What is the best concealed carry gun?
Spoiler alert — there isn’t one.
The real question you should be asking is, “what is the best concealed carry gun for me?“
People who choose to carry come in all shapes, sizes, and skill levels. Sometimes it may just come down to what you are wearing that day. All these factors mean different market feedback, which is reflected in the sheer amount of different guns available.
Today, we are going to take a look at a varied but non-exhaustive list of some of the best concealed carry guns on the market.
Summary of Our Top Picks
-
Highest CapacityThe X-Macro makes use of crazy magazine technology to create a thin, concealable firearm that packs a whopping 17 rounds of 9mm.
-
Editor's PickThe PDP's emobdies everything a great carry pistol should be, and the excellent trigger is icing on the cake.
-
Best Concealed Carry .380The LCP Max is the thinnest and lightest gun on our list, but still holds its own when it comes to capacity.
-
Best Concealed Carry RevolverThe Kimber K6s blends high quality and high performance while keeping everything lightweight, slim, and concealable.
-
Best High-End Concealed CarryIt may be expensive, but it is hellbent for fast, accurate, and reliable.
Table of Contents
Loading...
Best Caliber for Concealed Carry
Before we dive in, you may ask, “well, what caliber should I get?” This is a great question, but also a topic that usually brings heated debate.
Once again, I propose you ask yourself, “what is the best caliber for me?” The real answer to that is “the one that you will use.”
There are pros and cons to each caliber, but a gun you aren’t comfortable with, or won’t buy ammo for, doesn’t help much when it comes to carrying.
That said, most common concealed carry calibers such as 9mm, .45 ACP, .40 S&W, .380 ACP, and .38 Special are proven and well-suited for self-defense.
What about .22 LR or .22 Magnum?
While the morgue has seen its fair share of victims taken by rimfire calibers, we typically recommend stepping up to a larger diameter, more powerful, and more reliable cartridge like the ones mentioned above.
However, if this is your pick, something is better than nothing, and these can still get the job done.
You can learn more in our definitive guide to handgun calibers.
Best Concealed Carry Guns
1. Sig P365 (and variants)
Pros
- 10+1 9mm capacity with up to 15+1 with extended mags
- First micro 9mm form factor gun with 10+1 capacity
- Tritium night sights
- Excellent grip
- Controllable given the size
Cons
- Tight fit with full mag and one in the chamber
- Thumb may rest on slide stop negating last round slide hold open
Micro-compact pistols have taken the world by storm, and rightfully so. They offer a reasonably high ammo capacity in a small, thin, lightweight package.
Sig has been leading the micro-compact charge with its ultra-successful P365 series.
These guns are just over an inch thick, but depending on the particular model, they boast anywhere from a 10-round (P365) to a whopping 17-round capacity (X-Macro).
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
-
25% off all OAKLEY products - OAKLEY25
Copied! Visit Merchant
Excellent ergonomics, good triggers, OEM night sights, and solid accuracy and reliability have propelled these to the top spot for many gun owners worldwide.
I own both a base P365 and the P365XL, and even among my extensive carry rotation, I routinely find myself coming back to these guns for concealed carry.
These guns fit nicely in my medium-sized hands, and although they are small, they deliver great accuracy and are relatively easy to shoot. Here are some targets from my P365XL equipped with a Holosun EPS carry.
The XL version is also what our founder carries.
Hard to argue against 12+1 9mm in a small compact form that has always gone bang!
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
-
25% off all OAKLEY products - OAKLEY25
Copied! Visit Merchant
Additionally, the P365’s modularity and rapidly growing aftermarket have pushed it even further, making it one of the most supported guns on the market today.
The latest in the series is the X-Macro which gives the Glock 19 a run for its money.
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
-
25% off all OAKLEY products - OAKLEY25
Copied! Visit Merchant
Easily making it onto our list of 5 best striker-fired pistols, the X-Macro makes it easy to see why. A fast cycle time coupled with the integrated compensator helps the gun get back on target quickly.
I was surprised by how well this X-Macro shot for me, and seeing the slow-motion footage was even more impressive. I shot this gun way flatter than I had any right to, especially given its form factor.
Check out our full reviews of the P365, P365XL, and the P365 X-Macro!
2. Springfield Hellcat
Pros
- Great for concealment
- Aggressive texturing
- Easy to shoot
Cons
- May be too small for larger hands
- Not a ton of aftermarket support
- Snappy recoil
Much like the P365, the Springfield Hellcat is another top-tier option for those wanting a micro-compact.
A standard capacity of 11+1 gives it a slight capacity advantage over the base P365, but that’s not all.
As a P365 owner, I wasn’t sure how much I would like the Hellcat. After having shot a few different versions and examples, I can say that it stacks up.
In my opinion, the Hellcat’s factory U-notch rear and tritium front sight is one of the best stock sight setups on the market. If that doesn’t tickle your fancy, you can toss a micro red dot on the optics-ready models.
The trigger is not as light as the P365, but I find it more consistent across different guns. Accuracy has been great for me, whether I am doing 7-yard Mozambique drills or 40-yard Dicken drills.
Aggressive grip texturing, a crisp trigger, optional 13-round extended mags, and overall solid performance make the Hellcat a homerun choice.
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
-
25% off all OAKLEY products - OAKLEY25
Copied! Visit Merchant
After extensive trigger time behind both the P365 and the Hellcat, I can confidently say, “Pick whichever one feels best.”
You can read up on our full review of the Hellcat!
What do you think of the Hellcat? Rate it below!
3. Walther PDP Compact
Pros
- Excellent trigger
- Optics ready
- Ambidextrous
Cons
- High bore axis
- Optics plates must be ordered through Walther
We love Walther at Pew Pew Tactical, and it is no secret, but with good reason.
The PDP Compact is a true Glock 19-sized compact gun that can double as a duty gun or a concealed carry piece.
What places the PDP above its peers is the exquisite Performance Duty Trigger — a crisp 4-pound trigger with a clean break, almost no overtravel, and a very short reset.
Trigger aside, you get an optics-ready pistol that is boringly reliable, dead-nuts accurate, and extremely ergonomic.
For concealed carry, the 4-inch barreled compact model with the 15-round compact grip module is my personal choice.
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
-
25% off all OAKLEY products - OAKLEY25
Copied! Visit Merchant
The PDP can trace its design roots all the way back to the P99. This means that the PDP’s core operating system has been proven for over 25 years.
When push comes to shove, I find these guns to be best in class. I frequently recommend them, and one of my most trusted duty guns is a 4-inch PDP with a Holosun 508T.
Not sold yet? Check out our 10,000-round review of the Walther PDP!
4. Ruger LCP Max
Pros
- 10+1 Rounds of .380 ACP
- Super lightweight 10.6 oz
- Decent sights with a Tritium front
- Good value at around $400 street price
- What our editor carries for athleisure days
Cons
- Hates steel-cased ammo and required a break-in of 200 rounds
- Snappy shooter that requires a disciplined trigger finger
- Requires a tool to field strip
Sometimes when you are concealed-carrying, you want to ensure your gun is concealed.
That is where the Ruger LCP Max comes in.
Even in today’s world of tactical this or extreme that, I feel that tiny carry pistols still have a large (pun intended) role to play.
Sometimes I want to carry a full-size duty gun, and sometimes I just want something small enough to tuck away or shove into my pocket, and the LCP fits that bill to a tee for me.
Pew Pew Tactical founder Eric Hung describes it as “the ultimate combination of weight, size, and capacity for a .380 concealed carry gun.”
The LCP Max Comes in under an inch thick and is only 10.6 ounces. It is 5.17 inches long, 4.12 inches tall, and has a capacity of 10 or 12 rounds (extended).
With those stats, we agree with Eric.
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
-
25% off all OAKLEY products - OAKLEY25
Copied! Visit Merchant
A set of solid sights help squeeze out surprising levels of accuracy for a gun of its size, and the gun’s popularity means holsters are plentiful.
Take a peek at Eric’s hands-on review of the LCP Max!
5. Kimber K6s
Pros
- Reliable
- Snazzy design
- Smooth trigger
Cons
- Need a speedloader to load effeciently
- Little aftermarket support
- May not work for larger hands
Kimber surprised everyone when they dropped what is arguably the best gun the company has ever produced — the K6s.
I get it, revolvers are a bit dated, but damn, do I still love them, and damn, do they work. There is something about a finely fitted revolver that exudes elegance but also gives you peace of mind that it will go off when you need it to.
The first time I picked up a K6s, I melted.
What I held in my hand felt like a combination of old-school Smith and Wesson fitment combined with that sturdy Ruger feeling but with modern styling. It took me a moment to wrap my head around the fact that this is a freaking Kimber product.
At 23 ounces, these guns are the lightest 6-shot .357 revolvers on the market, already making them a great candidate for concealed carry.
On top of that, the sights are snag-free and offer an excellent picture, the trigger is great, and the build quality is absolutely top-notch.
Not only are these guns built well, but they also shoot well and are gorgeous to boot.
Kimber offers the K6s 2, 3, and 4-inch barrel lengths, with the 2 and 3-inch variants available in either hammerless or exposed hammer (DASA) versions.
It may not be the cheapest revolver out there, but its price reflects its outstanding quality.
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
-
25% off all OAKLEY products - OAKLEY25
Copied! Visit Merchant
If this one is calling your name, you can read more in our full review of the Kimber K6s.
6. Staccato C2
Pros
- Exceptional accuracy
- Great trigger
- Minimal recoil
Cons
- High MSRP
- Mags are spendy
The Staccato C2 is a departure from the rest of the list in that it is the only gun north of $1,000.
So what do you get for all that dough?
Just a hand-fitted barrel, frame, and slide, precision machined parts, extreme accuracy, an ultra-crisp 4-pound single-action trigger, and arguably the flattest shooting concealed carry gun on the market.
While that might sound like quite a claim, the C2 backs it up thanks to years of building experience by the industry-leading 2011 manufacturer Staccato (formerly STI).
I am going to be level here. Is this the best gun on the list? Arguably yes. Is it worth it? Not for everyone. Admittedly, I got mine for cheap from a friend (not a manufacturer), so I am not as heavily invested as most owners.
The gun gets high marks for me in most categories but does fall short when it comes to overall value. Guns like my Cajunized CZ 75 D PCR and my Walther PDP compact achieve similar results for much less money.
The C2 is a popular choice for those looking for a high-end gun, and it certainly fits that bill. Most of the money is in hand fitting and the exacting manufacturing process. Mine has been reliable as heck and is a smooth operator.
With a 3.9-inch match-grade bull barrel and 16 rounds of 9mm on tap, the C2 is on the bigger side for a concealed carry gun, but it is still a compact gun at heart.
Optics-ready versions are available for those that want to squeeze even more accuracy and speed out of an already blazing-fast gun. If you are looking for a pocket sniper rifle, this is the one.
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
-
25% off all OAKLEY products - OAKLEY25
Copied! Visit Merchant
You can read more in our full review of the Staccato C2!
7. Springfield XD-M Elite OSP .45
Pros
- Optics Ready
- 10+1 capacity
- CCW sized
Cons
- Backstrap safety may be issue for some
- Hefty recoil
Although it may be associated with older guns and the older crowd, .45 ACP is far from dead.
Shooters who enjoy this caliber will want to take a look at the Springfield XD-M Elite OSP.
The Elite XD-M line brings some awesome features, such as an improved META flat-face trigger, a removable flared magwell, fully ambidextrous controls, and an optics-ready slide.
Although the barrel is a carry-friendly 3.8 inches, the XD-M Elite OSP keeps 10+1 rounds of .45 ACP on tap, pushing you above the capacity of most 1911s and other single-stack .45s of similar lengths.
Every once in a while, I want to carry something with a bit more oomph, but I don’t always want a huge hunk of steel on my hip. It is okay to want modern features on guns that aren’t 9mm.
So why Springfield? Well, I looked high and low, and almost no one else is offering a .45 ACP pistol with these features in this configuration. Double stack .45, compact, and optics-ready? Sign me up. (oh…it also comes in 10mm too!)
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
-
25% off all OAKLEY products - OAKLEY25
Copied! Visit Merchant
If you love moving big bullets out of small guns, this might be the one for you.
8. Canik TP9 Elite SC
Pros
- Excellent trigger
- Fiber optic front sight
- Easy to reach controls
Cons
- Wider than many micro-compact options
- Grip may be too short for larger hands
While micro-compacts currently rule the roost, not everyone fancies an ultra-thin gun. Alternatively, some people still want something shorter than the standard 4-inch compact barrel.
Whether it is hand size, comfort, or control, there is a still a solid argument for the good ole’ basic sub-compact handgun—especially one as good as the Canik TP9 Elite SC.
I own various sub-compacts, and in addition to typically having mag compatibility with their full-size brethren, I find them to just feel a little more “substantial” than micro-compacts, so to speak.
Canik has come on strong in the last few years with the TP9 lineup, which are Walther-derived guns. The Elite SC is no exception and features Canik’s famously good triggers, great accuracy, and reliability.
With the Walther PPQ SC being among the best shooting sub-compacts I have ever handled, it is no wonder the suspiciously similar Elite SC is right on par with it, if not better.
The TP9 Elite SC features a 3.5-inch match-grade barrel, blacked-out rear and phosphorous front sight, ambidextrous slide release, and an optics-ready slide cut for Shield RMS/RMSc pattern dots.
Standard flush fits magazines offer you 12 rounds on tap, with extended 15-round magazines also available.
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
-
25% off all OAKLEY products - OAKLEY25
Copied! Visit Merchant
If you want something short and easy to conceal but isn’t overly thin, the Elite SC might be for you. Oh, and it is easy on the wallet too!
You can read more about why I love this gun in our full review!
9. Smith & Wesson Shield Plus
Pros
- 13+1 capacity
- Good grip texture
- Reliable
Cons
- Challenging for large hands
- A little snappy
- Slightly difficult field strip
As we cap the list off, we are headed back into the world of micro-compacts with the Smith & Wesson Shield Plus.
In 2012, the original Shield redefined what a modern, slim, concealed-carry gun for the masses was. It enjoyed widespread popularity, and it only makes sense they would update it to compete with higher-capacity guns.
Smith and Wesson added only a tiny bit of width (1.1 inches wide) but upped the capacity from 10 and 13 (extended) rounds of 9mm.
Surprisingly they were able to cut a bit of weight over the original, bringing it to 20.2 ounces.
As many others have noted, I find the aggressive grip texture on the M&P 2.0 helps with recoil control. It may feel harsh when handling the gun, but it works wonders during live fire.
While the overall ergonomics don’t fit my hand as well as the P365 or Hellcat, this is largely due to personal preference and hand size. The Shield Plus would likely fill out larger hands better than the other micro-compacts, but if you have small hands, I still recommend checking this one out.
Additionally, the new flat-bow trigger is a much welcome upgrade for me over the older hinged trigger design like the one on my regular 2.0 Shield.
Optics-ready versions and models with or without thumb safeties are available. Additionally, Smith and Wesson offers the Shield Plus in the newer .30 Super Carry caliber, further increasing the capacity.
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
-
25% off all OAKLEY products - OAKLEY25
Copied! Visit Merchant
Don’t forget to take a look at our full review of the Shield Plus!
Final Thoughts
Covering all the great concealed carry guns out there would take ages; thus, sacrifices had to be made (including some of my personal favorites).
This list is meant to cover some of the best and easily available carry guns that work well for a majority of shooters.
If your gun didn’t make the list, don’t fret, and remember, the best concealed carry gun is the one that works for you.
What are your thoughts on these guns? Let us know in the comments below! Still considering more options? Check out our articles on the 8 Best Compact 9mm handguns and Best Micro Compact 9mm Handguns.
295 Leave a Reply
Great article. Your mention of the Springfield XD-M prompts me to ask, how about an article devoted exclusively to compact — or at least concealable — 45 ACPs? In addition to the XD-M, Springfield still makes the larger XD Compact for those who can’t get a grip on the XD-M’s awkwardly-placed flared mag well; Glock has the 30 and the 36; Sig makes the P320 Nitron; Kahr the CW45; and Smith has the Shield in 45 as well as their M&P45 Compact. And this is before you even get to the compact versions of the old DA/SA stalwarts by Sig, H&K, and FN. If you want to stretch the definition of compact, you could look at a couple of the smaller full-size guns like the Walther PPQ or the Beretta PX4 Storm. Add in a Charter Arms Pit Bull for your wild card and you’ve got yourself an article. As a final aside, I wish Beretta would make the PX4 Compact in .45 ACP; that, IMNSHO, would be the ideal .45 carry gun.
Brad, it is nice to hear other people are still in the market for smaller .45s. While the list is pretty thin compared to 9mm, there are still some good ones out there like you mentioned. There might be room in the future for an article like that.
I enjoyed your reviews on firearms! Very informative
to grasp the description your writing style. Obviously not every make is on your list, I was wondering your view of Glock 19 3rd generation, 4th, or even 5th ? CCW is my interest, weight, capacity.
Chris, thanks! I have a Gen 4 Glock 19, and I have extensive time behind other generation Glock 19s as well. They are solid guns - dead reliable with a huge aftermarket. However, if you are focused on weight/size to capacity ratio, you should really check out the P365 X-Macro or P365XL. I find those guns to be more concealable than the G19 and also better shooters for my money.
Some of these make choices me shake my head. How about the Beretta Tomcat?
A tomcat certainly shouldnt be one of the top picks , even though some of these aren't the best either. The tomcat is a sub capable caliber made worse by a short compact package with a short barrel further reducing accuracy and velocity. Is it better than nothing ? Yes., just barely. There is no pint ion carrying a mouse gun today with so many compact mid capacity 9mm's out there today.
You sound like the gun snobs that will only carry a certain brand or a certain caliber. The first rule of a gunfight is to bring a gun. If you’re not some 6 foot dude that has all sorts of space to hide some of these guns, you have to be more strategic, thoughtful and less condescending. I carry my tomcat wherever I go with Hornaday critical defense. rounds. I seriously doubt anyone is going to want to be shot with those even if they are just .32.
I'm with Mike. The Beretta Tomcat just doesn't stack up in today's market. 7 rounds of .32 ACP isn't a lot, and with the Ruger LCP Max you can get 5 more rounds of .380 ACP which is a verifiably more potent round, in almost the exact same size platform. Don't get me wrong, the .32 ACP Beretta Tomcat in your pocket is better than the .45 ACP at your house, but there's just better options nowadays.
Scott, I am actually a fan of .32 ACP. I have a Beretta 81BB and a KelTec P32 that find their way into my carry rotation every now and then. The Tomcat is a cool pistol and I love the tip-up barrel design, but it is a bit wide for a pocket gun compared to something like the P32. However, the main reason I can't bet behind the Tomcat 100% is the frame cracking issues. Beretta knows about this and their response is to use ammo below a certain pressure. There really isn't any "hot" .32 ACP, and limiting the ammo choices even more instead of fixing the metallurgy rubs me the wrong way.
Thanks for the info.
Would be great the hear your comments/review on the new FN Reflex 9mm micro compact.
Amazing blog! we have decided to buy some firearms before purchasing these firearms, we consult with Garys Gun Shop about the firearms and we bought some tools from them. We got some information from some blogs and our experience was amazing.
Walther PPS. Ruger Max 9. It's irresponsible to omit these from the list.
Ruger EC9S - cheap, reliable, and very thin -- perfect for pocket carry. It's so thin that it slips out of your front pants pocket easily. And as much as I prefer DA/SA hammer fired, with the Ruger EC9S, there is no hammer to snag on your pocket as you are drawing your gun.
Ruger achieved the perfect size with this gun, in my opinion -- big enough to fit into your hand properly, and small enough to easily fit into your pants pocket.
This is not the list, try harder next time.
No Glocks on the list?
Springfield EMP is nice to carry as well...
Just my $0.02
Exactly its plain absurd to omit the 43 X THE most popular ccw pistol aside from possibly the G19 and Hellcat that I see on the busy range line I work every day. I see more 43x pistols being carried and used-and thier owners are very happy with them. Im begining to think that many of these lists are not objective but marketing biased for specific brands. No respectable, knowledgeable reviewer would leave Glocks off this list ,esp 43's...Its plain Fuddery.
Mike, you are right on right on the 43X being a very popular choice. I believe the P365 has eclipsed everything else in sales though, and it is mostly due to the capacity to size ratio.
Personally, I think Glock's unwillingness to go away from polymer magazines hurts the case for the 43X since it is still a single stack and requires that longer grip to fit the same amount of ammo. I know some people use the Shield S15 magazines, but I did not have greatest experience with those reliability-wise, and I love Glocks for their OEM reliability. The MOS mounting system is also sub-optimal in my eyes because of the minimal thread engagement.
The capacity and optics mounting are why I typically prefer the P365, Hellcat, and S&W Shield Plus (so dang cheap). The 43X is a great gun, I just think it is a half-step behind its peers from a technical standpoint.
I've carried a P220, HK45c, P30, Hellcat, and worked my size back up to a Staccato C2. I found a 2021 Limited edition, with threaded barrel, DLC, DPO, X cuts, and tactical sights. I've only had it a few weeks, but what a gun! It carries concealed the same as all others that I listed, outside of the Hellcat.
Nothing, will ever please everyone. But it's good we have options. I like to c.c. a J frame S&W revolver in a coat pocket because if push comes to shove I can operate it without "having" to draw it, can't do that with a semi auto if I need more than one rnd. So now looking at the Kimber Rev. Ymmv...
It is really hard to go wrong with a J-Frame if you are comfortable with it. I have a S&W 637 with a DeSantis Nemesis pocket holster that regularly finds its way into my jeans pockets when I am feeling lazy, or I am in a rush. I am hoping to get my hands on one of the 3" K6s revolvers soon.
Is there a hammer-fired concealable carry pistol that doesn’t cost $2,500? I’d love a Staccato, but I’m still waiting on that lottery win.
Perhaps the Springfield Emissary 9mm in a 4.25” length or a Sig Sauer P938 if it needs to be even smaller size?
CZ has a couple still in production. The 75C and the P07.
You can probably find a RAMI out there too which is subcompact and my personal concealed carry.
Mike, if the size of the Staccato CS or C2 is around what you are looking for, but you don't want to drop that much cash, I highly recommend the CZ PCR, CZ P-01, or CZ-75 Compact. They are amazingly accurate and reliable guns and are relatively affordable at the ~$600 mark. I find myself carrying my PCR over my Staccato C2 fairly often.
Check out the SAR B6c. DA/SA and works like a champ. I love mine.
Mikial, I actually purchased a B6C a few years ago. I believe I paid under $250 brand new for mine. They are amazing guns for the money and surprisingly accurate, even for a CZ design!
Hey, Wyatt. Glad it was a good experience for you. I have a B6 that is my OWB carry gun whenever I go outside to work on my property. I liked it so much I wanted the compact version for EDC when I'm away from home. Although the MSRP is about a hundred more, I picked one up new for $225. Because it's DA/SA you can carry it with one in the chamber, hammer down, and the safety off without worry.
Check out the Bertta PX4 Storm compact
Sig p229rx solid all metal hammer fired
Yes! The BERSA thunder 380!
Hey Mike. I'm with you on that. I have something in my head that won't allow me to consider a striker fired pistol. The 1911 style handgun is still the best in my opinion and I tend to favor Kimber for their quality and price. I have a compact .45 that is actually smaller in physical size and almost as lightweight as a G3 Taurus 9mm.
Try Bul Armory SAS 2 UL
I know it is very "Glockish" to suggest replacing parts on a new gun, especially one as nice as the Sig P356, but may I recommend purchasing an aftermarket Wilson grip module, trigger, and grip weight kit. Also, Sig makes a few triggers available, and I like the look and feel of the flat face trigger which is skeltonized. Beware, it is a chore installing the trigger, and even more to change some springs, but well worth it. The stock 365 trigger has a lot of mushy take up and no notable wall. If you are like me, a firm crisp wall is a must on a self defense carry gun.
Bill, the P365 triggers can absolutely be hit or miss, especially on the XL versions. About replacing parts, that is part of the reason it is ranked so high for us. They are great guns out of the box, but the aftermarket is huge for them. A lot of us at Pew Pew have P365 variants, but we all have them set up differently. Great call on Wilson, too; it is hard to go wrong with just about anything they put out!
No Beretta handguns included. Well, why should they include the oldest family owned gun manufacturer in the world? Arming civilians, military, and law enforcement for centuries is obviously not considered essential to make this list.
Mark, Beretta makes some amazing handguns and has a rich history, but I feel they are half-step behind in the current world for concealed carry. I have a compact M9A1 which I love, but it is pretty bulky for carry. The PX4 compact is a great gun that doesn't get enough love, but the sub-compact version unfortunately doesn't have the great rotating barrel the PX4s are known for. The new APX A1 is a great gun, but I really wish their A1 carry had more capacity like other micro-compacts. I hope to see another evolution of the APX series soon!
We're more interested in your THOUGHTS or BELIEFS, not so much your "feels."
The younger generations use the word “feel” the way us older folks use the word “think” or “believe”. It’s just the way they were raised and taught since using the word feel softens the negative receipt of the message. “I feel you are incorrect” vs “I think you’re wrong”.
And personally I think not including the VP9SK is missing the boat. Great ergonomics, good trigger, unbeaten reliability, great accuracy, and if it’s a little low on round count with the initial magazine, carry full size VP9 magazines for spares, they fit and work just fine. PLUS, you can get them with either button release or paddle release, and they now come OR and Silencer Ready. It’s a little bulky, but was just the incentive I needed to lose that extra 10 pounds. In all fairness, I have 8 HK pistols and zero Glocks of any kind, so I am a tad biased.