Concealed carry guns are popular for those who want to protect themselves and their loved ones when the need or situation arises, but want to maintain the element of surprise, hence opting for a concealed weapon rather than a visible one. With so many available options, choosing the right option that suits your needs can be a bit daunting. However, not all pistols are made equal. Like the saying goes, “I would rather go to my grave never needing to use my gun, than going to my grave wishing I had one”.

Some have stood out for their reliability, accuracy, and ease of use. In this post, we will be taking a closer look at 6 great little guns available in 2024, that are easy to conceal and what makes them the top choices for concealed carry. Whether you’re a new or experienced gun owner, there is an option for you, and our recommendations here may help you make an informed decision to buy the right one the first time.

6 Great Sub Compact Guns for 2024

Choosing the right gun for the job is important when it comes to concealed carry weapons. With so many different options on the market, it can be difficult to decide which one is the best fit for you. Let’s have a look at six great hidden carry guns:

1.   SIG SAUER P365XL

The P365 XL is a revolutionary concealed-carry handgun that balances micro-compact conceal-ability and full-size shoot ability. Its redesigned slide and grip module offers a 12+1 or optional 15+1 capacity while maintaining a highly concealable profile.

Additionally, the P365 XL features a distinctive flat profile trigger that breaks at 90 degrees, retaining the crisp and clean trigger pull of the P365. In short, the P365 XL is a micro-compact handgun that packs a lot of variety and capacity in a small package.

Specifications

• Caliber: 9mm
• Capacity: 12
• Height: 5.5 inches
• Weight: 20.7 oz.
• Barrel Length: 3.7 inches
• Overall Length: 6.6 inches
• Width: 1.1 inches

Features

Longer Slide: the SIG SAUER P365XL has a larger sight radius, significantly improving your aim. Additionally, a longer barrel can enhance the velocity of your shots, ensuring accurate and powerful performance.

Optic Ready: the manufacturers have made the new Sauer P365XL in a way so that you don’t have to get in trouble with new optics. It comes factory-ready to accept micro red dot sights.

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2.   GLOCK G43X 9MM SUBCOMPACT PISTOL

My personal favorite concealed carry handgun that I carry now most often, the Glock 43X. The G43X is a versatile, comfortable subcompact pistol. It has a compact grip length with a built-in beaver tail, providing a perfectly balanced grip for many users. It is without a doubt the best glock for concealing under clothing, when taking caliber, size, grip comfort and ammo capacity into consideration.

The G43X Rail also boasts features from the slimline series and Gen5, including low trigger travel, a frame with an inbuilt beavertail, and a reversible magazine catch. Additionally, it is coated with DLC and equipped with GMB with precisely made serrations.

Specifications

• Caliber: 9mm
• Capacity: 10
• Height: 5.04 inches
• Weight: 16.4 ounces without magazine, 18.7 ounces with empty magazine
• Barrel Length: 3.41 inches
• Overall Length: 6.5 inches
• Width: 0.87 inch

Features

Subcompact-slim Slide: The grip comfort in the Glock g43x is second to none, making it a comfortable and great to shoot tiny glock. The beaver tail and subcompact slim slide gives you a balanced, versatile grip. The grips are made in a way that suits all types of users.

Slide Serrations: Slide serrations are great for any user. If you have sweaty hands, then it becomes a must-have feature. You can easily pull the slide back, thanks to the serrations.

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3.   RUGER LCP MAX MICRO COMPACT

The Ruger LCP MAX is a new standard in personal protection handguns. Because of it’s rounded design, I used to prefer to carry my original Ruger LCP when I had important functions or meetings where a tucked in shirt was necessary, it still concealed perfectly and comfortably, although the 6 round capacity kept me a little out of my comfort zone firepower wise. Enter the new LCP max, my new favorite ultra-concealable carry handgun. I will carry the G43X above most days, but the LCP Max for the few days that I wear a suit, or a tucked-in shirt. If I were to have to wear a tucked shirt for work daily, the LCP Max would be my most carried little handgun.

It has a compact and lightweight design, packing 10+1 rounds into the same size as the LCP II. The textured grip frame ensures a comfortable and secure grip, while the elevated cocking ears and serrations make slide manipulation easy.

The LCP MAX also comes with a 12-round magazine or a finger grip extension floor plate with a 10-round magazine. The slide and frame are smooth, making it easy to carry and handle. In short, the LCP MAX is a reliable pocket-sized personal protection handgun with exceptional features and performance. For the chubbier guys reading this list. I wouldn’t necessarily call myself fat (don’t ask my wife’s opinion though), but I definitely do have extra weight around the mid-section so IWB carry is often uncomfortable for me. Although I like some of the other guns on this list a little more, I would say these Ruger LCPs are the nicest concealable guns for fat guys, as because of the rounded edges and shape, it is the most comfortable gun for me to conceal carry when my belly is less than ideal size.

Specifications

• Caliber: 380 AUTO
• Capacity: 10+1 rounds
• Height: 4.12 inches
• Weight: 10.6 ounce
• Barrel Length: 2.8 inches
• Overall Length: 5.17 inches
• Width: 0.81 inch

Features

Great Sights: The Ruger LCP Max has changed the game regarding sights. They have implemented highly visible sights in all conditions, regardless of the weather.

Secure Action Trigger: Ruger has used their patented secure action trigger. It ensures a short and smooth trigger pull, clean break and reset.

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4.   SMITH & WESSON M&P SHIELD PLUS ULTRA COMPACT

Smith & Wesson M&P shield plus ultra-compact features a 10- and 13-round magazine capacity, making it the most comfortable and high-capacity model yet. The flat-face trigger allows consistent trigger finger positioning, resulting in more precise and repeatable firing.

The improved grip texture also allows for better recoil control, a stronghold, and overall comfort when carrying concealed. This firearm also has a flush-fit 10-round magazine for maximum conceal-ability and an extended 13+1 capacity magazine. Therefore, get ready to experience the pinnacle of concealed carry with Smith & Wesson’s new Micro Compact.

Specifications

• Caliber: 380 AUTO
• Capacity: 10+1 rounds, 13+1 rounds
• Height: 4.6 inches
• Weight: 20.2 ounce
• Barrel Length: 3.1 inches
• Overall Length: 6.1 inches
• Width: 1.1 inch

Features

Flat-face Trigger: The flat-face trigger provides a consistent surface for your trigger finger, enhancing accuracy and consistent firing. This trigger allows for precise and repeatable shots, giving you the confidence to hit your target every time.

Extended Magazine: The S&W M&P Shield Plus boasts an extended magazine with an impressive capacity of 13+1 rounds. For those seeking a more discreet carry option, S&W also offers a flush-fit 10-round magazine. Each firearm comes with a 13-round and a 10-round magazine, allowing you to choose the right magazine for your needs.

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5.   SPRINGFIELD ARMORY FIRST LINE 9MM HELLCAT OSP

The Springfield Armory Hellcat is an exceptional handgun for concealed carry, providing unparalleled comfort and accuracy in an unbelievably compact chassis. It can fire up to 13+1 rounds and boasts a billet-machined rear slide deck that has been expertly modified to accommodate a small red dot sight.

Its premium features distinguish the Hellcat range, including a 3 inches hammer-forged 1:10 inches twist barrel with melonite coating and a sleek 1-inch width which allows a comfortable grip. If you’re searching for a concealed carry handgun that offers unbeatable performance in a compact package, the Springfield Armory Hellcat is undoubtedly an excellent choice.

Specifications

• Caliber: 9mmP
• Capacity: 11 rounds, 13 rounds, 15 rounds
• Height: 4 inches with flush magazine, 4.5 inches with extended magazine
• Weight:  17.9 ounce with flush magazine, 18.3 with extended magazine
• Barrel Length: 3 inches
• Overall Length: 6 inches
• Width: 1 inch

Features

Tritium U-Dot Sight Picture: The Hellcat has Tritium-powered U-Dot sights offering unparalleled speed and accuracy. Nothing is quicker than these sights.

Adaptive Grip Texture: The Hellcat pistol has an innovative Adaptive Grip Texture that becomes tighter as you apply more pressure. Therefore, the harder you squeeze the grip, the more secure and stable your hold on the pistol becomes.

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6.   Century Arms Canik TP9 Elite SC 9mm

The Canik TP9 Elite SC All Tungsten 9mm Pistol is the epitome of reliability. This semiautomatic centerfire pistol caters to both left and right-handed individuals. With two magazines included, you can rest easy knowing you have enough ammo to take on any challenge.

The pistol also comes equipped with an IWB and OWB concealed carry holster that features reversible clips, ensuring maximum versatility and convenience. Whether a seasoned shooter or a novice, the Canik TP9 Elite SC All Tungsten 9mm Pistol is the perfect choice for those seeking a trustworthy and efficient firearm.

Specifications

• Caliber: 9mm
• Capacity: 15 rounds
• Height: 4.6 inches
• Weight: 24.75 ounces
• Barrel Length: 3.6 inches
• Overall Length: 6.7 inches
• Width: 1.45 inch

Features

Reversible Magazine Release: This feature allows you to customize the firearm to fit your specific needs and preferences. Whether right-handed or left-handed, you can easily swap out the magazine release to ensure you can quickly and efficiently reload in any situation.

Micro Red-Dot Interface With Co-witness Feature: This feature lets you easily and quickly mount a micro red-dot sight on the firearm, greatly improving accuracy and target acquisition.

The co-witness feature ensures that the iron sights and the red-dot sight are aligned, so shooters can use either sighting method without adjusting their shooting position.

This feature is especially useful for shooters who need to transition between different types of targets or shooting scenarios quickly.

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What Qualities Should a Concealed Carry Gun Have?

Carrying a concealed gun for protection is an important responsibility that should not be taken lightly. Here are some essential qualities that you should look for in a conceal carry gun:

Reliable

Reliability is key for a gun you wear everyday, especially one worn under clothing and being subjected to body perspiration and fabric lint and fibers. You need a gun that can fire every time you pull the trigger. A reliable gun should have a simple design that is easy to maintain and clean and also dependable and durable.

Effective

The effectiveness of a gun depends on its ability to stop an attacker. A good concealed carry pistol should deliver enough firepower to stop a threat quickly and decisively. Look for a gun that has adequate stopping power and accuracy. Consider the caliber and the ammunition that the gun uses. One thing to remember is to still always wear your hearing protection when practicing to shoot with your gun, a lot of people make the mistake to think because they are small they aren’t loud, but these little guns are VERY loud with the short barrels and lack of any suppression.

Portable

A concealed carry gun should be easy to carry and conceal, as the name implies. Compact, lightweight, and easy to conceal under clothing are the key matrices of a great pocket pistol. Not only for under clothes, but in a concealed carry purse too, it should neatly inside the purse and be safe enough in there not to possible accidentally fire when getting snagged on stuff.

Before purchasing, take into account the size of the gun and the holster that you will use. You’d want a gun that you can carry comfortably and discreetly. A concealed carry jacket, or any jacket with a large enough internal pocket or even waist pocket from where the gun can quickly and safely drawn can work well as a hidden pistol jacket.

Ergonomic

The ergonomic design of a gun you are going to carry and use is crucial for comfort and control. The gun should fit in your hand comfortably and should be easy to shoot accurately. The weight and balance of the gun is also very important. It doesn’t help the handgun is tiny and hides well under clothing, doesn’t print and can be worn daily easily, but is terrible to shoot with and you cannot hit a target with it.

Open carry vs concealed carry

Open carry and concealed carry are two different ways to carry a firearm in public. Open carry simply means that the firearm is visible to the public, while concealed carry means that the firearm is not visible to the public, when worn.

The best way to tag along a firearm is a personal decision that should be based on your individual needs and preferences. If you are considering carrying a firearm, it is important to do your research and learn about the laws in your state. You should also get training in how to use your firearm safely and effectively.

Here are some additional factors to consider when choosing whether to carry openly or carry concealed:

• Your personal comfort level. Some people feel more comfortable knowing that their firearm is visible to the public, possibly thinking it is an extra deterrent to criminals, while others prefer to keep their firearm hidden, thinking that the element of surprise is a big benefit should a dangerous situation arise.
• The laws in your state. Some states have more restrictive laws on open carry than others. It is important to know the laws in your state before you decide how to carry your firearm, as many states also require the user to have a concealed carry permit to be allowed to carry a gun concealed in public spaces.
• The places you go. If you frequently go to places where open carry is prohibited, then concealed carry may be a better option for you.
• Your lifestyle. If you are active and often participate in outdoor activities, then open carry may be a better option for you. If you work in a professional setting, then concealed carry may be a better option for you, your clothing choice and preferences also influence which of those options will work for you.

Ultimately, the decision of whether to carry visibly or hidden is a personal one. There is no right or wrong answer, and the best option for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences.

Conclusion

Choosing the right concealed carry gun is crucial for personal safety. With so many options available, it can be overwhelming to find the perfect one. However, the 6 subcompact guns listed above offer a great starting point for anyone in the market for a reliable and effective firearm. It’s important to remember that regular practice and training with your chosen weapon are essential to ensure you are prepared for any situation. Ultimately, the gun you will carry daily is the one that you feel most comfortable and confident carrying and that meets your specific needs and body shape.