We've taken an in-depth look at the best semi-auto handguns for concealed carry that include compact and sub-compact models to find the top 5 for 2021.
Find out what makes the handguns on our list great and why people continue to chose them for EDC concealed carry and self-defense.
Disclaimer: this is not an in-depth review of each individual handgun.
1. Sig Sauer P365
The most popular concealed carry handgun is the Sig Sauer P365 micro-compact. Since it's introduction in 2018, the P365 remains one of the best concealed carry guns ever made.
7 Best Fixed Blade Knives for Concealed Carry
But, what makes it one of the best concealed carry handguns?
Well, it's primarily the P365 micro-compact size, which allows it to be easily concealable anyway you like while maintaining a fairly competitive (10) 9mm round magazine capacity.
7 Best Springfield Hellcat PRO Concealed Carry Holsters
It a great concealed carry choice that easily fits inside of pockets, purses, and waistbands.
7 Best 1000 Lumen Flashlights for EDC
Sig Sauer also has a great collection of P365 models, which can improve magazine capacity and shooter accuracy, but this may come at a cost in size and weight.
2. Springfield Hellcat
Built by the most popular handgun manufactures, the Springfield Hellcat closely rivals the Sig Sauer P365 in the micro-compact size handgun category.
6 Best Springfield Hellcat OWB Holsters
Although, it's size only slightly larger than the P365, it does have improved magazine capacity, (11) 9mm rounds. It's still a great micro-compact size handgun that is fairly easy to conceal anywhere on your body and compares well to the P365.
Taurus GX4 9mm Pistol Discount Plus Additional Eligibility Rebate – See Now
In addition, it has a variety of models that can further improve magazine capacity and allow you to attach a variety of accessories such as red dots, gun lights, and compensators without adding much overall weight and size.
3. Glock 43X
Not much negative things to say about Glock, arguably one of the best gun manufactures, the Glock 43X handgun comes is sub-compact size which is larger than both the Hellcat and P365.
9 Best Glock 43 & 43X Holsters for Concealed Carry
Although, it's noticeably larger than the P365 and the Hellcat, the magazine capacity is (10) 9mm rounds equal to the P365.
7 Best Pistol Lights Ideal for Compact Handguns
This may seem low, but it's a great improvement over the standard Glock 43 which only has a (6) 9mm round capacity.
It also has a variety of models available that allow users to attach red dots, gun lights and more.
7 Most Unusual EDC Self Defense Gadgets People Don’t Know About
Overall, it's still a great sub-compact size handgun that is fairly easy and comfortable to conceal anywhere on your body and due to it's slim design.
4. S&W Shield 2.0
The Smith & Wesson M&P Shield 2.0 is another micro-compact handguns that is great concealed carry choice.
5 Best Smith & Wesson Shield 2.0 Holsters for Concealed Carry
The M&P Shield 2.0 is an improved version of original and very popular M&P Shield.
6 Best Multicolor LED Flashlights for EDC
What makes this model unique compared to others is the option to choose from a variety of different calibers: 9mm, .40S&W, and .45acp without adding much weight or size.
5 Best Budget Concealed Carry Holsters Under $25 That Fit Most Guns
The magazine capacity is fairly descent for a micro-compact handgun: (7) 9mm rounds, (6) .40S&W and .45acp.
To solve the magazine capacity problem, the S&W does offer the M&P Shield Plus model that has a (10) or (13) 9mm round capacity, but may increase the overall size of the handgun.
9 Best Budget EDC Essential Gear Options Under $25
The M&P Shield does also have MOS models, but these may increase the over size of the handgun.
5. Taurus G2C
Although many will agree that Taurus G2C has a spotty past, this is no longer the reality. Taurus has made multiple upgrades to this model which was originally the PT111 G2.
Taurus GX4 9mm Pistol Discount Plus Additional Eligibility Rebate – See Now
The Taurus G2C has become a highly reliable sub-compact handgun, which you can own for less than $300.
5 Best Taurus GX4 & GX4 TORO Concealed Carry Holsters
It costs less than most handguns yet it comes packed with good quality and versatility.
The variety of G2C model have a (10) or (12) round 9mm or .40S&W magazine capacity. It also has a rail for gun lights and lasers.
If you must have a red dot on your handgun, not to worry, Taurus has a G2C upgraded model, the G3C that allows for MOS (modified optic sights) however this model will cost substantially more than the standard G2C.
5 Cheapest But Good Quality Pocket Knives for EDC
Overall, the G2C is our choice for a reliable quality budget option handgun for concealed carry.
No matter which handgun model you choose for concealed carrying, you should carry it in a high-quality holster.
Be sure to checkout more concealed carry holster reviews and recommendations on our HOLSTERS PAGE.