Although you can usually carry a larger handgun, whether it’s full-sized or compact, there are times when deep concealment is a must. Maybe you’re spending time in a non-permissive environment, or perhaps you want an inobtrusive backup gun available. It’s even possible you need to dress in a way that makes most carry guns impossible to conceal. Whatever the reason, we have suggestions on what firearms might best fit your deep concealment needs.
Ruger LCP Max
The entire LCP line from Ruger is favored by countless gun owners who regularly need a pistol small enough for deep concealment. The LCP Max is chambered in 380 ACP and is made to be ultra-compact and lightweight. It has a 2.80-inch barrel, an overall length of 5.17 inches, and an empty weight of 10.6 ounces. The gun’s capacity with a flush-fit magazine is 10 +1. Ruger created the LCP Max with an alloy steel slide and glass-filled nylon frame, so it’s both lighter weight and solidly built.
Features of the Ruger LCP Max include forward and rearward serrations for easier slide manipulation, improved feed ramp, and a reversible magazine release. Factory sights are a tritium front sight and drift adjustable rear sight. The gun is compatible with aftermarket Bodyguard-style sights as well. The fact that this handgun is chambered in 380 ACP is both a pro and a con. It’s a more capable defensive round than some of the calibers found in tiny pistols, but due to the gun’s diminutive size, there is more felt recoil and muzzle rise than you might expect. This is a solid gun for close-quarters use and it’s small enough for deep concealment while remaining large enough to grip and aim with relative comfort.
Bond Arms Honey B
Although derringers only hold two shots, they are compact enough that they make deep concealment a breeze. The Bond Arms Honey B is one of many exceptionally well-made derringers in the company’s lineup. This gun is manufactured in multiple calibers, but for the purpose of this article, we’re focusing on the .38 Special.
The Honey B in .38 Special has a 3-inch barrel and overall length of 5.5 inches. It weighs 17.5 ounces, empty, but considering its two-shot capacity, it’s not going to weigh much more loaded. It features B6 grips which are designed for comfort and textured for a better hold during live fire. According to Bond Arms, the B6 grips take the sting out of shooting derringers, hence the name of this particular model. This pistol has a seven-pound trigger pull weight, which is easier to master than you might believe, and does have a trigger guard (some models do not).
Derringers can be handy tools to have in your gun toolbox because they’re incredibly concealable. They’re accurate at close ranges, and especially effective when chambered in larger calibers. If you truly want a smaller caliber to reduce felt recoil and muzzle rise, this pistol is offered in 22 LR. With some practice and good foundational skills, derringers are far easier to manage than they first appear. Their incredible concealability does a lot to recommend them for deep concealment purposes.
Kahr CW380
The Kahr CW380 is a super compact little pistol that’s right at the line of being small enough to conceal readily and almost too small (but not quite). This pistol has a 2.58-inch barrel, an overall length of 4.96 inches, and an empty weight of 10.2 ounces. This is also a pretty slim pistol, with a width of only 0.75 inches. It’s chambered in 380 ACP and has a capacity of 6 +1. Yes, this is a snappy little gun, but that doesn’t mean it can’t be practiced with enough to ensure shots are accurate.
Features of the CW380 include a rounded trigger guard, black polymer frame, and upright rear serrations for easier racking of the slide. This is a DAO (double action only) gun and does not have a magazine disconnect. Factory sights are a fixed front sight and a drift adjustable rear sight. The DAO trigger and sleek design of the CW380 make it a favorite of some people who pocket carry. If you intend to pocket carry, keep in mind that a DAO trigger doesn’t negate the need for a properly made pocket holster.
Glock 42
Glocks are durable, reliable guns that are offered in a variety of calibers and sizes. The Glock 42 is one of the smallest of the Glock family and, if you’re hoping for a polymer pistol for deep concealment, it’s probably the one you should be considering. The G42 is chambered in 380 ACP and has a 6 +1 capacity with the flush fit magazine. Its barrel length is 3.25 inches, so you get a bit more than many sub-compacts, and it has an empty weight of 12.17 ounces. The overall length is 5.94 inches, the height is 4.13 inches with the magazine inserted, and the width is 0.98 inches.
Features of this pistol include rear serrations, so the shooter can easily rack the slide, and a textured grip to help the user maintain a firm hold during live fire. Although it’s a relatively small handgun, it’s not so tiny that it’s challenging to grip, which is a big plus. As with all Glocks, the G42 does not have an external thumb safety but does have multiple internal safety mechanisms. Frankly, if you’re counting on an external safety to carry out all safety needs rather than following the four rules of gun safety, you’re going to have a bad time. The Glock’s lack of an external safety really isn’t a detriment, but it can take getting used to.
Like the pistol but not the caliber? The G43 is a little larger than the G42, and it’s chambered in 9x19mm Parabellum. Both guns are small enough that most people can conceal them without a struggle.
Taurus 380
Want a revolver for those non-permissive environments? The Taurus 380 is a legit option for those who prefer the performance and feel of revolvers. This gun has a five-shot cylinder and is another DAO. If you want to carry reloads, this gun is compatible with Taurus Stellar Clips. With a 1.75-inch barrel, the Taurus 380 is a true snubby. Dimensions include an overall length of 5.95 inches, overall height of 4.4 inches, and an overall width of 1.4 inches. It weighs 16 ounces, so it’s a little heavier than some, but that weight is a good thing because it helps mitigate some of the muzzle rise and felt recoil.
Perhaps the nicest feature of this revolver is actually its sights. Factory sights are a fixed blade front sight and notched rear sight, which is noteworthy because you’ll find many revolvers this size are made with a groove sight. The fact that Taurus installs actual sights is a great thing, and they do take care to streamline the profile to reduce the risk of snagging. This gun also has rubber grips designed for a more comfortable feel in the hand. Grips are textured to improve grip during live fire. The Taurus 380 has a transfer bar safety.
The bottom line is that when you select a handgun for deep concealment, you’re going to be going to either a caliber smaller than you might usually prefer or to a frame that’s a lot tinier than you’re used to (or both, realistically). Practice is what makes these guns useful, as well as understanding the realities of their effective range. The vast majority of deep concealment guns are designed for up-close use, which doesn’t mean you shouldn’t train with them a bit further out, only that you need to be aware of their purpose.
What’s your favorite deep concealment gun? Tell us about it in the comments.
