Concealed carry permits are stock for law enforcement, but more people than ever before are applying for these permits.
It’s estimated that approximately 6.6 percent of American adults have applied for — and received — concealed carry permits, which requires not only a rigorous background check but also training classes and other requirements as determine by state and federal lawmakers.
When you remove the states of New York and California from the counts, nearly 8 percent of the remaining adults have applied for and received their concealed carry permit. If you’re one of these lucky individuals, here’s a quick rundown of some of the most popular (and user-friendly) choices for your handgun.
Weapon Size
Purchasing a weapon for the purpose of concealed carry has some slightly different requirements than an everyday handgun, or one that you might use on the shooting range.
You need to be sure that your handgun and holster can be safely concealed on your person in a way that is comfortable over the long term. This means different things for different people: women may be concealing the weapon in their purse or backpack, while men may be more likely to wear the weapon on their person. Each of these factors will make a difference in which handgun you ultimately select for protection. A weapon that is too large would be difficult to conceal, too.
Shootability v. Concealability
When you have to make a choice, do you opt for a weapon that is more accurate and has more stopping power, or one that is more easily concealed?
This is a personal choice in many ways, but a recent review of top sales for concealed weapons by Alien Gear Holsters shows that the majority of individuals are more likely to go for a weapon that has more accurate and usable shooting characteristics. For women, it’s recommended that you look for weapons with a low recoil, that sport a 3.5″ or shorter barrel, and that are made for smaller hands.
Our Top 5 Picks
Each of these weapons will have their proponents and detractors. However, they are considered some of the best options on the market today for self-defense.
1. Glock 43: This is a smaller version of the military-grade weapon used throughout the world by police.
2. Colt Night Cobra: With a six-round chamber instead of 5, you’re getting additional stopping power from this American icon.
3. Springfield 911 Pistol: This small, lightweight concealable pistol in .380 is a traditional piece includes a highly effective ejector.
4. Ruger LC9s: On the smaller side, this pistol is renowned for comfort and control, making it particularly effective for women.
5. S&W Shield: With a smooth trigger and relatively short pull, this handgun features rounded edges.
Protecting yourself in today’s tumultuous times is a critical requirement. Each of these handguns offers unique benefits, but the choice is ultimately very personal. Shop around and test out plenty of models — once you’ve decided your preferred method of carry.
~ Firearm Daily