You don’t necessarily have to spend top dollar to find some very decent concealed carry guns for EDC purposes.
Besides, spending less on a carry gun means more funds left over for a holster, ammunition, and training.
It isn’t an exaggeration to say that the good old days of firearms are now.
Never before has the handgun buyer been more spoiled for choice when it comes to CCW pistols or really any type of gun…at all.
Unlike in eras past, when a budget gun meant a battered old surplus pistol or a Saturday Night Special, you can get a legitimately good handgun for defense purposes for not too much.
So let’s dive into that a little more. We’ll talk about how much you should spend on a CCW and then lay out some models we think are good while keeping costs down.
Summary of Our Top Picks
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Best for large handsAlmost full sized but still easy to conceal, reasonably priced and reliable.
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Best Budget CCW RevolverAfforable, concealable, and chambers both .357 Magnum and .38 Special.
Table of Contents
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Why You Should Trust Us
Input into this article came from the PPT editorial team and our writers. Together we have a combined shooting experience of 30+ years, including instruction, competition, and multiple shooting disciplines.
We’ve spent countless hours researching and analyzing guns and gear to determine which is the best when it comes to features, reliability, ergonomics, and bang for your buck.
We had to make some tough calls. If you don’t see your favorite budget blaster on here, it doesn’t mean we hate it, just that we couldn’t include it this time.
Best Concealed Carry Guns Under $400
So let’s say you have a tight budget and can’t spend more than $400 on a handgun. Even 10 years ago, that would have severely limited your choice among new guns.
Today…it really doesn’t. There are plenty of very capable concealed carry guns at or even under this price point.
What would be some of the best of them? Best is a little subjective; what may be best for you may not be best for someone else.
However, here are a few stellar picks for a CCW gun for less than four Benjamins.
1. CZ P-10C
CZ has been slashing prices on quite a few of their guns since the beginning of the year.
This trend has extended to the excellent P-10C, which is arguably the best value buy in handguns right now.
These striker-fired pistols are right around the size of a Glock 19, meaning they can cover everything from duty to home defense to concealed carry roles.
You get superb ergonomics with extremely aggressive grip texturing, chunky slide serrations, and a trigger that is better than the Glock by a notable margin. Other features include metal sights and metal magazines with a standard capacity of 15.
The accuracy and reliability of the P-10C are outstanding, and they shoot flat and fast.
While the aftermarket isn’t as big as Glock’s, I strongly feel that the CZ P-10C is a much better shooting and feeling gun out of the box.
This is one of the bigger guns on the list, but it is still very much concealable with the correct holster.
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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25% off all OAKLEY products - OAKLEY25
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Would you like to know more? We got you covered with a full review!
2. Canik TP9 Elite SC
It wouldn’t be much of a best budget handguns list without Canik.
The TP9 Elite SC is a true subcompact gun, not a micro-compact. So think Glock 26-sized, not P365. This means it is a bit wider, but that isn’t necessarily a bad thing.
All of the extra chunkiness makes the gun easier to hold on to and helps fill out the hand and increase recoil control. If you find micro-compacts too thin to comfortably grip, this might be the ticket.
Another benefit is the ability to accept the full-sized magazines of the larger TP9 models.
Even with a width of 1.45 inches, the TP9 Elite SC is still concealable thanks to a shorter 3.6-inch barrel. The standard capacity is 12 rounds, and a 15-round extended magazine is included.
Additionally, the gun features a Shield RMSc micro optics footprint. It includes two interchangeable backstraps and a reversible OWB/IWB holster.
What really sets this gun apart from its peers is its best-in-class trigger, which breaks crisply around 3.5 pounds and has a short and tactile reset.
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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Be sure to check out our complete hands-on review to see why our Junior Editor loves this gun so much!
3. Taurus GX4
Micro-compacts are all the rage right now, and it is easy to see why. They are thin, high-capacity, and supremely concealable.
Luckily, since the trend of these guns has caught on, a lot of manufacturers have jumped on the train. And as always, more manufacturers means more competition, which means lower prices.
Taurus brings their GX4 to the table, featuring a 3-inch barrel, a width of 1.08 inches, a weight of 18.5 ounces, and it holds 11 rounds.
This puts the GX4 right in line with competitors like the P365, Hellcat, and Shield Plus. Except Taurus does it for about $300.
Breaking around 5.5 pounds, the trigger is a tad heavier than some of its contemporaries. However, it hits a well-defined wall and breaks cleanly.
These guns are reliable, accurate, comfortable, concealable, and affordable — that is a tough combination to beat.
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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25% off all OAKLEY products - OAKLEY25
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If you are looking to get into the micro-compact game on a tight budget, the GX4 is a clear winner.
You can check out our complete review here!
4. Ruger LCP Max
Those seeking something ultra-lightweight and slim without sacrificing capacity will want to look at the Ruger LCP Max.
Weighing in at a feathery 10.6 ounces and only being .81 inches wide, the LCP Max still manages to pack 10 rounds of .380 ACP in a flush-fit magazine.
A tritium front sight and blacked-out rear sight offer a surprisingly good sight picture. While the trigger is mediocre at best, the gun is shockingly accurate for how small it is.
So what’s the rub? It can be a bit rough to shoot. The thin profile and lack of weight make the LCP Max pretty snappy.
Our test gun also exhibited the need for a small break-in period, after which it ran flawlessly. However, if you are willing to deal with some increased recoil and a short break-in, you end up with one of the most concealable guns on the market.
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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You can take a look at the boss’s full review here!
5. Palmetto State Armory Dagger Compact
So you want that Glock aftermarket without having to shell out the money for an actual Glock?
Well, PSA has you covered with their ultra-affordable Gen 3 Glock clone — the Dagger.
While the Dagger has been out for a while, the options that PSA is offering, combined with lower prices, have allowed the platform to really hit its stride.
Predictably, the Dagger operates much like a standard Glock 19 but with an improved grip and texture.
Reliability is solid when using quality magazines, and the gun shoots well and feels good. Being a near-direct clone, most Gen 3 aftermarket parts for Glocks will also fit the Dagger.
You can get into models that are optics-ready with threaded barrels for under $400, and if you buy the frame and a basic slide separately, you can get into an entry-level dagger for just over $200.
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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Take a peek at Johnny B’s complete review of the PSA Dagger!
6. Smith & Wesson M&P 9 Shield Plus
A little over 10 years ago, Smith & Wesson changed the concealed carry landscape with the introduction of their M&P Shield.
Guns like the Kel-Tec P11 and Walther PPS helped pave the way for the Shield, which in turn opened up everyone’s eyes to the ease of concealment of a 1-inch thick, lightweight, polymer concealed carry gun.
Smith & Wesson has improved upon the original design by adopting improved magazine technology to increase the capacity of the Shield. This eventually led to the creation of the Shield Plus.
The Shield Plus holds 10 or 13 rounds of 9mm with flush and extended magazines, respectively. A better trigger and aggressive grip texture are marked improvements over the original Shield.
Coming at around $350 for the standard model, you get an exceedingly reliable pistol from a name you can trust.
Another bonus is that the Shield Plus uses the same holsters as the original Shield, meaning holster options are plentiful.
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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Interested in the Shield Plus? Check out our hands-on review!
7. Taurus 605
For some people, it is tough to beat the simplicity of a good old-fashioned revolver. We get that.
Fortunately, Taurus gets it too. While we are big fans of Smith & Wesson and Ruger revolvers around here, when it comes to budget, Taurus is always going to dominate the conversation.
Their 605 is a small-frame 5-shot revolver that is chambered in .357 Magnum/.38 Special. It clocks in right around the $300-350 mark.
These guns feature a 2-inch barrel, stainless steel frame and finish, rubber grips, and a transfer bar safety.
The double-action/single-action trigger is smooth, which is unexpected on a budget revolver. This aids in squeezing out accuracy even in a shorter barrel.
While the sights are a fairly rudimentary rear trench and fixed front post setup, they do keep things low-profile and snag-free.
If you are looking for a reliable revolver capable of chambering magnum rounds without breaking the bank, the 605 is your guy.
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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25% off all OAKLEY products - OAKLEY25
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What are your thoughts on the Taurus 605? Rate it below!
How Much Should I Spend on a Concealed Carry Gun?
There isn’t an amount you should or shouldn’t spend on a concealed carry gun.
Instead, it’s really more about getting certain attributes that you need from the gun you’re going to potentially defend your life with.
The gun has to be a good fit for you — making it easier for you to handle, aim, and shoot well.
You have to be able to conceal it easily, though that has more to do with your choice of concealed carry holster, belt, and clothing than the gun.
Final Thoughts
Getting a budget pistol that works is always better than having no pistol. There are a lot of great carry options on the market, and these are just a few of them!
Any of the ones on the list will serve you well, but be sure to get some training, put in some range time, and choose your ammo with care.
What is your favorite budget CCW? Let us know in the comments! If you’re new to concealed carry, you’ll find these articles helpful!
64 Leave a Reply
Ruger EC9S - Likely under $300 including tax. No frills, just a very reliable, thin, easy to carry gun.
Ruger Max-9 - $350 plus tax at Bass Pro. Plus, they will give you a military discount if applicable. An upgrade from the EC9S - lots of improvements, just a hair thicker than the EC9S.
Both of these are excellent carry guns.
another contender for a compact is the Beretta APX compact, for sale for 299 at the time of writing. its a proven company and tested for the military.
My summertime CCW is the Ruger LCP Max. In the winter, I switch to my Mossberg MC2c. I love that gun and it was under $400 when I bought it. It is extremely reliable and easy to shoot along with great capacity. Am looking to add the Mossberg MC2sc for summer carry and still stay under $400.
It isn't inexpensive, but I have been concealed carrying the Browning 1911-380 for five years. It is highly concealable, even in an OWB pancake hoster with a light overshirt or vest. And it flat disappears in a IWB holster. I like it because it is a 1911, which I prefer.
Carried a Glock 43x for a year or two and loved it. Felt the same about the Taurus G2C. Currently carry a Taurus 605 protecter poly. .357 magnum through a 2" barrel. Love it. Thinking about grabbing a Taurus GX4
I have the Taurus G2C and it's a flawless running pistol. But I'm amazed that you would prefer the G3C over the GX4 which I also have. It's a much better gun with a much better trigger and much more accurate. Since I'm short and the G2C gets uncomfortable when sitting(appendex carry) the GX4 has eliminated that issue and is very comfortable to carry in any condition. An excellent gun for under $400.
You forgot the Bersa Thunder 380 and 380 Plus. You can get either for well under 400 dollars. I have two, one if each. They are miles ahead of any 380 on this list in terms of accuracy, felt recoil, reliability and concealabilty. I can honestly say that after approximately 800 to 1000 rounds thu my 380.plus I have never had a FTF or FTE ever.The only thing I don't like is there "hammer drop/safety" you have to push up with your thumb instead of down which to me is less intuitive, but then again I choose not to carry it engaged.
1.) Determine how much you can reasonably spend and not go into debt.
2.) Look at several pistols and hold them to see if they fit your hand comfortably.
3.) If you can, fire a few of them to see if the recoil is something you can manage. There are
firearm ranges that do allow you try out several firearms.
4.) Make your choice.
5.) Pay in cash and not with a credit/debit card. Buy ammo, too, using cash...always.
6.) Practice, practice, practice.
Look for 'specials on firearms, especially around Christmas. I picked up a new, in-the-box, G2C a couple years ago for $179.
Don't look at getting a 'tack driver' as most pistols are inherently more accurate than many shooters. Get a pistol that has, what would be considered, good combat accuracy, remembering that most self-defense is carried out between 5 to 10 yards.
When you train, train with safety in mind and obey the safety rules until you don't have to think about them. Then...have fun.
Thank you for this information
This article is suppose to be about the best self defense carry for under $400 then the OP goes on to include the Walther .380 with a price over $400 ($439).
Missing in this roundup is the PSA Dagger which can be acquired optic ready; suppressor height night sights; threaded barrel; etc for under $400.
Was the article "updated"?
I see the PSA Dagger listed, but not the Walther?
They must have taken your comment to heart!
Nice work, thanks.
Hi-point….and Kel-tec…should never be mentioned in any context involving self defense. Use them for training failure drills maybe…neither should be seriously considered as a primary, no matter how cheap the cost.
I have a Walther Creed that I carry. It was just a tad bit over $400 when I bought it. It has been very accurate for me and fits well as my EDC. Never had any issues with FTF or miss fires either.
Can't believe Springfield Hellcat didn't make the list. My fav CC weapon. Accurate, dependable and 13 rounds. Hasn't failed to shoot with any of the numerous ammo choices I've used.
The Hellcat also MSRPs for much more than $400. That was the whole point of the article, bud.
Ruger 57 baby!
OK, maybe not.
I carry a Kahr cw9. Runs flawlessly with any ammo I feed it and is very accurate to 30 yds‼️
I have and can NOT recommend this Taurus. Mine fails to fire often enough not to trust for defense, despite proper maintenance. Side note: I AM a fan of my Taurus .357, so not a Taurus hater.
Of these choices, I would lean highly toward the m&p.
I have the above Canik and Taurus pistols love 'em both.
Picked up a Canik TP9SF Elite about 6 months ago, and was honestly amazed at how well I shot it right out of the box. The trigger is indeed excellent, and the ergos are dialed in way better than was expected for a $400 gun. It’s not going to displace my P226, but shooting them side by side was eye-opening for myself and two buddies at the range. An excellent choice in this segment!
Not one SA/DA? I know striker-fired are the most popular, but some people prefer hammer-fired SA/DA. Since there is not as much demand, there are fewer options available and they are typically a little more expensive. But you can find these under $400:
- SAR B6C
- Taurus TH9C
- Bersa TPR9CM
You can find these pretty close to $400 if you keep an eye out for good deals:
- Springfield XD-E
- Grand Power P11
Of course, the more popular SA/DA compacts are typically over $500—like any in the CZ-75 line, Beretta Px4 Storm, SIG P229, HK P30, IWI Jericho, KRISS Sphinx SDP, and Tanfoglio Defiant Force Compact.
Great write-up!
Got a Taurus G2c and it won't shoot about half the time when the trigger is pulled. Could not even put 2 mags through, other at the range and myself deemed it too dangerous as it fired a few times after i released the trigger. Called Taurus, they said send it back but there is a minimum of 12+ weeks turn around time. Brand new gun out of the box malfunctioning and i'm told send it back and maybe in 3-4 months you will get it back. What is the purpose of even buying it if you cannot use it for 3-4 months due to bad manufacturing. Taurus says no other options if i want it fixed. For those who had great luck with Taurus, i'm happy for you. But for me never again. Also, even trying to sell this back with less than 20 rounds through it i get offered less than half what i paid for it if they even want to buy it and send it back themselves. I can't keep a firearm for protection when it does not fire when the trigger is pulled about 33% of the time or you can't have it for 3-4 months while being fixed.
Sounds like a troll report. I can write one too on almost any gun, who can say. I bought 2 G3c s and they function great. Accuracy is only as good as the shooter. I have 1911s, Dogs, but I must say, the G3cs are Hard not to like!! Bruce G. Montana
Or maybe the g3c has had the g2c bugs worked out. My experience very similar to his.
Having owned 8 Taurus handguns has left me with 2 comments.
1) Good buyin price and they work ok when they work. They are ONLY a range piece, NOT a CCW!
2) They are a throw away gun because it will take a minimum of 6 months to get them repaired. I've been trying for 3 months to get a RETURN ORDER with no luck.
I recently received a letter from the President of Taurus apologizing for the poor performance of the warranty dept!!!
What are your thoughts on the Ruger-SR9c, 17 round pistol
Recently on Sale for only $249
Ruger SR9c is pretty good for left handed shooters. Safety and mag release are both ambidextrous, but the slide release is RH only. Cost me $320 on GrabAGun.
Your comment about police seizures is extremely valid. In Philadelphia, even if you have a permit to carry, if an officer finds you have a gun on your person or in your car, they just take it, and it takes months to get it back, if ever. I wouldn't mind losing my $200 Taurus P111G2 if this happened. Better than a nice 1911 or a Sig.
I just got the Beretta APX Centurion a few months ago for $350 and I prefer to carry it over the various, more expensive pistols I've carried in the past...
I don't get it... why was the Beretta APX Centurion and/or Compact not mentioned in this article???? Beretta lowered the base price several months ago making this pistol one of the best deals on the market: modular, versatile, incredible ergonomics, and a finalist in the military trials - proven reliability.
Springfield XDS Mod2 in .45. Great little gun, easy to carry, very manageable for such a big caliber, and has a FANTASTIC trigger. I paid $450 for the all black model with 5 mags, but I've seen the two tone for around $375 lately
Was very happy with ported Performance Center Shield. The thumb safety however did not release naturally with my grip.
Tried the Sig 365 and immediately switched. Thumb safety goes off with grip without thought and gun is very comfortable to shoot. I can shoot it as quickly and accurately as my full size guns. 12+1 rounds mags fit my hand and conceal well. 1,800 rounds through it now with zero issues any ammo.
Haven’t had a chance to try the Hellcat, but it’s in the list!
I saw a P365 for $429, that's close, it'll drop under $400 with a bit more time. I'd actually prefer they make a "hammer" version and will wait and see. That or a Ruger 57 compact would be interesting ;)
Why is Ruger seldom, if ever, considered in your comparisons? I own a LC9s that was purchased new for $320. It came with 3 dot sights and an excellent trigger. I am not personally familiar with the EC9s but have not read or heard anything negative. It too sells for less than $400 new.
I totally agree with you Mark. My EDC is a Ruger Security-9. MSRP is currently $549, when i purchased mine two years ago i paid $289. My favorite gun store GrabAGun.com currently list is $325, and the compact version is $320. Ihave also considered the EC9S for $249. All of these firearms have stellar performance reviews and a rock solid Ruger repatriation .
Agree, it's just "essential".
+P too, if you're brave...
The Walther PPS M2 is a better choice than the CCP and, as noted below, is currently [04/26/2020] selling for ~US$300 at CDNN Sports. Both the PPS and PPQ are manufactured at the Walther plant in Ulm as indicated by the "staghorn" proof mark. The CCP is manufactured at the Umarex plant in Arnsberg and passes through the Cologne proof house as indicated by the "three crowns" proof mark. Although Umarex is the parent company of Walther, they manufacture mostly air guns and rimfire guns at Arnsberg. A side-by-side comparison of the PPS with the CCP will demonstrate significant differences in quality of manufacture. When you buy a Walther, you want one made in Ulm.
I'll continue to take my .380 Springfield 911 (with the good grips and sights) with me, thanks. (Far superior to any other .380 out there, IMHO.)
I've concealed carried for decades. There is a "trade space" between reliability, caliber, weight, and size. Although I own several semi-automatics for recreational shooting, when it comes to personal defense, I prefer a revolver. I recognize semi-automatics are very reliable, but getting a bad primer or misfeed and having to clear the weapon are still possible with even the most highly maintained semi-automatic weapon. I used to carry a Smith and Wesson 442 5 shot .38 Special +p. Now I carry a .357 7 round Taurus revolver with a 3" ported barrel. It also has an additional cylinder for 9mm. Fortunately, I've never had to "draw down" with a revolver, but I have had to use, on several occasions, Sabre pepper gel to deter attacks by dogs. I carry both the revolver and the pepper gel. No sense shooting a dog or any other mammal if something less than lethal neutralizes the threat.
Check out the Bersa TPR9C Simply amazing and well made, what a deal! You wont be disappointed.
I can’T believe you did not mention the S&W 442, I love mine. Fits perfectly in the front pocket of my slacks and light as can be. The internal hammer means no snags, and the double action trigger helps prevent glock leg.
I guess it was overlooked because MSRP is over 400....but they can be found closer to 325-350 in the stores. I scored the 442 Performance Center brand new at a local store for 329....highlty recommended by yours truly!
I love my Ruger security 9. No issues whatever! $300 out the door, and shoots like a dream. But anything that's easy to shoot and something you can be confident in, is all you really need.
Got S&W Shields, Rugers, Sigs, etc., but what usually goes with me is a Remington RM380 in a Sticky holster in my right front pocket. Metal gun, not a plastic fantastic. It disappears in my pocket and with a spare mag in a mag pouch in a cargo pocket I’m good to go. Many rounds downrange and nary a malfunction of any kind. Besides, they’re made about 15 miles from me so there’s a certain kinship there.