7 Best Concealed Carry Handgun of 2023 Reviews | Stealthy Pistols and Revolvers

Revolvers are here to crash the party! At first glance, the S&W 642 Airweight is tiny in comparison to its revolver counterparts. The barrel sits at 1.8 inches, and the revolver's overall length is just 6.3 inches long. The compact dimensions, coupled with a lightweight aluminum frame, deliver a true contender for your everyday holster.

It's worth mentioning that depending on your preference, the aluminum alloy frame might feel floaty at times, especially that the 642 Airweight makes use of the overpressure ammo. A P+ designates such cartridges, and they are calibrated at a higher internal pressure, as their name implies.

Bullets at this caliber are capable of traveling for longer distances and achieving more penetration. This translates into considerable stopping power, boosting the revolver's effectiveness as a self-defense sidearm.

When it comes to accuracy, the 642 Airweight does an excellent job for a small carry gun. The barrel has a built-in sight, which makes it easier to pinpoint your targets. However, the one you get out-of-the-box is the one you'll have to live with. Unlike other alternatives I've reviewed, the S&W 642 Airweight doesn't support third-party mounted accessories.

Don't let the absence of a dedicated safety system give you anxiety, as the 642 Airweight's trigger is engineered to shoot only when deliberately pulled to the end. Even if you drop your revolver, you don't have anything to worry about. 

The 69 4.25" model is a personal favorite of mine. S&W has truly advanced the development of the model 66 and new 69 for the 21st century. Not only do they have appealing aesthetics, but they also offer two of the best production models in recent times.

While I have shot numerous .44 mag rounds, I must admit that I've had limited experience with factory rounds. However, hand loading with the 69 is a delight and allows for precise accuracy adjustments.

As a devoted revolver enthusiast, my fascination with six-shooters began with my uncle's custom-built .357 single action boasting a walnut grip and stunning titanium finish.

Since acquiring the 69, I've grown to love it even more. It's incredibly enjoyable with .44 specials, although it can be a bit challenging with .44 mags. Nonetheless, it's most probably the best concealed carry gun 2023 and onwards.

I'll wrap up my list with another one I’d call the best concealed carry revolver. This snub nose revolver shares a lot of the same beats with its AirWeight counterpart. Both come with short barrels for a more concealed look. They also use the same type of 38 S&W +P ammunition with better penetration and greater stopping power.

Furthermore, they both share the same magazine capacity and overall weight. So, the obvious question will be how to choose one of them over the other. You'd be surprised that my answer is you can't. The two 38 snub nose revolvers are essentially two sides of the same coin, yet they have a couple of critical distinctions.

The S&W LadySmith revolver operates on a double-action mechanism. This means that a full trigger pull will cock the bullet into the shooting chamber and then fire your round. 

If you decide to change your mind mid-way as you're holding the trigger and the bullet is already cocked, there is no way to go back. In this situation, you have to actually shoot the cartridge before you can move on to the next one.

Finally, the LadySmith comes in a stainless steel frame instead of aluminum, offering a durable build without affecting its weight or recoil. As a testament to its reliability, I've cherished my gun since I purchased it at 18 and I'm now in my 70s. It has never failed me, boasting exceptional accuracy and a silky-smooth action.

The LadySmith left a lasting impression on me as one of the first pistols I ever shot. To top it off, I acquired this impressive firearm brand new and found it to be the best carry gun without breaking the bank. Its power and flawless performance make it a reliable inconspicuous companion for self-defense.

Sig Sauer lands another well-deserved entry on my list, and this time around, the P365 speaks to my key complaint about the Ruger LCP II. When the P365 was first introduced, it took the world by storm, as it managed to challenge the norms of magazine capacities in concealed carry guns.

The pistol comes with a 10+1 magazine, which is impressive considering that its form factor is comparable to its predecessor, the P938. It also managed to squeeze two extra rounds in its extended magazines to make the total cartridges count sit at 12+1.

To pull off such a challenge, Sig Sauer's engineering team completely redesigned the gun's magazine with thinner walls to make more room for the actual cartridges.

Furthermore, you can expect the same comfortable grip that Sig Sauer guns are known for. The textured grip is on the slim side, so people with small hands will feel right at home while holding the P365.

Unlike the previous entries on my list, the P365 is a striker-fired pistol. This means that it doesn't rely on the hammer movement to prime and shoot a round. To put things in perspective, the gun operates more or less like the double-action options. On pulling the trigger, the cartridge gets cocked first and in line with the shooting chamber before it's ready to go.

When it comes to reliability, I had zero issues while testing the P365. Of course, my relatively limited test time is not a good enough indicator of how the gun fares in the long term. However, given that Sig Sauer has an impressive reliability track record, there is nothing to worry about here as this is probably the best concealed carry 9mm made by Sig Sauer.

I've owned both the P365 and the P365XL, and I can confidently say they are both amazing firearms. They are easy to carry, reliable, and very accurate considering their size. In fact, I liked them so much that I bought three of them: one for everyday carry, one as a backup in my truck, and one for my nightstand.

Having identical firearms ensures a consistent feel regardless of which one I'm using. Compared to other pistols I've owned and tested, the P365 is the one I trust day in and day out. In fact, when I asked a friend to compare it to her Glock 19, he even preferred the feel of the P365.

Additionally, when I tried the larger versions, I was impressed by how well everything came together, and the accuracy I could achieve with it. I can't pinpoint exactly why, whether it's the barrel twist or some other factor, but I am genuinely confident in this firearm.

Smith and Wesson took everything we loved about the original Shield and capitalized on that with its updated M2.0 model. The first model was built from the grounds up to be a concealed carry gun first and foremost. 

Instead of taking the half-baked "jack of all trades, master of none" approach that many gun manufacturers find themselves victims to, the original Shield aimed only to master the concealed gun formula. 

I'm pleased to report that the Shield M2.0 lives up to its predecessor's legacy while bringing some meaningful changes to the table. First of all, the grip here is a great leap forward. The stippled grip felt secure enough in my hands, even during my rapid shooting practice sprees.

The ease of swapping parts is not limited to just the sights; Smith and Wesson firmly believes in moddable and modular designs. Personalizing the trigger or grip to suit your style doesn't require special gunsmithing tools. As someone who craves experimentation, I'm drawn to any product that satisfies that urge, and the Shield M2.0 certainly delivers on this front. 

It's not an overstatement to say that it's the most shootable gun in its class. In fact, it outperforms many 4" barrel guns. It's incredibly comfortable to carry and instills confidence in the shooter. I truly believe that it has the potential to make someone a better shooter, especially when it comes to speed.

For a first-time gun buyer like myself, getting the M&P Shield 2.0 is a dream come true. It's a solid all-around pistol that exceeds my expectations. I've owned it for about a year now, and its lightweight and compact design, combined with minimal recoil and excellent accuracy, make it a gun that I absolutely love. Even though I have the .40 version, it still impresses me.

The Sig Sauer P938 finds itself in a unique spot between Sig's signature full-sized pistols and their niche micro options. The gun's overall footprint feels exceptional in my hand, and I totally dig this balanced design approach, which brings the best of both worlds.

When it comes to ammunition, the Sig Sauer P938 adopts the widely popular 9mm caliber. Such cartridges are cheap, encouraging you to hit the practice shooting range more often. It also comes with manageable recoil, which helps boost your accuracy.

I've always liked Sig Sauer's trigger responsiveness, and the P938 is no different. The trigger comes with just the right resistance to make each shot feel substantial. The single-action system also makes the pistol beginner-friendly. Here, a trigger pull translates into releasing the firing pin and priming your round.

I found myself walking around with my Sig Sauer P938 cocked with the safety pins engaged, of course. The integrated manual thumb safety ensures I never end up with any accidental rounds flying around while providing enough simplicity to engage my pistol when I need to seamlessly.

A small nod that made a massive difference to my Sig Sauer P938 experience is the inclusion of serrations to enhance the grip of the side slide. I found it easier to fully pull the slide for loading and clearing the gun's action, making everything feel more snappy and responsive.

This same attention to detail is displayed at its finest when it comes to the pistol's build. An anodized alloy frame makes the gun's backbone. Such material choice contributes to Sig Sauer P938's balanced weight distribution. The 16-ounce pistol manages to stray away from the too light territory, making it much easier to land a shot.

As someone who appreciates compact and portable firearms, I find these pocket-carry styles to be both cool and tiny. Despite being a loyal Glock enthusiast, I recently acquired this pistol and was pleasantly surprised by its performance. It has replaced my Glock 42 as my go-to summer carry.

In fact, I've carried one for years and even bought two more for my daughters! These guns are truly impressive—accurate, easy to conceal, and provide me with many options. However, this particular model is the one that accompanies me on a daily basis. As someone who delved into the Micro 9 realm this year and obtained a GX4, I must say that the Sig definitely earns more style points!

Finally, the pistol comes with a SIGLITE sight included in the box, and during my testing, I noticed that the red dot sight greatly assists with regaining aim on my target, even in low-light conditions. Additionally, I wanted to highlight a noteworthy feature of this gun—the slide release is easier to operate with either a loaded magazine inserted or the empty magazine removed. 

Springfield Armory has its dedicated, loyal community who keep coming back for its unique firearms. I understand the hype surrounding the company, but I couldn't help myself from expecting that I won't enjoy my experience with the 1911 EMP4 based on the specs alone.

The pistol is definitely less stealthy than other options I've tested. The barrel length comes at 4 inches, which is about double the S&W 642 Airweight's barrel length. Furthermore, the weight makes the pistol feel substantial in its holster. Unlike other entries on my list, a little bit of drag will always remind me that I have my firearm on me.

So, I came to this review asking myself what killer feature can sway me to look past such inconveniences and choose the 1911 EMP4 over its competition. The answer is quite simple! The Springfield Armory 1911 EMP4 does a lot of things right, and when such small features are combined, they make a compelling package.

First of all, the long barrel allows the bullet to gain more momentum and travel further. This translates to excellent accuracy at long ranges. Furthermore, I was blown away by how satisfying the trigger feels. With a relatively short travel distance, it allows me to fire my follow-up shot in no time. 

I am absolutely enamored with this pistol. I currently own one chambered in 9mm, and it has become one of my favorite everyday carry firearms. The level of accuracy it delivers is remarkable, making it almost effortless to consistently hit the bull's eye. I purchased this pistol approximately a year ago, and it has exceeded my expectations in every way.

It performs flawlessly, boasting excellent shooting performance and an impeccable appearance. I have always believed that a full-size 1911 might be excessive for a 9mm cartridge, especially in a single-stack configuration, but the Springfield Armory 1911 EMP4 proves otherwise with its impressive design.

The 4" bull barrel not only contributes to the pistol's symmetry and balance but also adds an aesthetically pleasing touch. Additionally, the slide serrations align perfectly with the grip, further enhancing its visual appeal.

Finally, the heavyweight of the pistol offers a rewarding advantage for those who are willing to bear the extra weight. It provides enhanced stability and reduces the recoil experienced when firing a 9mm round. This advantage alone would prompt me to switch to the Springfield Armory 1911 EMP4 as my daily carry weapon. 

The Ruger LCP II is easily among the most popular concealed carry guns on the market, and for all the good reasons. It's shockingly compact! I remember the first time I held the pistol to be surprised by how its overall footprint is about the size of my palm.

Ruger also nails another part of the formula to have a best seller on its hands: price. It comes at almost half the price of its Sig Sauer P938 counterpart. Such a killer combination makes me easily recommend the Ruger LCP II for anyone looking for a decent carry gun.

When it comes to ballistics, it's unfair to expect too much from the Ruger LCP II. Given the limited internal space that the engineers had to work with, you can expect some compromise to the gun's power. The pistol utilizes 380 ACP ammo and is a great .380 pistol, which is not by any means a powerhouse; however, it came a long way from when it was first introduced.

The main purpose of a carry gun is self-defense. On that front, the 380 ACP comes with a decent stopping force that won't always stop your attacker based on power alone. In other words, targeting vital areas is vital to make your 380 ACP round as effective as possible.

In the course of my testing, I was always pleased to know that it's the Ruger LCP II's turn to hit the road with me. Though it can be underpowered compared to other CCW 9mm caliber guns on the list, I believe its pocketability makes the decision of carrying the gun a no-brainer.

My only complaint is that it comes with only one magazine out-of-the-box, which leaves much to be desired considering its capacity of only 6 cartridges. Therefore, I highly recommend investing in extra magazines while purchasing it, as you'll definitely need them.

Personally, I bought one myself, and despite its small size, it has proven to be an excellent gun. I carry it with complete confidence, as it is as safe as a double-action revolver. Although I initially had my eye on the LCP, I ended up with a Sig P238, which is also a great .380.

However, when the LCP was released, I couldn't resist buying it, and I haven't been disappointed. I have fired numerous rounds through it without any issues, and I find myself to be quite accurate with it. Overall, it's a great gun. It serves as a reliable small pocket carry, and I even carry two extra magazines without adding much weight.