Choosing the best concealed carry handgun is crucial for personal defense. Whether you’re a new CWP holder or an experienced gun owner, the right firearm should be compact, reliable, and comfortable to carry daily. At Fortress Firearms Training, we help South Carolina CWP holders find the ideal firearm for everyday carry.
To help you decide, we’ve compiled a list of the most popular concealed carry handguns for 2025 based on reliability, performance, and ease of concealment.
1. SIG Sauer P365 – The Best Overall Concealed Carry Pistol
The SIG P365 has been a top choice for concealed carry since its release. This micro-compact 9mm pistol offers a high-capacity magazine in a small frame, making it one of the best everyday carry (EDC) options.
✅ Capacity: 12+1 (standard) or 15+1 (extended)
✅ Features: Night sights, ergonomic grip, smooth trigger
✅ Why It’s Great: Compact yet high-capacity, ideal for all-day carry
Potential Drawback: Snappier recoil due to its small size
2. Glock 43X – Glock Reliability with a Slim Profile
The Glock 43X combines Glock’s well-known reliability and durability with a slim design, making it a fantastic concealed carry option. It comes with a 10+1 capacity, but aftermarket Shield Arms S15 magazines can increase capacity to 15+1 rounds.
✅ Capacity: 10+1 (factory) or 15+1 (with aftermarket mags)
✅ Features: Slim frame, excellent aftermarket support, reliable function
✅ Why It’s Great: A trusted brand with easy customization options
Potential Drawback: Factory magazines are limited to 10 rounds
3. Springfield Hellcat – The Micro-Compact Powerhouse
The Springfield Hellcat is a direct competitor to the SIG P365, offering a 11+1 or 13+1 capacity in a small frame. It features aggressive grip texturing, U-Dot sights, and an optics-ready slide on select models.
✅ Capacity: 11+1 (standard) or 13+1 (extended)
✅ Features: High capacity, great stock sights, optics-ready option
✅ Why It’s Great: Small yet powerful, designed for deep concealment
Potential Drawback: Some shooters find the trigger a bit stiff
4. Smith & Wesson M&P Shield Plus – A Trusted Classic
The M&P Shield Plus is an upgraded version of the original Shield, now offering an improved trigger, better ergonomics, and a higher capacity (10+1 or 13+1). It remains one of the most comfortable and reliable concealed carry guns.
✅ Capacity: 10+1 or 13+1
✅ Features: Excellent grip texture, upgraded trigger, easy to conceal
✅ Why It’s Great: Feels great in hand and shoots well under pressure
Potential Drawback: Slightly larger than other micro-compacts
5. Taurus GX4 – The Best Budget-Friendly Concealed Carry Gun
If you’re looking for an affordable yet reliable concealed carry pistol, the Taurus GX4 is an excellent choice. This micro-compact 9mm pistol offers a 10+1 or 13+1 capacity at a lower price point than its competitors.
✅ Capacity: 10+1 or 13+1
✅ Features: Good trigger, compact design, budget-friendly
✅ Why It’s Great: Offers excellent value without compromising performance
Potential Drawback: Less aftermarket support compared to Glock or SIG
6. Ruger Max-9 – Ruger’s Compact, Optics-Ready Pistol
The Ruger Max-9 is another micro-compact 9mm option, designed for concealed carry. It features a 10+1 or 12+1 capacity, an optics-ready slide, and an easy-to-rack slide, making it an excellent choice for shooters who prefer a lighter recoil.
✅ Capacity: 10+1 or 12+1
✅ Features: Optics-ready, ergonomic grip, smooth shooting
✅ Why It’s Great: Affordable and easy to carry for all-day comfort
Potential Drawback: Some users find the trigger travel a bit long
How to Choose the Right Concealed Carry Handgun
When selecting a concealed carry firearm, consider these key factors:
✔ Size & Comfort
A good concealed carry gun should be compact and lightweight enough for daily carry.
✔ Capacity vs. Concealability
Higher capacity means more rounds, but a slimmer frame may be easier to conceal.
✔ Shootability & Control
Your gun should feel comfortable in your hand and allow for quick, accurate shooting.
✔ Reliability & Safety
Choose a firearm with a proven track record of reliability and safety features you trust.
Train With Your Concealed Carry Firearm
Owning a firearm is only part of the equation—training is essential to ensure you can use it effectively under stress. At Fortress Firearms Training, we offer:
✅ South Carolina CWP Training
✅ Advanced Concealed Carry Courses
✅ Private Firearm Training Sessions
We help gun owners in Fountain Inn, South Carolina, and surrounding areas develop the skills they need to carry with confidence.
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