Best Concealed Carry Gun? Experts Weigh In
By Paul Rackley, GunBroker Editor
When you’re an expert in something, people like to talk to you about that subject. Doctors get medical questions; bankers are asked about financial issues, and firearm experts get queried about guns. In fact, people have all kinds of questions about guns, from tactics to calibers to brands. One of the most asked questions, however, is: “What is the best concealed carry gun?”
This question, of course, is pure opinion. Every expert is different, with varying needs and wants in a concealed-carry gun. And those needs can even change over time because of deviations in life situations. These include age, location, weight gain or loss, and more. It can even change with new models released by manufacturers.
For whatever reasons, every firearm expert has an opinion on what is the best concealed-carry gun. And many folks really want to know what experts carry. So, GunBroker decided to talk to a few experts to learn what they carry and why.
Best Concealed Carry Gun — Expert Choices
Gunsite Academy Instructor Eric Ingersoll — GLOCK 19 Gen 5
The GLOCK 19 has been one of the most popular pistols since its introduction in the late 80s. The current model, Gen 5, comes without the finger grooves of Gens 3 and 4, which some shooters liked, while others didn’t. However, it does come with the ability to customize its grip to to any hand size by mounting different backstraps. It also comes with a reversible magazine catch and ambidextrous slide stop to accommodate both left- and right-hand shooters. GLOCK even modified the rifling and barrel crown for more precision. Of course, it still comes with GLOCK’s well-known reliability.
“I primarily carry a Glock 19 Gen 5 in a HAWG holster,” said Ingersoll. “I carry the Glock because it is reliable, holds an adequate amount of ammunition, is relatively light weight and accurate.”
Before becoming an instructor at Gunsite, Ingersoll served with the Stockton Police Department in California. He retired as a Lieutenant, having worked in a variety of units, including street crimes, traffic and SWAT. He was also the department’s Terrorism Liaison Coordinator with the F.B.I.
Related Video: Features of Glock 19 Gen5 MOS: G19 Special Package with the Holosun SCS
Field & Stream Shooting Editor Richard Mann – Browning Hi-Power
The 1911 is probably the only pistol more famous than the Browning Hi-Power. Both were designed by John Moses Browning, though the Hi-Power was finished after Browning’s death. The name comes from its capacity of 13 rounds in the magazine, almost double of similar pistols at the time.
While Browning has discontinued production of the Hi-Power, Springfield Armory produces a variant it calls the SA-35. This 9mm pistol features upgrades to Browning’s original P-35, while keeping the wood and steel look of the Hi-Power. However, due to their popularity, Browning Hi-Power pistols can still be found, including on GunBroker.
Mann purchased a Wilson Combat EDC-X9 as his concealed carry gun, claiming “it might be the best pistol ever made.” However, a friend gave him a vintage lightweight Browning Hi-Power customized by Novak’s.
“I carry it most often,” said Mann. “Partly because of its minimal weight, partly because how well I can shoot it, but mostly because it’s as reliable as the sunrise.”
Related Articles: 6 Vintage and Historical Handguns That Have Gained Cult Followings
Gun Writer Guy Sagi — Springfield Armory Hellcat OSP
It’s hard not to love those old classic handguns, such as Colt 1911s and S&W revolvers. However, some shooters prefer more modern designs, such as the Springfield Armory Hellcat OSP.
The Hellcat came out in 2019, designed specifically as a concealed-carry gun. This striker-fired semi-auto is compact for easy carry but with a higher-than-average round count. In fact, this pistol, with 11 in the flush-fit magazine, holds quite a few rounds for a micro compact. The slightly larger Hellcat Pro can hold up to 17 rounds in the extended magazine, providing quite a lot of firepower in any pistol. These pistols also provide quite a few options. This ranges from optics ready, manual safety and even threaded barrel.
Gun writer and former Shooting Illustrated editor Guy Sagi carried a 1911 for years. Now, however he prefers something smaller and lighter — the Hellcat OSP with the Hex Wasp red-dot optic installed.
“The lighter weight is a relief compared to the 1911 that I wore for years, and my eyes are not what they once were, hence the optic,” said Sagi. “The fact the iron sights co-witness with the red dot and remain visible through the optic eliminates most concern about battery life.”
Related Videos: What You Need to Know About the Springfield Hellcat Pro
Gunsite Academy Instructor Randy Watt — GLOCK 43X MOS
There are certain groups of shooters who really love GLOCK pistols. One of those are police officers. So, it comes as no surprise that Randy Watt’s preferred concealed-carry gun is a GLOCK. It just might be a little smaller than some folks might figure.
The GLOCK 43X MOS is a subcompact, 9mm pistol that actually has enough room for a full grip by shooters. The company did this by basically combining the 43 with the 48. This combo provides a short pistol for concealment, while providing a grip someone can hold onto. Add in the MOS version with an optic and this pistol makes a serious argument for best concealed-carry gun. Of course, people love to customize GLOCKs, and the former Ogden, Utah, Chief of Police is no different.
Watt’s G43X has a Grey Ghost Precision slide, with a Finks Custom trigger and grip contouring, including the extended tang. He also attached a Holosun HS507K optic and Talon grip wrap. In it, he uses Shield Arms 15-round magazines.
In addition to 32 years on the force, Watt served in the Utah National Guard, rising to the rank of colonel, all while participating in special forces counter-terrorism operations in Afghanistan and Iraq.
Related Videos: Gun Review: Glock G43X MOS Subcompact 9mm [Video]
Sheriff Jim Wilson — Smith & Wesson Model 19
Originally called the .357 Combat Magnum, the Smith & Wesson Model 19 came from a collaboration of S&W and Bill Jordan. Its chambering, of course, started with Elmer Keith.
Put together, this six-shot revolver just might be the best ever made. It came standard with a 4-inch barrel on S&W’s K Frame, with wood grips and a blue finish. This double-action gun lasted in the company’s catalog from 1957 to 1999, with numerous variations. This included different barrels lengths, grips and more.
The company reintroduced this gun in 2018, featuring a 4.25-inch barrel, and changes to the ejector rod, center pin lockup, gas ring and forcing cone. The stainless-steel version is called the Model 66.
After spending almost 30 years as a Texas peace officer carrying a Commander-size 1911 in .45 ACP, Sheriff Jim Wilson chose what he calls “The Cadillac of Modern Revolvers” in his civilian life as a gun writer.
“My (Model 19) has a 2.5-inch pinned barrel, recessed chambers and a tuned action,” said Wilson. “I generally carry it in an in-the-pants holster in the appendix position with one HKS speed loader and one Bianchi Speed Strip supplying extra ammunition.”
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