What is the best handgun to buy for a concealed weapon.?

Answer 1

You need to go to a reputable gun shop with many choices and look around. It might even be worth it to go to a gun show and look there also.

What works for me might not work for you.
I carry a Kimber Pro CDP 4" Aluminum frame .45 ACP when it isn't 90+ degrees outside. When it gets hot I carry a Kel-Tec P3AT .380 caliber because it will fit in my front pocket of my jeans, shorts or whatever else I might choose to wear.

I also have a G-17 9mm Glock and my wife has a G-19 9mm that is a lot more concealable than the G-17 is.

Contrary to what the liberals say I believe any caliber gun is better than no gun! Don't be a victim as they would have you be.

Get some training (concealed carry class?) or take some private lessons from a trained instructor. If you are at a gun shop that has a range they might be willing to show you a few things or lead you to someone who can.

Just get something reliable and that fits your hand like an extension and then get some pratice in. :-)

Answer 2

It's going to have to be what suits you, it has to be something you are comfortable shooting and which you can conceal on your frame.

When I carry I use a Glock 20 or a Kimber CDP Pro II in a IWB holster behind my right hip, that pulls in close and isn't apparent on my 275 pound frame. I'm also very comfortable shooting both with high power loads. Both are good reliable guns. I use the Kimber when I need more concealment, it's thinner than the Glock.

If I was smaller I'd use a G29. If I couldn't handle the 10mm or 45 I'd switch to a 40S&W, but that's barely more than a 9mm.

If I ever have to draw my weapon in anger, or danger, I want to be certain that I am holding as much firepower as I could have wanted if I had known the bad situation was going to arrise. It's a poor time for regrets.

Answer 3

You must handle a lot of handguns to decide which one is best for you. I would advise against anything smaller than a 9mm because you don't just want to piss the bad guy off, you want to stop a threat. Go to a gun store with a range and rent a few guns. This expense will be well worth it. I am VERY happy with my .40 cal Glock 27. If that is too small for your hand try the Glock 23, it is slightly larger but still easy to conceal. The Glock is my favorite but there are other great guns out there. Just don't buy a cheap one. The last thing you want to do is try to stop a carjacking with a gun that may or may not jam after the first shot. Additionally, regardless of the gun that you get, clean it regularly. Guns worn under plain clothes get dirty and linty fast.

Answer 4

Go to a local gun shop. You'll be amazed at what you can get now that is easy to conceal. Probably the ultimate would be a Kel-Tec P3AT. Nice pocket gun. Everyone else make a nice semi-auto that is pretty easy to conceal. The Bersa Thunder series is nice. The 380 and up to 45 Ultra Compact are very nice size. And don't worry about people telling you that a certain caliber is only good for 50 yards. Good grief, if you're trying to shoot someone at 50 yards, it's hardly self defense. Almost all police shootings are from 7 to 10 yards.

Answer 5

A lot of factors go into this. What is your level of training? If your a new guy go with a revolver, if you have to go semi-auto look towards the glock ,Springfield XD, or Kel-Tec.
What size are you? I can carry a 1911 with no problem at 6'1" and 250 lbs. My mom though has trouble concealing a Model 60 S&W at 5' tall.
What level of practice are you willing to put in? Apply the KISS principle and go with a revover unless you plan on practice, practice, practice. Including cleaning and maintaining you weapon.
Where are you going to conceal the gun? In your front pocket? vest? shoulder rig? IWB holster? Purse/backpack?
I routinely base what I carry on potential need and what I am wearing.

I keep a Kel-Tec P-32 in my pocket a bare minimum, with 2 spare mags.
I prefer to carry my SP101 Ruger in .357 if I am out an about in regular "street clothes".
When I am hiking I carry a GP100 in .357 in a hip holster or a 1911 in the same.
When I am out with the kids I have a 'dad bag' with stuff for the kids (hand cleaner, toiletpaper, food, bandaids, etc.) and a S&W 6906 in 9mm.

A good dependable gun in .357 (which can shoot .38 specials) in a revolver or a 9mm in a semi-auto is an excellent balance between firepower and affordability. A gun is not a talisman for protection. You have to practice and the .38/.357 and 9mm is cheaper to shoot than any other self-defense weapon of 'significant power'. A hit with a .38 or a 9mm is much better than a miss with a 'whizbang super weapon' that you never get to practice with.

Answer 6

The best one is the most gun you can handle and carry concealed with what you're wearing at the moment. With the bulky coats and sweaters worn in the winter it's not hard to conceal a full-sized Glock. In the summer light clothing makes concealing more difficult, so something small and light like a KelTek might be needed. Use that as an excuse to have more than one firearm.

Answer 7

The weapon you want is one small enough to conceal comfortably and yet one that will give you some firepower if you ever need to use it. (Never take it out unless you intend to use it). The best off duty weapon that I ever had was a S&W 357 blue steel revolver 2" barrel. A Model 19 in a upside down shoulder holster. Easy to conceal, comfortable, 6 rounds with plenty of firepower. There are a lot of folks out there with these fancy high capacity automatics but in my opinion a good revolver in the hands of a competent person is the best way to go. Good Luck.

Answer 8

It all boils down to how big you are and what you can handle and afford.
Let alone the environment that you live and travel.
If lets say you find your self in Iraq I would opt for full auto preferably belt feed and forget trying to conceal it.
If you are the size of a 9 year old girl, you have to downsize.
If your 6 foot 6 200+ lb you have a lot to select from.
Rule of thumb what ever you choose it got to fit you your wallet and environment.
I my self would say 380 of good quality is minimum from there travel up.
I would not own a weapon that does not have adjustable rear sight so as to fine tune the aim.
If you cant hit what you aim at consistently what good did you do your self.
If you have friends or family that conceal take theirs out for a test drive.

Answer 9

There is no absolute best in any area. I use several for different purposes. For concealment in pants pockets and greatest accuracy, I use an old Smith & Wesson "Bodyguard" .38 Special with integral hammer shroud to avoid snaggiong on clothing. I have hit stones smaller than my head at 100 yards and a muskrat at 120 yards with it. For more firepower but much less range, I like the Walther PPK .380ACP. It's difficult to keep most bullets in a man shape beyond 35 yards or so. For a bit bigger gun to carry in pilot's jackets, I use a rare Walther PP Super in 9mm Ultra or 9X18. This pistol was made only for West German cops, so you may not find it. In Houston, I do well to conceal a tiny Beretta "Jetfire" .25ACP. The .22 "minx" is much less reliable. I would not go any smaller tthan these beretta. I've tried some smaller guns, and they do not work well at all. In New Brunswick, Canada in December, I could conceal my .500 Magnum Linebaugh custom "Bisley" under heavy coat, etc.

Answer 10

Be sure and take the gun safety course and if your State of residence requires it, your concealed carry license. Since you say you're buying a handgun to carry concealed then pick a small one with adequate stopping power. A .380 or .32 acp comes to mind. The Beretta Model 3032 Tomcat comes to mind. It is small, accurate and available in three finishes: Blue, stainless and titanium. With the right .32 acp ammo it is up there with the .380 and standard .38 Special rounds.

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