Top 10 Concealed Carry Handguns for 2024

Concealed carry has become an essential part of personal defense strategies for many individuals. With advancements in firearm technology, we have a wide array of handguns designed to be more reliable, comfortable, and efficient for concealed carry. Whether you’re a seasoned carrier or new to the world of concealed carry, there are options for anyone.

Over the years, I’ve carried a wide variety of handguns on and off duty. When I’m off duty, I tend to carry smaller, compact guns because they are easier to conceal. This list isn’t in any specific order; it’s just a list of my favorite CCW picks for 2024. From the sleek and compact Glock 43 to the robust Taurus 605 Protector Polly, each firearm has its unique features and benefits to consider.

1. Glock 43

The Glock 43 remains a favorite among concealed carriers due to its reliability, simplicity, and compact size. I mean, it’s a Glock pistol, so that speaks volumes when it comes to reliability and performance. This single-stack 9mm pistol is designed to be slim and lightweight, making it ideal for everyday carry. The Glock 43 offers a six-round magazine capacity, which, while not the highest, is sufficient for most self-defense scenarios.

One of the key features of the Glock 43 is its ease of use. With Glock’s renowned Safe Action System, the pistol is ready to fire with a consistent trigger pull, eliminating the need for an external safety. This design makes it incredibly straightforward for those who need a quick and reliable defensive tool. The ergonomics are solid, with a textured grip that ensures a secure hold, even in stressful situations.

When it comes to durability, the Glock 43’s polymer frame and tenifer-coated slide ensure it can withstand the rigors of daily carry. This gun offers a great balance of size, reliability, and simplicity, making it a top choice for 2024. If you want just a little bit bigger grip, you can also go with the Glock 43X.

2. Springfield Hellcat

The Springfield Hellcat has quickly gained popularity in the concealed carry community, and for good reason. This micro-compact 9mm pistol boasts an impressive 11+1 capacity with its flush-fit magazine and 13+1 with the extended magazine, giving it one of the highest capacities in its class. This means more rounds at your disposal without compromising on size.

The Hellcat is designed with user comfort and control in mind. Its Adaptive Grip Texture provides a secure hold, while the U-Dot sight system ensures quick and accurate target acquisition. The sight system is particularly beneficial for those who need to react swiftly in self-defense scenarios.

I also like the Hellcat’s flat trigger, which enhances accuracy by providing a smooth and consistent pull. This, combined with its short reset, allows for faster follow-up shots. For those who like to use an optic, you can purchase an optics-ready version of the Hellcat.

Springfield’s attention to detail in the Hellcat’s design makes it a standout option for concealed carry in 2024. Its combination of high capacity, ergonomic features, and readiness for optics ensures that it meets the needs of both novice and experienced carriers.

3. Sig P365

The Sig P365 has earned its way onto this list with its high-capacity micro-compact design. Holding 10+1 rounds in a package smaller than many single-stack 9mm pistols, the P365 offers an excellent balance of capacity and concealability. It also comes with optional 12- and 15-round magazines for those who prefer even higher capacity.

One of the standout features of the P365 is its excellent ergonomics. The grip is designed to provide a natural point of aim, and the textured surface ensures a firm hold. The sights are also highly effective, with the X-Ray3 Day/Night sights providing clear visibility in various lighting conditions.

The P365’s trigger is another highlight, offering a smooth and crisp pull that enhances shooting accuracy. The short, tactile reset is particularly appreciated by those who practice rapid firing. Like many of Sig’s other pistols, the P365 is designed with modularity in mind, allowing for customization with different grip modules and accessories.

Overall, the Sig P365’s combination of high capacity, excellent ergonomics, and reliable performance makes it one of the top choices for concealed carry in 2024. Whether for daily carry or occasional use, the P365 is a firearm that delivers confidence and reliability.

4. FN Reflex in 9mm

The FN Reflex in 9mm is a newcomer to the concealed carry market. Known for making military and law enforcement firearms, FN decided to move into the compact CCW market. It has packed a lot of features into this compact package, starting with its 15+1 capacity, which is impressive for its size. This makes it a great option for those who want lots of ammo without a giant grip.

The Reflex features an internal hammer. The ergonomics are excellent, with a contoured grip that fits comfortably in the hand and provides excellent control. The Reflex also has a Picatinny rail, allowing users to mount lights or lasers to suit their personal defense needs.

One of the notable aspects of the FN Reflex is the low-profile, snag-free sights that are easy to acquire and ideal for quick target acquisition. This has been one of my favorite EDC guns for a while now. I haven’t had any issues with cycling FMJ or JHP ammo. It’s light, compact, and holds the same amount of ammo as a Glock 19.

5. Kimber Rapide Micro 9

For those who prefer the classic styling and reliable performance of a 1911, the Kimber Micro 9 is an excellent choice. This single-stack 9mm pistol offers a 7+1 capacity and functions just like a full-size 1911 pistol. Like most of Kimber’s pistols, it has a unique style and finish that makes it stand out.

The Micro 9 features a crisp, single-action trigger that is typical of 1911-style pistols, providing a consistent and accurate shooting experience. As you would expect, the Micro 9 must be carried locked-and-cocked because it is a single-action-only pistol. I find the thumb safety a little hard to flip on but easy to flip off when drawing the gun.

Kimber has paid close attention to the Rapide’s ergonomics. The grip is comfortable, and the checkering ensures a secure hold. The low-profile TRUGLO TFX PRO Day/Night sights are also a great feature that comes standard.

Overall, the Kimber Micro 9’s combination of classic design, reliable performance, and excellent craftsmanship landed it on my 2024 list. I just can’t make a list without some type of 1911 pistol on here. Whether you’re a fan of the 1911 platform or simply looking for a reliable and stylish carry gun, the Micro 9 is worth considering.

6. Ruger Max 9

The Ruger Max 9 is a recent addition to the concealed carry market, after Ruger’s LCP and LCP Max pistols. Following in their footsteps, the Max 9 offers an excellent blend of capacity, features, and affordability. This micro-compact 9mm pistol boasts a 10+1 capacity with its flush-fit magazine and a 12+1 with the extended magazine.

One of the standout features of the Max 9 is its readiness for optics. The pistol comes with a factory-installed optics plate, allowing for the easy addition of a red dot sight. If you want a great budget-friendly and simple optic, the Ruger ReadyDot, which doesn’t need a battery, might be up your alley. Tritium fiber optic sights, which are highly visible in various lighting conditions, are another feature of the Max 9.

To me, this is a great-sized gun that is just large enough to grip with both hands but compact enough to make it comfortable to carry. Because of its reliability and size, it’s worth checking out and being on this list. Its affordability also makes it an attractive option for those looking for a reliable and feature-rich carry gun without breaking the bank.

7. Ruger LCP Max .380

Some like to carry a compact gun without a lot of recoil, so we have seen an uptick in .380 caliber handguns. The Ruger LCP Max takes the popular LCP platform and enhances it with increased capacity and improved features. This micro-compact .380 ACP pistol offers a 10+1 capacity, which is really impressive for its size.

It has a textured grip and improved sights that provide better target acquisition compared to previous LCP models. The trigger isn’t bad for such a small gun, either. When it comes to concealing a gun, this one is hard to beat. Because of its size and weight, it’s about the most concealable gun I’ve carried so far. I used to have the LCP but traded it in for the LCP Max because of the slightly wider grip and much higher capacity.

Overall, the Ruger LCP Max’s increased capacity, improved features, and lightweight construction make it a standout choice for concealed carry in 2024. Whether you use it for daily carry or as a backup gun, it’s a great deal.

8. Glock 48

The Glock 48 is an excellent option for those who want something closer to a full-size gun but slimmer. This single-stack 9mm pistol offers a 10+1 capacity and is about the size of a Glock 19 but thinner. Think of putting a Glock 19 in a press and smashing it down… you get the Glock 48.

At just over an inch wide, the Glock 48 is easy to conceal while still offering the shootability of a larger pistol. The Glock Marksman Barrel provides excellent accuracy, and the standard Glock sights are reliable and easy to use.

The Glock 48 also benefits from Glock’s reputation for reliability. The Safe Action System ensures the pistol is ready to fire with a consistent trigger pull, and the durable polymer frame can withstand the rigors of daily carry. This handgun uses Glock 43X magazines, which is another nice feature. It’s a great handgun for those wanting a gun in that in-be-tween range of full-size and compact sizes.

9. Taurus GX4 Carry

Taurus keeps outdoing itself each time they release a new handgun. Their new GX4 Carry is a micro-compact 9mm pistol that offers an impressive 11+1 capacity in a highly concealable package. One of the key features of the GX4 Carry is its ergonomic design. The textured grip ensures a secure hold, and the trigger is smooth and consistent, providing reliable performance.

When you purchase the TORO version, an optics plate can easily be removed to mount your favorite red dot.

For a low-budget handgun, it’s comfortable to shoot and easy to use. I have only had mine for a short time, but so far, I’m impressed with it. There have been no feeding issues, and the gun shoots great. Compared to their older models, the GX4 is leaps and bounds ahead of their older models.

10. Taurus 605 Protector Poly

I can’t really make a top 10 list without a revolver on here, can I? Getting into the revolver world is a whole other game, but this is one I just love. My experience with revolvers is limited compared to semi-auto handguns. So, this pick isn’t based on vast knowledge of them. Instead, it’s just an opinion on one I happen to like.

I used to carry a revolver but ditched it for a semi-auto that was lighter, held more ammo, and could be reloaded faster. However, there is an aspect of reliability and simplicity that some find appealing with revolvers. When I purchased the Taurus 605 Protector Poly, I liked it from day one.

Part of this is because it’s a little different because of the polymer frame. It is chambered in .357 Magnum, providing powerful stopping power in a small package. It also accepts .38 Special rounds, offering versatility in ammunition choices.

The 605 Protector Poly features a 5-round capacity and is double-action/single-action. It has a rubber grip which is comfortable, and a textured hammer for manual cocking. I would like to find a wood grip for it someday, but I haven’t done a lot of digging into that just yet.

As mentioned above, the 605 Protector Poly is built around a polymer frame, which reduces weight without sacrificing durability. This makes it easy to carry discreetly while still offering the reliability of a revolver. Fixed sights are simple and effective for self-defense purposes.

What’s your favorite CCW gun?

Choosing the right concealed carry handgun is a personal decision that depends on individual preferences, needs, and comfort. My top picks will not be the same as others, but I hope it provides some ideas for those searching for a new CCW handgun. Picking one may be a little hard, but at least you have lots of options. Check these out and see if any work for you!