this, but if you are on the smaller side, it's possible you may have some issues with concealment on the 19.

Smith & Wesson Shield

One of the main reasons why the Smith and Wesson Shield is a top choice for conceal carry is its size. It is incredibly compact and lightweight, making it easy to carry on your person without drawing attention. No matter how you prefer to carry, the Shield is designed to be comfortable and inconspicuous.

But don't let its small size fool you - the Smith and Wesson Shield packs a punch. It is chambered in popular calibers such as 9mm and .40 S&W, giving you plenty of stopping power in a compact package. Its slim profile also makes it easy to handle and shoot accurately, even in high-stress situations.

In addition to its size and firepower, the Smith and Wesson Shield is also known for its reliability. It is built with quality materials and craftsmanship, ensuring that it will perform flawlessly when you need it most. Its durable construction means you can rely on it to function properly even after extended use.

When it comes to concealed carry, the Smith and Wesson Shield is a clear winner. Its compact size, powerful performance, and reliable construction make it the ideal choice for anyone looking to discreetly protect themselves.

HK VP9

If you're newer to the firearm world, then you may not know about HK (Heckler & Koch), but if you've played any Call of Duty, then you know their iconic MP5. This German manufacturer has made countless high quality firearms over the years, and the VP9 is no different.