I get asked fairly often as an Instructor and Range Officer what I would suggest when it comes to a quality concealable handgun, especially for active people like runners and hikers. So, as a follow up to the last article we will discuss 6 handguns that I feel are extremely viable and reliable options for concealed carrying during physical activities, using simple criteria such as size, capacity, options, and price. With that being said, let's get right down to it.
6. Charter Arms Pitbull
The Charter Arms Pitbull 9mm is the only revolver to make this list. And, yes you read that right… The pitbull is a 9mm revolver, so how could we not include something with the power of a 9mm and the functionality of a revolver? The Pitbull has a 5 round capacity, 2.2" barrel length, and weighs in at 22oz. With an average price tag of $502 the Charter Arms Pitbull is a reasonably priced option.
5. Glock 26/27
Glock is undoubtedly one of the most popular brands on the market, mainly for their dependability and durability. The glock 26 and 27 are the biggest of the handguns on the list, measuring a length of 6.41" and weighing 21.7oz. Glock offers its subcompact in two versions, the model 26 which is chamber in 9mm and has a 10 round capacity and the 27 which is a .40 Caliber with a 9 round capacity. Neither models offer a frame rail for accessories or a manual safety. The average price tag for these models are about $575.00.
4. Springfield XDS
The Springfield XDs has gained a lot of popularity over the last few years because of it's reliability and comparability to the Glock platform. The XDs measures 6.3" in overall length and weighs 23oz. The XDs is available in 9mm with a 8 round capacity and .45 caliber with a 6 round capacity. The Springfield XDs does not come equipped with a manual safety put does come with a built in accessories rail and has an average price tag of $600.00.
3. Ruger LCP
The Ruger LCP is a great sub compact option with an overall length of 5.16" and weighing just 9.6oz for the .380 caliber option. The LC9 which is the 9mm version has an overall length of 6.16" and weighs only 17.2oz. Both the LCP and LC9 have an 8 round capacity. Both versions of this Ruger sub compact come with standard features such as a thumb safety, Visual empty port indicator, and is available in a variety of colors. The average pricing for the LCP model is around $260.00 and for the LC9 model is around $480.00.
2. Taurus PT111
The PT111 is a great candidate for this list, not only for it's reliability but also because Taurus has one of the best customer service in the industry. The PT111 is a 9mm with a 13 round capacity, overall length is 6.24", and weighs 22oz. The PT11 also comes standard with features such as a thumb safety, visual empty port indicator, and built in rail for accessories. The PT111 just like all Taurus models comes with a built in keyed hammer lock, eliminating the need for a separate trigger lock for safely storing the handgun. The average price tag for a Taurus PT111 is $302.00.
1. Smith&Wesson Shield
The Smith&Wesson Shield is the compact version of the standard M&P which has taken the market by storm for it's durability and reliability. The Shield has an overall length of 6.1" and weighs 20.8oz. The shield comes in 3 caliber options 9mm with an 8 round capacity, .40 cal with an 8 round capacity, and .45 cal which also has an 8 round capacity. The Shield is available with the option of standard, Tritium night sights, Fiber Optic sights, and even a frame mounted laser sight. The Shield is also available with or without a thumb safety, all depending on the model version. The average price tag of a Smith&Wesson Shield is around $469.00. All of the choices that made this list are excellent options, but there are many more great options out there also that unfortunately couldn't make the list. Which handgun is best for someone is ultimately up to the individual. When shopping around for a handgun that fits your needs I suggest a hands on approach, doing research is very important but what's even more so is going and holding it, firing it, and making sure to work the mechanics of it. Because no one wants to waste their money on a handgun that has all the right options then after buying find out they don't like how it feels when they pull the trigger. Also, as a final thought… Don't get caught up in hype about brand popularity, the best choice for someone may not be a high priced "popular" brand, it just might a less popular lower priced brand. When it comes to protection having something is always better than having nothing.