Choosing Your EDC: A Guide to the Best Handguns for Everyday Carry
The decision to carry a handgun for self-defense is a serious one, and choosing the right firearm is paramount. The "best" everyday carry (EDC) gun isn't a one-size-fits-all answer; it's a deeply personal choice that depends on your body type, lifestyle, comfort, and training.
This blog post will break down some of the most common and highly regarded handguns for concealed carry, highlighting their pros and cons and offering a subjective, tier-based rating to help you find the right fit.
A quick note on caliber: For the most part, modern concealed carry is dominated by the 9mm. It offers an excellent balance of manageable recoil, good capacity, and effective terminal ballistics with modern defensive ammunition. While other calibers like .380 ACP, .40 S&W, and .45 ACP have their merits, the 9mm is the undisputed king for a reason.
The Contenders: A Breakdown of Popular EDC Handguns
Tier 1: The Kings of Concealment and Capacity
These pistols have redefined the market by offering incredible capacity in a micro-compact footprint. They are the top choice for many serious carriers.
SIG Sauer P365 (and its variants, P365X, P365 XL, P365 X-Macro)
Pros: This family of pistols is a game changer. The P365's innovative design allows for a 10+1 or 12+1 round capacity in a gun that is barely larger than older, single-stack pistols. The ergonomics are excellent, and the XL and X-Macro models offer a longer barrel and grip for even better control and accuracy. Many are optics ready from the factory.
Cons: The subcompact size can lead to snappier recoil compared to larger guns. The smaller grip on the standard P365 may not be comfortable for those with larger hands without an extended magazine.
Springfield Armory Hellcat (and Hellcat Pro)
Pros: The Hellcat rivals the P365 in the micro-compact space, offering an impressive 11+1 round capacity in its standard flush-fit magazine. It's incredibly easy to conceal due to its slim profile and small size. The Hellcat also boasts an aggressive grip texture and is available in an optics-ready configuration.
Cons: Like the P365, the small size can make it more challenging to shoot accurately, especially for new shooters. The recoil is quite noticeable.
Tier 2: The Reliable All-Rounders
These are the workhorses of the concealed carry world. They offer a fantastic balance of size, capacity, control and accuracy.
Glock 19 (and Glock 43X)
Pros: The Glock 19 is a classic for a reason. Its legendary reliability is unmatched, and its compact size offers a perfect blend of concealability and a full, comfortable grip. It has a massive aftermarket for parts and accessories. The Glock 43X offers a slimmer, more concealable profile with a 10+1 capacity, making it a great option for those who find the G19 a bit too bulky.
Cons: The ergonomics are not for everyone. The grip angle and blocky feel can be a love-it-or-hate-it affair. The stock sights and triggers are often considered subpar by some shooters, and its wider frame can be more challenging to conceal than micro-compacts.
Smith & Wesson M&P Shield Plus
Pros: The Shield Plus builds on the legacy of the original Shield, offering a significantly improved capacity (13+1 with the extended magazine) while maintaining a slim, comfortable, and highly concealable profile. The trigger is a major upgrade from previous models.
Cons: While much improved, its ergonomics and trigger may not be as refined as some of its competitors. The slim grip can also be a challenge for some to get a full hold on.
Tier 3: The Deep-Concealment Specialists
These handguns are designed for maximum discretion, often at the cost of capacity, control and accuracy.
Ruger LCP MAX (.380 ACP)
Pros: The LCP MAX is a true pocket pistol. Chambered in .380 ACP, it is incredibly small, lightweight, and easy to conceal in a pocket or on an ankle. It's the perfect "go-anywhere" gun for when a larger firearm isn't an option.
Cons: The .380 ACP round is less powerful than the 9mm, and while modern ammunition has improved, it's still a trade-off. The small size also means significant felt recoil, making it difficult to shoot accurately and practice with for extended periods.
Tier 4: The Old-School Reliability
Revolvers hold a special place in the concealed carry world for their simplicity and rock-solid reliability.
Ruger LCR/LCRx (.38 Special)
Pros: These revolvers are the epitome of simplicity. They are incredibly reliable and not prone to the common malfunctions of semi-automatic pistols. They can be fired from inside a pocket without going out of battery, and the LCR is incredibly lightweight, making it easy to carry.
Cons: Revolvers have a low capacity, typically 5-6 rounds. They are also slow to reload. The double-action trigger pull can be heavy and long, making accurate shooting challenging.
Final Thoughts
The best EDC handgun is the one you will carry every single day. This means finding a balance of comfort, concealability, and confidence. A smaller gun that you carry all the time is infinitely more useful than a full-size pistol that you leave at home.
Before making a purchase, handle the firearms at your favorite gun shop, hopefully us :), to see what feels best in your hands. Your personal preference and commitment to regular training are the most critical factors in making your final choice.