Smith and Wesson has produced guns in the millions, with models ranging from revolvers to automatics, rifles, and even shotguns.
The company’s varied catalog makes this a fun and diverse collection of unbeatable firearms for concealed carry. So, today we are looking at the best Smith & Wessons for concealed carry.
Keep reading for the specs, pros/cons, and details on which models made our list.
THE QUICK LIST
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Best CCW Revolver
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Best Metal-Frame
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Easiest to Rack
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Best Midsize
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Best for Beginners
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Best Micro Compact
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Best Budget Pistol
How We Tested the Smith & Wesson Handguns for Concealed Carry
For this article, we focus on Smith & Wesson handguns we have actually taken to the range and tested. All guns tested by Pew Pew Tactical adhere to a strict testing protocol, which includes 500 rounds of both FMJ and JHP ammunition and a couple of magazines (if applicable) to evaluate accuracy and reliability with different types of ammo and magazines. We shoot 5-round groups and 5 and 7 yards and use a pistol rest for at least one round of fire to eliminate shooter error. We also confirm trigger pull weight with a Lyman Digital Gauge.
For concealed carry-specific articles like this, we also holster each gun and assess how they work in a concealed carry context. We conduct drills that require drawing to assess the gun’s reliability and accuracy under pressure.
Each Smith & Wesson handgun we suggest has an associated review linked in its section so you can explore more!
Best Smith & Wesson Handguns for Concealed Carry
1. Model 432 – Best Smith & Wesson Concealed Carry Revolver
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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Pros
- Lightweight design
- Great accuracy for a snub nose
- Low recoil
- Excellent sights
- Great trigger
Cons
- Expensive and hard-to-find ammo
- Lipsey’s Exclusive
Specs
- Caliber: .32 H&R Magnum
- Overall Length: 6.3″
- Barrel Length: 1.875″
- Height: 4.3″
- Width: 1.3″
- Weight: 16.3 oz
- Capacity: 6
One of our favorite carry guns to come out of SHOT Show 2024, surprisingly, was a little J-Frame from Smith & Wesson. The Smith & Wesson Model 432 is a Lipsey’s exclusive, meaning that Smith builds them, but Lipsey’s upgrades them.
Chambered in .32 H&R Magnum, the 432 is a looker right out of the box. With a dark black finish and red VZ grips, this wheelgun is the epitome of beauty. Its high horn grips allow for a really nice, high grip, while the rounding design fits nicely in your palm.
As far as shooting, the S&W .32 Long feels close to a .22 Magnum in terms of recoil. It’s loud, but doesn’t hurt to shoot at all. The 432 opts for a front sight that drops between the U-Notch rear sight. This gives the shooter a familiar sight picture. Paired with a very smooth double-action trigger, the 432 is a very accurate revolver.
The Smith & Wesson 432 provides shooters with a modern J-Frame that is worth picking up and adding to your concealed carry arsenal.
We have a full review of the S&W 432 if you’re looking for more insight.
2. M&P9 M2.0 Metal – Best Metal-Frame
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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Pros
- Accurate
- Good ergonomics
- Reliable
Cons
- Above average price
Specs
- Caliber: 9mm
- Overall Length: 7.25″
- Barrel Length: 4.25″
- Height: 5.5″
- Width: 1.3″
- Weight: 28.16 oz
- Capacity: 17+1
Ok, so technically, this one is a tad big for regular carry, but it would work well in an OWB rig or during the winter months when you might be sporting heavier coats, sweaters, and sweatshirts.
The main reason we wanted to mention the Metal is because it rocks. Fine, bad pun, but still, our time with this gun was super enjoyable.
This firearm blends some bad-ass looks with actual performance – “a great combo of show and go,” our resident video producer Sean says.
The 9mm striker-fired pistol offers a length of 7.25 inches, a barrel length of 4.25 inches, and a weight of 28 ounces.
It’s worth mentioning the Metal uses a T6 aluminum frame which does make it heavier than your standard polymer pistol, but that extra weight does help with recoil. So it’s a decent trade.
Some notable features include a 17+1 capacity, flat-face trigger, four grip panels, and six optics plates and screws. We love an optic on a defensive gun, so we dig the fact this gun is ready to accept a red dot.
During testing, we were able to get some really nice, tight groups. We were impressed, to say the least.
As far as downsides, this is a full-size gun, so if you want something smaller for CCW, look elsewhere. Also, it’s on the pricier side. That aluminum frame drives the cost up, so if a budget gun is more your speed, you might want to opt for another gun on this list.
Other than that, we highly recommend the Metal if you’re on the hunt for a home defense weapon or something to use during those cold winter months.
Watch the review below to see it in action, or read more in our written review.
3. M&P Shield EZ – Easiest to Rack Smith & Wesson Handgun
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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Pros
- Soft shooting
- Easy to rack slide
- Good ergonomics
Cons
- Very little customization
- Slide lock release doesn’t feel great
Specs
- Caliber: .380 ACP
- Overall Length: 6.7″
- Barrel Length: 3.68″
- Height: 5.05″
- Width: 1.04″
- Weight: 18.5 oz
- Magazine Capacity: 8+1
The M&P Shield EZ series are semi-automatic pistols designed for shooters with weaker hands who want an easy-handling pistol.
S&W built these guns from the ground up to be easy to control in all manner of handling. You can choose between three potent calibers with .380 ACP, 9mm, and .30 Super Carry as an option.
The gun uses an internal hammer, which allows S&W to tune the weight needed to cock the hammer. This yields a slide that’s very easy to rack for those with weaker hands.
S&W also installed a very aggressive set of slide serrations to ensure your grip stays steady.
The M&P Shield EZ models also come with single-stack magazines that are very easy to load. A set of tabs on the side allows a second hand to pull the follower downward and relieve spring pressure to make loading easy.
The 9mm and .380 versions hold eight rounds, and the .30 Super Carry packs 10 rounds.
Recoil is fairly light, and these guns are not superbly small by any means. They are compact in nature, though, and plenty easy to concealed carry.
The EZ series is thin, lightweight, and tucks away with ease.
Their size-to-capacity ratio is a bit inefficient when compared to something like the P365 or even the Shield Plus. However, you can’t have an easy-to-control firearm that’s also the size of the P365. That little extra girth and width make it easier to control, which matters a fair bit.
I’m glad S&W offers a solid, defensive handgun option for shooters with hand strength on the weaker side.
Johnny B did a full review on the Shield EZ series. Check out the video review below or read the review here.
4. M&P 2.0 Compact – Best Midsize Smith & Wesson
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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Pros
- Accurate
- Reliable
- Good ergonomics
Cons
- Lack of full front slide serrations
Specs
- Caliber: 9mm Luger
- Barrel Length: 4″
- Overall Length: 7.25″
- Height: 5″
- Width: 1.16″
- Weight: 26.4 oz
- Magazine Capacity: 15+1-Round
The S&W M&P series revitalized the automatic pistol genre for S&W. They’ve continued to evolve the platform, and the S&W 2.0 Compact model fulfills that Glock 19-sized do-it-all role.
It’s small enough to conceal but still capable of a home defense role.
S&W made the 2.0 series to be a bit more modern and made some needed improvements.
The new trigger system was one of the best upgrades, but it’s not all. A slight ergonomic change here and there, as well as making optic cuts common and available, took the 2.0 to the highest levels of modernity.
Size-wise, the gun isn’t a pocket carry piece, but you can make it disappear with a good IWB holster. The 4-inch barrel and 15-round capacity keep it firmly in that realm we call compact. Since it comes with a rail adding a light seems like a natural next step.
Beyond the light rail, S&W makes optics-ready options with suppressor height sights. A red dot is a worthwhile upgrade to improve potential performance.
Add in the tremendously improved trigger system, and we get a capable gun.
The M&P series has always shown brightly in regard to ergonomics, and the 2.0 series is no different. It drops in your hand perfectly, and the grip texture clings aggressively to your hand. Grip it, rip it, and go.
This won’t be the best gun for everyone, but if you don’t mind the little extra size, you’ll have a very capable weapon for concealed carry and home defense.
Why we don’t have one in .30 Super Carry is beyond me.
We have a review on the full-size M&P 2.0, so head over to that to learn more.
5. Equalizer – Best for Beginners
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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Pros
- Easy to operate
- Light recoil
- Includes 3 magazines
Cons
- Short grip for big hands
Specs
- Caliber: 9mm
- Overall Length: 6.75″
- Barrel Length: 3.675″
- Height: 4.5″
- Width: 1.04″
- Weight: 22.9 oz
- Capacity: 15+1
The Equalizer is a newer pistol from S&W that makes racking the slide a little easier.
It’s a 9mm semi-auto with a length of 6.75 inches and a weight of 22.9 ounces. It sports a 3.675-inch barrel and a capacity of 15+1.
While we found its trigger to be meh, at best, where it shines is in its ability to be inclusive towards shooters who might struggle when racking a slide and/or other shooting fundamentals.
Whether you’re someone with arthritis whose grip isn’t quite what it used to be or you have some recoil sensitivity, the Equalizer presents a pleasant shooting experience.
This pistol definitely gives off some M&P vibes, and you can see those design cues on this handgun. Its grip angle is very comfortable, and the texture is well-balanced. It’s not overly aggressive where it tears your hands up, but it provides enough tack to hold onto.
It comes with slide serrations that help when manipulating the slide and some sturdy steel sights. Despite using an internal hammer, its trigger feels more on par with a striker-fired gun.
While we’re on the topic of the trigger, we were hoping for one similar to the M&P 2.0 series, but this one doesn’t quite measure up. If you’ve spent some time behind the M&P 2.0 series, you will likely be disappointed in the Equalizer’s trigger.
But if you can get over that, everything else is good. Reliability was flawless, recoil was minimal, and it was a nice, easy gun to shoot. All in all, this is a perfect match for shooters who need a little help.
Check out our video review below or the full written review for more details.
6. CSX – Best Micro Compact
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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Pros
- Very easy to conceal
- Hammer-fired option in a micro 9mm
- Reliable
- Ambidextrous controls (safety, slide release, mag release)
Cons
- Difficult takedown
- Challenging for big hands
Specs
- Caliber: 9mm
- Overall Length: 6.1″
- Barrel Length: 3.1″
- Height: 4.6″
- Width: 1.12″
- Weight: 19.5 oz
- Capacity: 12+1
The CSX or Chief’s Special X breaks the mold for micro compacts. Sure, we have the 10-round magazine in a teeny tiny weapon, but it’s more than that.
S&W made the CSX a quasi-1911-like design, complete with a 10-round 9mm magazine.
We get a single action-only design, a metal frame with polymer inserts, and thumb-mounted frame safety. Yet, it’s so dang small and easy to conceal.
If you’re sick and tired of striker-fired guns but want that super-efficient size-to-magazine capacity ratio, then the CSX has your back. The single-action only trigger delivers a short, light trigger pull that resets hard and loud!
S&W installed a huge set of sights on the gun that is easy to see and engage with. Spotting that big front sight, putting it on target, and following it up with rounds is simple and easy.
Those polymer grip inserts are very textured and stick to the hand well.
This little fella weighs 19.5 ounces, is 6.1 inches long, 1.12 inches wide, and 4.6 inches tall. It’s a hair thicker than most, but that extra thickness really comes from the frame safety. The rest of the gun keeps it about an inch thick.
My only complaint is, why didn’t they make the guns optics ready with an ultra-compact red dot? It seems like an opportunity wasted for the CSX. Maybe next year. Also, why not introduce it in .30 Super Carry?
Those are minimal complaints for what might be my favorite take on the micro-compact pistol.
Want to learn more? Check out our full review of the CSX.
7. Shield Plus – Best Budget Pistol
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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Pros
- 13+1 capacity
- Good grip texture
- Reliable
Cons
- Challenging for large hands
- A little snappy
- Slightly difficult field strip
Specs
- Caliber: 9mm
- Overall Length: 6.1″
- Barrel Length: 3.1″
- Height: 4.6″
- Width: 1.1″
- Weight: 20.02 oz
- Capacity: 13+1
The S&W M&P Shield changed the game. It wasn’t the first single-stack 9mm, but it was the first one people flocked to. I remember it being impossible to get circa 2012, and when you found one, it sold for well above MSRP.
S&W evolved the Shield into the Shield Plus. With the Shield Plus, we get that Micro Compact design with the 10-round, flush-fitting magazine.
You can go with either the Shield or Shield Plus and have an outstanding pistol.
While the Shield Plus packs more rounds, the standard Shield is one of the best budget guns. It’s made to last and work and is one of the most proven concealed carry firearms on the market.
One notable difference with the Shield Plus is that it also comes in .30 Super Carry.
With the standard Shield, you can still find .40 S&W models if you can’t break up with the short and weak.
The Plus offers a more modern design with options for optic compatibility.
In terms of magazine capacity, it sports either 10 rounds of 9mm or 13 rounds of .30 Super Carry with flush-fitting magazines or 13 rounds with 9mm and a stunning 16 with the new Super Carry load and extended mags.
One thing that’s always stood out about the Shield designs with me is the meaty grip. It never feels svelte or too thin.
You can get a great purchase on the gun, and with purchase, you get an extreme amount of control – and you want that control if your goal is to shoot fast and accurately.
You guessed it…we’ve reviewed the Shield Plus. Check out the written review or watch the video review below.
What do you think of the Shield Plus? Let us know by rating it below!
Why Trust Pew Pew Tactical
Who’s writing this article anyway? Well, it’s the team at Pew Pew Tactical. In specific, we have a couple of staff members and writers who had a hand in pulling all the research together to bring you a comprehensive list of the best Smith & Wesson handguns for concealed carry.
Working on this article from the ground up was Pew Pew Tactical Author Travis Pike. Travis is a Marine infantry veteran and earned his Expert Rifle Badge from the USMC while in service. He is a certified NRA Basic Pistol Instructor and concealed carry instructor out of Florida. Travis has written thousands of articles for multiple publications in the gun industry and has tested and evaluated hundreds of guns during that time — including Smith & Wesson handguns.
Editing this article is Editor-in-Chief Jacki Billings. With a bachelor’s degree in Mass Communication and a good-standing member of the Society of Professional Journalists, ACES: Society for Editing, and the Professional Outdoor Media Association, Jacki runs our experienced team of expert writers and editors. She has worked as a media professional for over 20 years and has specialized in gun media for almost 10 years. As Editor-in-Chief, she uses her expertise to set testing protocols and editorial standards across the site. During her career, she has tested and shot several Smith & Wesson models and even carries the S&W Shield from time to time.
Pew Pew Tactical Content Producer Sean Curtis and contributor Johnny B also contributed to this article.
Final Thoughts
Smith & Wesson offers a ton of models that work for concealed carry. Whether you want a revolver, pistol, or something easy to rack, you can probably find it.
But the models listed above represent the cream of the crop, in our humble opinion.
What’s your favorite S&W model? Let us know in the comments below. For more options when it comes to concealed carry, check out our guide to the 12 Best Concealed Carry Pistols.
Latest Updates
September 2024: Removed the SW99C and 317 Kit Gun. Added the 432 UC. Elaborated on how we tested each gun.
19 Leave a Reply
Not making it in 327 Federal is a miss.
Sometimes you have to open the wall. S/W Shield 2.0, .45 cal. It's got 7 round and 6 round mags. The 7 round has a bit on an extension which is great for larger hands. It's an EZ CCW. If I have to use it, I'm throwing Cinder Blocks down range.
I plan on carrying my 460 XVR .. going to need it for the upcoming zombie moose apocalypse
How did you miss on the Bodyguard 2.0. The best pocket pistol on the market!
Did Travis mention his hand size in this article, too? Just want to be sure he's keeping the streak going! Cheers
A revolver I would really like to get is the Smith & Wesson Model 432 in .32 H&R Magnum. Except for one thing: You can't find that ammo anywhere locally, and very few places online.
From what I have read, .32 H&R Magnum is the perfect caliber for a revolver - plenty of punch, low recoil, very accurate.
You can get .32 S&W Long locally, at Academy Sports, and it will shoot in this gun; but you can't find .32 H&R Magnum anywhere locally.
Woooooow
"During testing, we were able to get some really nice, tight groups." OK ..but don't you think that specifying the distance might be a bit helpful? The target says 100 yard sight in target, and if you are that tight at 100 yards then your enemies might need kryptonite bullets.
I've heard great things about the M&P 9. Especially the 2.0 version.
However, the Shield seems to be controversial. Everyone I have taken a self defense class with (higher round count) and had a Shield has had challenges with malfunctions and ergonomics/controls.. Any class beyond the very, very basic flat range. If there was holster draw and timed shots. Someone told.me the problem has been addressed in the newer models. I do not recall what the claimed issue was, but something that may warrant some research before purchase even though the price is about as comfortable as it can get.
Just a bit of.info for anyone looking at the Shield models. Not saying to disregard. Just look into it. Wish I could remember what the claimed issue was. This was years ago when the Shield first came out.
Smith E series .45 acp full size 1911. Or better yet, Smith mod 29 (up to a -2) 6.5 " bbl, royal blue. Now THAT is a gun...
I carry an SD9. I like it.
I have an old SD9 but it has been collecting dust for a while. Got a great deal on it and it works great. I usually use it as a "guest gun" for new shooters that do not have their own. I did have a harder time initially finding accessories. But it goes bang every time.
I heard it was the first edition of one of the other models. Cannot recall which one. That was quite a few years back.
no .38 Special / .357 Magnum snubbie revolver - no m 638 / m 649 rebirth? what' the world coming to?
The reason the Max 9 wasn’t selected for the S&W ccguns
S&W Model 19, 3 inch barrel, carry comp pro for me. A little bigger and heavier than some. And I have yet to find just the right owb holster for it. But I love the mini cannon! Small enough compared to my Model 28, 8 inch barrel cannon!
I for SURE would have had the S&W Shield 9mm 2.0 with the green integrated laser "built into the frame" on this list. Rare pistol and the laser works to perfection and holds zero. OOppsss, just checked and they are no longer in production. :) Love mine.
I can't believe you forgot the 351PD and the 351C. :/
Dirty Harry concealed a 6 1/2" Model 29 in .44 Magnum.
But I won't judge anyone who prefers to have to shoot a threat two or more times.
anyone worth shooting once is worth shooting twice....