10 Best Compact Handguns for Everyday Carry

Am Shooting Journal ^ | 10/11/2017 | J Hines

[w1n1]

A concealed carry license deserves reliable and top of the line handguns.

However, with a huge market to choose from this can be a challenge. We stacked up 10 guns against each other to bring you our top carry handguns based on stopping power, weight, ease of use, and price. Using a scale of 1-5, with 5 being the best, you'll be able to compare the best of the best. In this article, we’re only covering compact handguns. Here are 10 ideal choices for the everyday carrier. Glock 26 Gen3 (9mm)

• Portability: 4
• Ease of Use: 5
• Weight: 3.5
• Affordability: 2
• Stopping Power: 3

It is a smaller firearm in general, and the internal parts have been moved closer together, but the Glock 26 is still a Glock. It boasts the same proven and well known reliability.

Springfield XDs .45

• Portability: 5
• Ease of Use: 3
• Weight: 3.5
• Affordability: 1
• Stopping Power: 4

The Springfield XDs .45ACP is one of the best carry guns on the market. It has a single stack magazine which will hold 5 rounds of .45ACP, and of course you can add an extra round in the chamber.

Ruger LCRx .38 Special

• Portability: 5
• Ease of Use: 5
• Weight: 4.5
• Affordability: 3.5
• Stopping Power: 4

Ruger has been asked to make a LCR pistol with an exposed hammer to enable single-action mode, and they listened. The Ruger LCRx .38 Special is a dream gun and the answer to a lot of prayers.

SCCY CPX-II

• Portability: 5
• Ease of Use: 4.5
• Weight: 3.5
• Affordability: 5
• Stopping Power: 2.5

Fairly new to the market, the SCCY CPX-II is one of the most affordable carry pistols on the market – which is why we gave the CPX-II a 5 out of 5 on affordability. This slim, lightweight, easy to use 9mm pistol holds 10+1 rounds of 9mm – which has more than enough stopping power for you.

Beretta Nano

• Portability: 4.5
• Ease of Use: 2.5
• Weight: 3
• Affordability: 3.5
• Stopping Power: 2.5

The Beretta Nano is a great little carry gun with absolutely nothing that will EVER get stuck in a holster or purse. There is no external safety lever, teardown lever, or slide lock to get stuck anywhere. See the rest with full explanation on 10 best compact handguns for everyday carry here.

[DCBryan1]

and remember...NOV 04, 2017 is carry your AR 15 to work day (antifa revolution day)

[golux]

I love the LCR so much I have two! Hammer and hammerless. Fits RIGHT in the small of my back. LOVE THE LCR in .38+P!

[Pecos]

I really like the size and features of the XDs, but with my large hands, I found that I could only get my thumb and first two fingers on the grip. Controllability was close to impossible.

[Comment Not Approved]

My EDC is the Springfield XDs .45 in an Alien Gear IWB holster. Love that little pistol. There is a 7 round mag available.

Sweet shooter.

[teeman8r]

i thought november 4th was carry your daughter’s AR-15 to work day...

it is so confusing with so many of these special carry days.

[MHGinTN]

Ruger SR22 and three mags, extended mags.

[Pollster1]

Fine item to take to work.

[Reno89519]

My primary light-clothing carry is Glock 42 and heavy-clothing carry is Sig Sauer P320SC. Using L.A.G. holsters for both.

[exnavy]

Just my opinion, can’t beat the plow handle on an original Colt SAA.

[Delta 21]

The wheel gun leaves all the auto loaders in the dirt!

[Reno89519]

Just reread their list... odd selection.

[Moonman62]

I love the LCR so much I have two! Hammer and hammerless. Fits RIGHT in the small of my back. LOVE THE LCR in .38+P!

...

Great. Another FReeper the other day said he hated the LCR because the frame flexed when he pulled the trigger.

[SkyDancer]

I have a nice .380 Ruger LCP.

[mbynack]

My primary light-clothing carry is Glock 42 and heavy-clothing carry is Sig Sauer P320SC. Using L.A.G. holsters for both.

I just started carrying a Glock 42 this summer. It's a good compromise between concealability and size. Many of the smaller 380s are hard for me to grip. My winter carry is a Sig P239.

[Flintlock]

Just got (Finally—NY new permits BS) a SCCY.
Surprisingly accurate—I’m not convinced about 9mm power, though.
I’m still toting my BELOVED 2-1/2” S&W Mdl.66 in .357.

[Big Red Badger]

Hope I can “see” a RUGER .38 LCRx.

I’m in occupied SoCal.

[Mouton]

I’m still toting my BELOVED 2-1/2” S&W Mdl.66 in .357.

Me too, has the recessed cylinder indents too as it was an original model.

[Mouton]

Bersa Thunder .380

I have a Thunder 380CC. The difference is it has very low profile front sights. A Walther copy of course is the 380.

[Noumenon]

SIG 229 in .40, carried in a Blackhawk Serpa holster.