How to Choose a Concealed Carry Gun

Choosing your first pistol for concealed carry can be a daunting decision. This is going to be a handgun that will be on you all the time (hopefully), and may one day save your life or the life of someone you love. When you are selecting a handgun for concealed carry, there are a number of aspects you should consider.

First, you will want to carry a handgun that you are able to shoot accurately. A gun is only useful if you are able to deploy it properly. Next, you will want to make sure you select a gun that you will carry with you, and carry with you all the time. Having the largest gun doesn’t help you if you leave it at home. Finally, you will want to have a gun that’s comfortable to you. If your firearm doesn’t make you feel confident and comfortable carrying, then it is not doing its job.

INITIAL CONSIDERATIONS

Before we get into choosing the right size, style and caliber, there are some decisions about features, specifications and accessories you need to make.

GRIP LENGTH, THICKNESS AND WEIGHT

When looking at handguns for carry, you will want to consider the grip size, thickness and loaded weight, because these are the primary factors that will determine how easy it is to carry for you.

Thicker guns and guns with a longer grip tend to print (when the outline of your firearm can be seen under your clothing) more, and depending on your local laws, this could be a legal issue. Printing is also something a lot of first-time concealed carriers are concerned with and if your gun prints too much, you may feel uncomfortable having it on you.

HOLSTER AND CARRY POSITIONS

You will also want to consider what type of accessories you want. Primarily, you are going to need a holster if you are going to carry properly, and some gun models are easier to find holsters for than others.

Some of the more common handguns from companies like Springfield Armory or Smith and Wesson are going to have a ton of options, whereas some older or more obscure models may not. When selecting a holster, you need to decide on where on your body you plan to carry your firearm.

There are pocket holsters, shoulder holsters, outside-the-waistband holsters and more, but the most popular for concealed carry are probably inside-the-waistband holsters. These holsters tuck inside your pants and clip to your belt and are a good balance between accessibility and concealment.