Choosing a concealed carry gun isn't about chasing trends or getting seduced by flashy marketing. It's a decision tied directly to your personal safety, and that means finding the right mix of size, comfort, capacity, and reliability. The truth is, a lot of guns look great on paper but end up riding in your nightstand instead of on your hip. These five, though, earn their keep. They're proven, dependable, and comfortable enough that you'll actually carry them, not just talk about it.

The Glock 43 has been a fan favorite for years because it does exactly what it promises and nothing more. It's slim, lightweight, and easy to hide under just about anything you wear. The six round capacity isn't impressive, but the tradeoff is a pistol you can trust every single time you draw it. The trigger is clean, the frame is durable, and it has that classic Glock reliability that just refuses to quit. If you want the simplest, most predictable carry gun out there, the 43 is still at the top of the hill.

Then there's the Smith & Wesson M&P Shield Plus, a gun that feels like it was designed by people who actually carry every day. It's compact and comfortable, but the real win is the capacity, ten plus one or even thirteen plus one depending on your magazine choice. The ergonomics are excellent, it points naturally, and the flat face trigger makes accurate shooting a whole lot easier. Whether you prefer a model with an external safety or one without, the Shield Plus leaves that decision up to you, which is a nice change of pace.

The Sig Sauer P365 is the little pistol that turned the entire concealed carry world on its head. It somehow squeezes ten plus one or twelve plus one rounds into a frame that feels like it shouldn't be able to hold half that. The gun shoots well, rides comfortably, and even comes with night sights out of the box, something most competitors treat like an upgrade. If your goal is maximum firepower in the smallest possible footprint, the P365 is pretty much the gold standard.

For deep concealment, the Ruger LCP II fills a very specific role and fills it well. This thing is tiny, one of the lightest, easiest to hide pistols on the market, and chambered in .380 ACP. It's not built for long days at the range, but it absolutely excels as a pocket gun when you just want something with you without feeling weighed down. The trigger is a big improvement over the original, and the low profile design keeps it from snagging on clothing when you need it most.

Rounding out the list is the Springfield Armory Hellcat, one of the few pistols that truly goes toe to toe with the P365. It packs up to thirteen plus one rounds, delivers excellent sights from the factory, and still maintains a small, concealable footprint. The grip texture gives you solid control without feeling like you're grabbing a cheese grater, and the optics ready slide lets you add a red dot if that's your thing. It's compact, capable, and easy to shoot well, a tough combination to beat.

At the end of the day, the best concealed carry firearm is the one you're willing to carry consistently. All five of these have earned their reputations by being reliable, easy to conceal, and practical for everyday use. Handle them, shoot them, and figure out which one feels right in your hand. Once you do, stick with it and practice regularly. Because when it comes to concealed carry, confidence and familiarity matter just as much as the pistol itself.

Got an idea for a future article? Shoot it my way and you might see it in the next issue.

Until next time, stay locked and loaded.
- Randy, Locked N Loaded