What are the best types of smaller concealed carry firearms, and what is the most comfortable way to carry it?

2017-01-02T17:56:30-05:00

Response by MSgt George Cater made Jan 2 at 2017 6:07 PM

2017-01-02T18:07:27-05:00

I use a holster by Sneaky Pete as I didn't want to change out my wardrobe. I carry a Sig P320 Compact in about the largest one they make. I love it. Just like carrying in a old .45 flap holster. Lest you think it is slow on the draw, I got where I could draw, chamber and engage in 2 seconds w the .45. This is as fast as it is striker fired and already chambered. Check it out.

Response by SPC David Hack made Jan 2 at 2017 6:15 PM

2017-01-02T18:15:20-05:00

My niece carries a Ruger .380 on her right hip in a waist band holster.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 2 at 2017 7:26 PM

2017-01-02T19:26:33-05:00

The Glock 26 is a popular model. Though as with any subcompact pistol, the recoil spring is tighter than the full sized model and if you have big hands you definitely need the magazine extension. The Glock 26 pairs nicely with the urban carry total concealment holster.

Response by MSG Steve Wiersgalla made Jan 2 at 2017 7:30 PM

2017-01-02T19:30:13-05:00

I carry one of two firearms either my Colt 1911 Officers Model or a Ruger LCR 357 I have found multiple holsters that work for me. Both inside the waist and outside. my favorite is my 1911 with an in the waist holster made by CrossBreed. I have it set deep for concealment rather than quick draw. There is always one in the pipe when I carry, once it is out and exposed time becomes critical.

Response by SPC James Harsh made Jan 2 at 2017 7:44 PM

2017-01-02T19:44:54-05:00

not chambered during appendix lol, IWB works, they say grip is most space so

Response by CAPT Kevin B. made Jan 2 at 2017 8:04 PM

2017-01-02T20:04:48-05:00

Out here in the sticks, most carry. I like two. Either the xDS in 45 because I grew up on the 45ACP or the Sig 938 Equinox in 9mm. Results vary as people grow into personal preferences. When bear a being troublesome, it's a SW 460 in a holster. That you really can't conceal well, but the comfort factor is way up. Our small town is on the ISIL hit list. We figure the pastor will get the first shots off as he sees the door best.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 2 at 2017 8:16 PM

2017-01-02T20:16:29-05:00

I carry the XD mod II in .45 acp with the 3.3 inch barrel. I have an IWB holster by Wright Brothers and it seems to wok pretty well for me.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 2 at 2017 8:45 PM

2017-01-02T20:45:42-05:00

I carry a Springfield Armory XD Mod. 2 in .40 in an Aliengear Cloak Tuck 3.0. It's small enough to conceal easily using the standard magazine, but still packs plenty of ammo (9+1 standard, 12+1 extended mag). Using the extended magazine makes it a little more difficult to conceal, but it's not impossible. Mainly just have to be aware of "printing".

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 2 at 2017 10:56 PM

2017-01-02T22:56:34-05:00

I think this differs from person to person but I have carried 3 different firearms concealed before.

S&W M442 .38+P Snub, 5 round capacity
Rossi .357 Snub, 6 round capacity
Ruger SR9E 9mm Duty Size, 17+1 round capacity

The first 2 were the most comfortable due to their small size, however that offers reduced capacity and reduced range. The 9mm was a duty size and is slightly uncomfortable and offers more capacity and range. It should be noted that self defense shootings usually happen in less than 25ft.

I typically use an Uncle Mike's padded cloth holster for concealed carry, it's fairly comfortable but there are better holsters out there. I will be field testing a Ruger LC9S as a conceal carry sometime soon. If I wasn't sold on an LC9S I might have gone with a Glock 43.

Response by SGT David T. made Jan 3 at 2017 8:09 AM

2017-01-03T08:09:31-05:00

My main carry gun is a Springfield XD .40 Subcompact. While it is a little bulkier than a lot of guns, it is small enough to go unnoticed when carrying in the waistband. I only use extended mags and have never had an issue with it printing. My secondary is a S&W Bodyguard .380 that I carry on the ankle.

Response by SGM Erik Marquez made Jan 3 at 2017 10:55 AM

2017-01-03T10:55:20-05:00

Define smaller?
That means two shot .380 to some, and a "small" 4" 1911 to others.

For me it means striker fired sub 3" 9mm or .45 or .40
Glock 26 Gen 3 (9MM) The Glock 26 was designed for concealed carry. ...
Springfield XDs .45. ...
Smith & Wesson M&P 40C. ...
Beretta Nano. ...
Springfield XDM Compact .40S&W
Smith & Wesson M&P Shield .40S&W
sig p290

as for carry,
good belt is required... a good gun belt, not something from your local big box store.
Im using armor belts right now. https://www.armourbelts.com

for holsters, 90% time im in a outside the waist band carried at 3:30 strong side, 10 deg froward cant.
D.M. Ballard http://dmbullardleather.com is what im using currently but holsters are like chips, you cant have just one....as well as., the best you know is the best you have used... until you buy, try and use another one, you will never know if it is better or not.

for the 10% i am not in a OWB holster, i carry in a cross breed super tuck http://www.crossbreedholsters.com/Product/SuperTuck-Deluxe

I have all the guns listed above except the Glock....and they all have more than one holster.....the daily carry is a xd .45 thats been tuned...and personalized..id have to count... but be surprised if i had less than 6 holsters for it.

Armour Belts

precision made affordable belts

Response by Lt Col Scott Shuttleworth made Jan 3 at 2017 3:43 PM

2017-01-03T15:43:20-05:00

For my smaller pistols, I carry a Diamondback DB9 pocket 9mm. One in and six up and it doesn't look any more bigger than a cell phone in any pocket. Not for everyday shooting but powerful and accurate to carry...and cheap. Got mine for wayless than $300. Diamondback is relatively new to the market and this gun is strikingly similar to a Glock design.

https://diamondbackfirearms.com/collections/db9-pistol-series/products/diamondback-db9?variant= [login to see] 6

I also have a Bersa Thunder .380. Little bigger and if I carry it, it is in a holster inside the back of my pants on the belt...or in the winter time in my coat pocket.

I put my S&W .40 in the car when I travel but it is too big to conceal.

DIAMONDBACK DB9

Diamondback Firearms is proud to present the DB9, a micro-compact 9mm pistol made entirely in the USA. Designed with safety in mind, the DB9 features a "ZERO-En

Response by PO3 Steven Sherrill made Jan 3 at 2017 5:52 PM

2017-01-03T17:52:02-05:00

SFC Jim Ruether that is akin to asking what is the best car, motorcycle, beer, soda, or pizza. Ask one hundred people, get one hundred different answers. I personally have a Kimber micro .380 (which I am going to trade up for the 9mm) that I enjoy shooting. I also have a Walther PPK in .22 that I use really just for the range. As for holster, that is another that is going to vary with the individual. I agree with MSgt George Cater that the Sneaky Pete holster is a good choice as it hides in plain site. As long as you have a belt, you have a concealed weapon. I carry my firearm in a pocket holster.

Response by MAJ Glynn Garcia made Jan 3 at 2017 7:06 PM

2017-01-03T19:06:41-05:00

KISS. A .38 revolver, (S&W 36/60) in an Uncle Mikes in the pant holster, speed strip for back up ammo. Revolvers don't jam, (well extremely rarely). No worry about function of safety because ...there isn't one! Take your finger off the trigger! Double action avoids ADs. its small, light, and can even be worn in a boot. I carried one for 15 years as a back up and UC. +P ammo and hollow points or Glasers / Hydro Shock improve knock down power. I used the Uncle Mikes holster UNDER my pants, (one size up), using a jock strap band, (cut off the cup and ass straps).

Response by TSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 3 at 2017 9:50 PM

2017-01-03T21:50:33-05:00

Find a range that rents firearms and try a few to see which ones you shoot best. Be sure to acquire a sturdy purpose made gun belt. Find a holster that fits your chosen firearm. Determine where on your body (think of it as a clock, belt buckle at 1200) is most comfortable and dress around the firearm.

As a larger gent, I carry a M&P40C outside the waistband (OWB) at about 3:30-4:00. I can carry a full size Glock 22 as well. If you desire to carry inside (IWB) you may need to buy your pants a size larger to accommodate the firearm as well as you.

Response by SPC Ronald Borders made Jan 4 at 2017 6:39 AM

2017-01-04T06:39:07-05:00

Springfield XDS, S&W shield, or a glock 43.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 4 at 2017 6:59 AM

2017-01-04T06:59:17-05:00

90% of the time I carry a 9 mm M&P shield in a Blackhawk leather IWB holster or a DeSantis leather OWB pancake holster. I also have a Stealthgear IWB holster that is very comfortable for all day carry. For my Sig Sauer M11A1 I have both IWB and OWB Alien Gear holsters and a Galco leather Fletch pancake holster.

Response by SFC Jerry Humphries made Jan 4 at 2017 7:24 AM

2017-01-04T07:24:50-05:00

I like the SW Bodyguard 380 it is easily concealed in the pocket, and comes with a laser.

Response by CPT Andrew Wright made Jan 4 at 2017 7:39 AM

2017-01-04T07:39:02-05:00

Bought my daughter a nice little Taurus PT111 9mm at Xmas. Double Action with a 12 round magazine. Its small and costs under $300 at Academy on sale. Looks and feels like a good carry pistol that even fits in your back pocket.

Response by Alan K. made Jan 4 at 2017 8:31 AM

2017-01-04T08:31:35-05:00

My EDC is an XDm .45 Compact (3.8) 9 round mags with Pearce grip extensions. I go into Mass. and Conn. a lot and they have mag restrictions...I leave the 13's at home. Rear sight also has a laser.

Response by SFC William "Bill" Moore made Jan 4 at 2017 10:14 AM

2017-01-04T10:14:55-05:00

I have a few handguns, but my wife likes the little Makarov we picked up about 10 years back. As for carry position or holster, my advice is to research a few and absolutely become comfortable/confident in use. Look for ease of wear, access, retention and movement. I personally like my vertical, shoulder rig, but then I carry a full size 1911. Or my waist/back rig. But, again, I practice with each and am very comfortable.

Response by SrA Edward Vong made Jan 4 at 2017 10:17 AM

2017-01-04T10:17:11-05:00

Ruger LCP. I carry it with a concealment express Kydex holster. I'm planning on investing in something slightly bigger (and hope it doesn't print). The trigger pull on the LCP is long, and heavy. Good backup weapon though.

Response by Larry Dirlam made Jan 4 at 2017 11:18 AM

2017-01-04T11:18:34-05:00

No matter what gun frame or holster it will be more comfortable carry IWB or OWB using a Body Shield I invite you check it out. http://www.holsterpartner.com

Holster Partner | Home

Holster partner.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 4 at 2017 11:40 AM

2017-01-04T11:40:47-05:00

My EDC is a Sig P250 Sub-Compact 9mm 12+1. I have an OWB holster that came with the firearm and I also have a soft IWB made by Black Hawk and an Aliengear IWB. Which I use depends on what I'm wearing and where I'm going. If I'm just going to the store or if I'm going to work, I'll use the OWB on my hip if I'm wearing a jacket or sweatshirt, or the soft IWB because it's easier to take off and put on. The Aliengear is pretty fixed so I don't use it unless I know I won't be having to take it off for a while.

Response by PO1 Henry Jackson made Jan 4 at 2017 12:09 PM

2017-01-04T12:09:59-05:00

I carry the Sig. SP2022 9mm, great gun.

Response by SGT William Howell made Jan 4 at 2017 12:54 PM

2017-01-04T12:54:56-05:00

SFC Jim Ruether How small are you talking? I think compact versions of full size guns are silly. They are still fat, heavy, and cumbersome. I never have trouble hiding the barrel of a pistol, it's always the handle. If I am carrying on my waist and covering up the gun why would I care that the gun had an extra inch of handle around my waist, it has a shirt over it right. I will carry a 1911, a FN FNX .45, or a Glock 21. All are full size guns. The holster has to be the right one for this type of carry. I use a pancake holster that keeps the handle close to the body.

Now if I am trying to carry concealed and I can't place clothing over my gun I always go with a slim gun that was designed to be a small gun. I carry a Makarov in 9x18 or a .32 cal Beretta Tomcat. I use either an ankle holster for the Makarov or I carry the Tomcat in my pocket.

Response by CW3 Kevin Storm made Jan 4 at 2017 3:24 PM

2017-01-04T15:24:05-05:00

Two that I like are the Glock 36 in .45 ACP, and my old will take a beating and still shoot you with a magazine full of mud... Makarov. A weapon that IMHO just doesn't fail.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 4 at 2017 4:07 PM

2017-01-04T16:07:39-05:00

I would say that the best type would be something that the carrier is comfortable with and trains regularly with, meaning that they actually get out and fire the weapon more than once or twice a year. To some people that might be a small .380, where others might be comfortable with, and able to conceal, a full size 1911. When talking about this a lot is personal preference and body type/dimensions...same can be said for carry. There are a lot of good weapons and holsters out there, and you really should do your best to experiment with various firearms and carry configurations. Once you do find something that suits your need, weapon and holster, train with it on a regular basis and then make it a part of your everyday wardrobe, just like a watch or eye glasses.

Response by SSG Jeremy Sharp made Jan 4 at 2017 8:06 PM

2017-01-04T20:06:42-05:00

I personally carry either a Glock 26 or Glock 27 but have friends that currently carry the Glock 42 and the Glock 43 both smaller in size and capacity but still formidable weapons platforms that are easily concealable. I currently carry in an ankle rig or a small waistband holster.

Response by CPT Chris Loomis made Jan 5 at 2017 4:25 PM

2017-01-05T16:25:43-05:00

Ruger .380 LCP in a pocket holster on your "weak hand" side front pocket.

My EDC consists of:

Ruger .380 LCP
One extra magazine
Fenix LD02 100 lumen flashlight
Spyderco Endura knife
Cell phone

If I've got skivvies on I'm carry this on my person someplace.

The above articles aren't enough to set up Fort Apache and shoot it out. But, they are all however enough to stop an attack and/or get me home intact.

The best "tool" I carry is just good common sense and judgment.

Response by SGT Tim Soyars made Jan 5 at 2017 6:42 PM

2017-01-05T18:42:51-05:00

Daily carry is a Glock 19 in a N82 IWB. Looking hard at the Glock 43 for smaller carry. I like that a Glock is a Glock is a Glock. Nothing new to learn in manual of arms.

Response by SPC Marc Sachs made Jan 12 at 2017 2:10 PM

2017-01-12T14:10:09-05:00

Many "pocket" 9's are available these days. I use a sticky holster or Alien Gear.

Response by TSgt George Rodriguez made Feb 4 at 2017 11:50 PM

2017-02-04T23:50:04-05:00

Oklahoma is an open carry state with a license to carry. Springfield XDM 9 mm 4.5 barrel Shoulder holster rig. Charter arms snubby 38 special right hip left hand cross draw and or shoulder holster rig. I make my own holsters out of leather.

Response by SPC David Hack made Feb 9 at 2017 5:25 PM

2017-02-09T17:25:11-05:00

My sister and my niece both carry .380's my niece carries a Ruger and my sister carries a Bersa, I believe my niece carries hers in a IWB holster when she's wearing jeans. My sister carries hers in an IWB clip holster and carries it in either her pocket or her purse. My nephew carries a Glock .45 in a hip carry on his right side, and he's recently switched up to a small Glock but I'm not sure which caliber he's carrying. Myself, I'm looking at the 'shirt holsters,' those are the ones that look like a T shirt, but they've got a holster in them for concealed carry.

Response by PVT Mark Brown made Mar 8 at 2017 12:32 PM

2017-03-08T12:32:19-05:00

My personal carry side arms are Springfield XD9 and Kimber full size 1911. I prefer the 1911 as my daily choice. I carry this weapon almost every day and for me it is by far the most comfortable to wear. I have fired this weapon literally thousands of time with my own handloads that I have tailored for defensive carry. I know that the largest percentage CCW folks say do not load your own carry ammo. But, I load my own and have not had an issue with a single round. I practice live fire weekly with my personal loads and will trust them with my life if that ever became necessary. I have been carrying my Kimber for over 10 years now, I think maybe it was 2003 when I purchased it. When I was in the Army back in the 60's the government model 1911 was also my daily carry weapon so this is a fire arm I am truly comfortable with. I wont go small. The bigger the hole the better. Advise from an attorney was to NOT load extra hot or heavy loads. Just try to mimic commercial defense ammo. A jury might not like a self-defense case when the shooter/defendant has loaded cannon ammo. Sorry for the long answer.

Response by TSgt George Rodriguez made Apr 3 at 2017 11:31 AM

2017-04-03T11:31:04-04:00

At present I carry a Springfield XDM-9 4.5in barrel in a shoulder holster rig. As a backup a Charter Arms snub 38 special in the boot or also in a shoulder holster rig. As I make my own holsters out of leather I can also carry OWB in cross draw. Being left handed every time I shake hands with most people I have removed their gun hand leaving my left hand to use.

Response by Amn Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 20 at 2018 1:34 AM

2018-02-20T01:34:17-05:00

i think the glock are doing their best job in this arena... glock 42. or you may read this article for more<a href="https://www.virginiaccwonline.com/best-9mm-pocket-pistol-choose-pistol/
">Best 9mm Pocket Pistol</a>

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Response by 1LT Voyle Smith made Feb 11 at 2021 4:38 PM

2021-02-11T16:38:24-05:00

I like the Glocks, either in .380 caliber (the model 42) or in 9 mm (the model 43). Both lay flat with no protruding corners to snag your clothing.