When it comes to concealed carry, choosing the right handgun can be intimidating. The best concealed carry gun should strike a great balance between concealability, firepower, reliability, ease of use, and availability of suitable self-defense Ammo. In this article, we will explore and rank the top six handguns for concealed carry in 2023, delving into their features, performance, and why they stand out as the favorite concealed carry handguns among gun enthusiasts and self-defense advocates.
1. SIG SAUER P365 XL
The SIG SAUER P365 XL takes the top spot as the best concealed carry gun of 2023. This compact, striker-fired pistol offers an impressive 12+1 round capacity with its flush-fit magazine and a remarkable 15+1 capacity with the extended magazine, providing users with ample firepower in a compact package. Its slim profile and smooth edges make it easy to conceal, while its ergonomic grip ensures a comfortable and secure shooting experience.
One of the P365 XL’s standout features is its excellent trigger. The crisp and light trigger pull aids in accurate shooting, making it an ideal 9mm pistol for those who prioritize precision. Additionally, the gun comes with front and rear night sights, enhancing visibility in low-light conditions for increased situational awareness.
SIG SAUER P365 XL Features:
- Caliber: 9mm Luger
- (2) 12rd Steel Mag or (2) 10rd Steel Mag for Compliant States
- Optic-Ready with X-RAY3 Day/Night Sights
- Micro-Compact
- OVERALL LENGTH: 6.6 in [168 mm]
- OVERALL WIDTH: 1.1 in [28 mm]
- HEIGHT: 4.8 in (122 mm)
- BARREL LENGTH: 3.7 in (94 mm)
- WEIGHT: 20.7 oz (588 g)
- SIGHT RADIUS: 5.6 in (142 mm)
- ACCESSORY RAIL: SIGRail
- TRIGGER ACTION: Striker-Fired
- TRIGGER TYPE: XSeries Straight
- GRIP TYPE: Polymer
- GRIP COLOR: Black
- BARREL MATERIAL: Carbon Steel
- FCU MATERIAL: Stainless Steel
- SLIDE FINISH: Nitron
- SLIDE MATERIAL: Stainless Steel
2. GLOCK 43x
GLOCK has long been a favorite concealed carry option, and the GLOCK 43x continues to impress in 2023. With a capacity of 10+1 rounds, this semi-automatic pistol strikes a balance between compactness and firepower. Its slimline design and minimalistic controls make it easy to carry concealed, while GLOCK’s legendary reliability ensures smooth and consistent performance.The GLOCK 43x boasts a comfortable grip, making it easy to handle, even for shooters with smaller hands. The trigger pull is consistent and predictable, aiding in accurate shooting. Additionally, GLOCK‘s reputation for durability and ease of maintenance makes this handgun a top choice for concealed carry enthusiasts.
Glock 43x Features:
- Caliber: 9x19mm (9mm Luger)
- System: Safe Action®
- Mag. Capacity Standard: 10
- Barrel Length: 87 mm | 3.41 inch
- Weight:
- Without magazine: 465 g | 16.40 oz
- With empty magazine: 530 g | 18.70 oz
- With loaded magazine: 654 g | 23.07 oz
- Trigger Pull: 24 N
- Chambered in 9mm Luger the G43X features a compact Slimline frame with a black slide. The 10-round magazine capacity makes it ideal for concealed carry.
- Designed for comfort, The G43X combines a compact-size grip length, a built-in beaver tail and a subcompact-slim slide for a comfortably balanced, versatile grip that´s ideal for a variety of users.
- The frame incorporates elements of the Gen5 and Slimline series such as the short trigger distance, a frame with a built-in beavertail, a reversible magazine catch, and the incredibly accurate, match-grade GLOCK Marksman Barrel (GMB) and precision-milled front serrations.
3. CANiK TP9 Elite SC
Turkish firearms manufacturer CANiK has gained popularity for offering feature-rich handguns at a competitive price point, and the TP9 Elite SC is no exception. This subcompact, striker-fired pistol stands out with its 12+1 round capacity, providing users with ample firepower in a small package. It also includes a spare magazine with a finger extension, increasing the capacity to 15+1 rounds.
The TP9 Elite SC features a high-quality trigger with a smooth and consistent pull. Its interchangeable backstraps allow users to customize the grip, enhancing comfort and control. Furthermore, the pistol comes with Warren Tactical sights, offering excellent visibility and accuracy.
CANiK TP9 Elite SC Features:
- Caliber: 9mm Luger
- Interchangeable back strap in 2 sizes (small and large)
- Blackout rear and phosphorous front white dot sight
- Micro red-dot interface with co-witness feature
- Reversible magazine release
- Accessory under-barrel rail
- Tungsten Grey Cerakote over nitride slide finish
- Match grade nitride coated barrel
- Small parts and internal components nitride or high-wear nickel-coated
- Comes with two magazines: one 12rd + optional finger rest base plate and one 15rd with extended baseplate
- Also included are the toolbox, user manual, and a concealed carry holster with reversible clips for IWB and OWB use
- MAGAZINE TYPE: Canik Sub-Compact Size Magazine
- ACTION TYPE: Semi-Automatic
- FRAME MATERIAL: Synthetic
- WEIGHT: 1.55 lbs
- OVERALL LENGTH: 6.7″
- BARREL LENGTH: 3.6″
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4. Kimber Ultra Covert .45 ACP
For those who prefer the classic stopping power of the .45 ACP round, the Kimber Ultra Covert line is an excellent choice for concealed carry. With a 7-round magazine capacity, this 1911-style pistol offers a blend of tradition and modern design. Its aluminum frame reduces weight, making it more manageable for everyday carry.
The Kimber Ultra Covert boasts a crisp trigger pull and a manageable recoil, aiding in accurate shooting even with the powerful .45 ACP round. The gun also features tritium night sights for improved visibility in low-light situations, further enhancing its self-defense capabilities.
Kimber Ultra Covert .45 ACP Features:
- Caliber: .45 ACP
- Height (inches) 90° to barrel: 4.75
- Weight (ounces) with empty magazine: 25
- Length (inches): 6.8
- Magazine capacity: 7
- Carry Melt treatment
- Recoil spring (pounds): 18.0
- Full-length guide rod
- FRAME:
- Material: Aluminum
- Finish: Charcoal gray, KimPro II
- Width (inches): 1.28
- 30 lines-per-inch front strap checkering with bordered base
- Frame serrations
- SLIDE Material: Stainless steel. Finish: Charcoal gray, KimPro II
- BARREL
- Length (inches): 3
- Material: Stainless steel
- Twist Rate LH 1:16
- SIGHTS Tactical Wedge tritium night sights, Sight Radius (inches): 4.8
- GRIPS: Urban Camouflage Crimson Trace Lasergrips
- TRIGGER Aluminum, match grade, factory setting (approximate pounds): 4.0 – 5.0
5. Ruger LCP
When it comes to ultra-compact concealed carry pistols, the Ruger LCP has been a favorite for years, and its reputation continues into 2023. This lightweight, semi-automatic pistol chambered in .380 ACP offers a 6+1 round capacity. Its small size makes it incredibly easy to conceal, and its snag-free design ensures a smooth draw from concealed holsters.
The LCP’s double-action-only trigger provides an added layer of safety by requiring a longer and more deliberate pull before firing. It also features fixed sights, simplifying its operation and reducing potential points of failure. The Ruger LCP is a reliable and affordable option for concealed carry enthusiasts seeking a discreet and convenient handgun.
Ruger LCP Features:
- Caliber: 380 Auto
- Compact and lightweight, the LCP® is designed to fit a variety of holsters.
- Textured grip frame provides a secure and comfortable grip.
- Fixed front and rear sights are integral to the slide, while the hammer is recessed within the slide.
- Rugged construction with through-hardened steel slide and one-piece, high-performance, glass-filled nylon grip frame.
- Includes finger grip extension floorplate that can be added to the magazine for comfort and improved grip.
- Black Oxide, alloy steel barrel.
- Capacity: 6+1
- Barrel Length: 2.75″
- Sights: Integral
6. Ruger LCRx
The Ruger LCRx is a compact revolver designed for concealed carry. Chambered in popular concealed-carry calibers, this snub-nose revolver offers a 5-round capacity, and its lightweight construction makes it an easy wheel gun to carry throughout the day.
One of the standout features of the LCRx is its external hammer, allowing users to shoot in both single-action and double-action modes. The single-action mode provides a lighter trigger pull for increased accuracy in aimed shots, while the double-action mode offers a longer and more deliberate trigger pull for added safety.The LCRx’s rugged construction and simplicity of design make it a reliable choice for concealed carry, especially for those who prefer the reliability of revolvers.
Ruger LCRx Features:
- Caliber Options:
- 38 Special +P
- 22 WMR
- 22 LR
- 357 Magnum
- 9mm Luger
- 327 Fed Mag
- Monolithic frame is made from aerospace-grade, 7000-series aluminum in .22 LR, .22 Magnum, and .38 Special models, and from 400-series stainless steel in the powerful .357 Magnum, 9mm Luger, and .327 Federal Magnum models.
- Patented friction-reducing cam is a next-generation design in fire control systems that results in a smooth, non-stacking trigger pull.
- Patented polymer fire control housing holds all the fire control components in their proper dimensional relationships, reduces weight significantly, and helps reduce recoil.
- High-strength stainless steel cylinder, featuring a PVD finish for excellent durability, is extensively fluted, reducing weight.
- Hogue® Tamer Monogrip® reduces perceived recoil.
- Grip peg allows for a variety of grip styles to be installed.
- Replaceable, pinned ramp front sight with white bar.
- External hammer for single-action use.
Conclusion
Selecting the best concealed carry gun is a highly personal decision that depends on factors such as comfort, preferred calibers, and individual shooting abilities. In this article, we’ve highlighted the top six handguns for concealed carry in 2023, each offering unique features and advantages.
- The Sig SAUER P365 XL excels in capacity, trigger performance, and overall ergonomics.
- The Glock 43x continues to impress with its legendary reliability and user-friendly design.
- The CANiK TP9 Elite SC stands out for its value, capacity, and customizable grip.
- The Kimber Ultra Covert .45 ACP appeals to fans of the classic .45 ACP round and 1911-style handguns.
- The Ruger LCP remains a popular choice for ultra-compact concealed carry in .380 ACP.
- The Ruger LCRx offers the simplicity and reliability of a revolver for concealed carry enthusiasts.
Ultimately, the best concealed carry handgun is the one that fits comfortably in your hand, allows for confident shooting, and is easy to conceal day in and day out. Before making a purchase, it’s essential to try out different models, preferably at a shooting range, to determine which one suits you best. Always prioritize safety, training, and adherence to local laws when carrying a concealed firearm. Once you’ve picked out your concealed carry pistol, there are a variety of accessories like holsters, cleaning kits, and more to consider, so we put together an easy Concealed Carry page to help you find the categories. Stay responsible and prepared for self-defense scenarios, should they ever arise.
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