
Seeking to go armed, however are caught within the weeds as to what to arm your self with? Listed here are 20 glorious hid carry weapons to cowl your six.
Self-defense has moved to the forefront of People’ minds, and scores have clamored after hid carry weapons like no different time in current historical past. That raises a query. What precisely is one of the best hid carry gun? We’ve got some solutions. However earlier than we transfer on to our picks for one of the best covert heaters, we should always cowl a couple of key factors about going armed and shopping for a gun for this specific area of interest. But when the basics are outdated hat to you, please be at liberty to skip ahead to our picks.
Hid Carry Life-style
Above all, turning into an armed citizen is a life-style selection. By this we imply, your life will conform round your hid carry gun. Don’t let this scare you off. It’s much less daunting than it appears, but it deserves remark.
The best demand going armed makes is mastery of your firearm. Similar to shopping for a guitar doesn’t make a musician, buying a hid carry gun doesn’t make you an knowledgeable in self-defense nor using deadly pressure. You need to educate your self, observe and proceed doing so. Basically, it’s a lifetime endeavor. Don’t throw up your fingers, as a result of it’s the toughest work you’ll ever love with a aspect good thing about loads of vary time.

After buying a hid carry gun, plan on discovering a good firearms teacher and enrolling in his or her lessons. Usually, they’ll provide completely different ranges of coaching, from primary pistol programs many states require to obtain a hid carry allow, to instruction on superior ideas equivalent to dynamic taking pictures, low-light engagements and mindset. Authorized training is a should as effectively. America is a patchwork of self-defense legal guidelines, so make sure you discover one thing tailor-made to the place you reside and journey so you have got a well-formed concept of when, the place and how one can justifiably use deadly pressure.
After getting primary instruction underneath your belt, plan on refresher programs sooner or later. Within the meantime, observe. We gained’t prescribe a selected routine right here, as a result of it can differ for every armed citizen. Your particular person coaching ought to end in figuring out your hid carry gun inside and outside, from muzzle to butt and all of the quirks in between. Vary time is the obvious area for studying and excelling together with your pistol or revolver. However a stable routine of dry-fire drills at residence works miracles on a studying curve and doesn’t price a factor.
Learn Additionally: Dry Hearth Coaching Information
The opposite life-style facet that comes with a hid carry gun is clothes. Yup, that wardrobe goes to want updating … almost definitely. Until you’re nonetheless mired within the dishevelled days of the grunge motion, it’s a protected guess a lot of your wardrobe gained’t maintain your gun hid. Or, if it does, you’ll really feel plum uncomfortable. Once more, we gained’t contact on the positive factors right here—there are a great deal of them. Simply count on to make a clothes funding alongside together with your hid carry gun.
Holsters
Hand-in-hand with clothes is a holster. You didn’t suppose you had been going to tuck that child in your waistband bare, did you? This can be a huge subject, given the quite a few kinds of hid carry holsters available on the market in the present day:
- IWB
- OWB
- Shoulder
- Ankle
- Bell Band
- Numerous Off The Physique
Every has execs and cons and match sure armed residents, however not all of them. Nevertheless, primarily all of them do the identical job: retain the gun, cowl the set off (among the many most essential), shield you and the gun, improve concealability, make carrying comfy, and facilitate a clean draw and re-holster. That’s a mouthful.

Sadly, we don’t have the magic bullet so that you just hit the proper holster your first day out. No one does. All we will say is, count on loads of trial and error—and a closet shelf of rejects—earlier than you discover the perfect hanger to your hid carry gun.
Learn Additionally: Hid Carry Holster Information
Hid Carry Gun Match
No two hid carry weapons are alike nor are two armed residents. In flip, the pistol that works for you is perhaps unwieldy to your buddy. What this comes right down to is match, and there are two primary components pertaining to a hid carry gun.
- How the gun suits your hand
- How the gun suits your fashion of carry
Most new shooters are inclined to suppose all weapons are alike. They choose a reliable title and assume all is true with the world. Nothing may very well be farther from the reality.
A gun wants to suit your hand correctly, facilitating a elementary excessive grip, in any other case, there may be management points. Even the comparatively mild-mannered 9mm is jumpy if outsized in comparison with a selected shooter. Gunmakers have engineered some wiggle room into their weapons; most new polymer-framed pistols include replaceable backstraps and palm swells of various sizes permitting for a degree of customization. Take the time to search out the make/mannequin that matches you greatest. tactic is to go to a spread that has a wide selection of weapons for hire, and provides those you’re taken with a check drive. The proof is within the pudding, as they are saying.

As to hold match, the entire concept behind a hid carry gun is to maintain it hid. Relying on who you might be, the way you carry and your specific life-style, not each gun will match the invoice. Whereas a 250-pound trucker would possibly simply maintain a Authorities-size 1911 underneath wraps no downside, a 98-pound enterprise government would possibly discover it tougher. Assume exhausting about your regular apparel (sure, you’ll replace a few of it), every day routine and potential carry strategies as you undergo the shopping for course of. These will present information marks steering you to the perfect hid carry gun.
The Finest Caliber?
Hoo boy … right here’s a can of worms. Ask 100 individuals one of the best caliber for a hid carry gun is and also you’ll get 100 solutions—most likely together with 8.5 Mars, .455 Webley and another oddballs. The subject is so divisive friendships have been misplaced and gun boards burned to the bottom arguing what’s prime canine. Presently, the preferred hid carry calibers are:
- .380 ACP
- .38 Particular
- 9mm
- .40 S&W
- .45 ACP
- 10mm
- .357 Magnum
So, which one is true? The soiled secret is, all of them.
Given ammunition developments over the previous 20 years, significantly bullet design, each one of many cartridges can save your life. The rub is, a few of the smaller and decrease velocity choices—.380 ACP and .38 Particular, we’re you—require extra homework to search out acceptable self-defense masses. The large boys—10mm and .357 Magnum—require extra talent to wield successfully. Don’t let both issue flip you off any of these if the actual hid carry gun that matches you is chambered thusly. Simply count on to spend extra time making them work.

That leaves us with 9mm, .40 S&W and .45 ACP. These are the preferred self-defense calibers available on the market. Once more, we will’t select for you, solely level out every that’s an efficient choice, able to neutralizing a menace and are extensively accessible. You want to discover what you shoot greatest and that is available in a make/mannequin that matches your life-style. A variety that rents weapons is invaluable for puzzling this out. Take every for a spin before you purchase!
What a couple of .22 LR and different small fries? Whereas inadvisable for many armed residents, if that’s all you will get or successfully shoot, it’s higher than nothing.
2024 Picks for Hid Carry Weapons
20 of one of the best hid carry weapons to depend upon:
Smith & Wesson CSX

Within the modern-day, there are treasured few hammer weapons that make the hid carry reduce. Primarily as a result of the striker-fired choices have sucked the air from out of the room, but additionally as a result of hammer weapons by and enormous flirt with boat anchor standing. Not the Smith & Wesson CSX. Launched in 2022 to comparatively muted fanfare, the trim little 9mm is tailor-made completely to EDC providing a novel and dependable defensive system.
Harking back to the corporate’s M&P striker weapons, the CSX has a really acquainted really feel—all the best way right down to a equally textured backstrap. Nevertheless, the gun shuns polymer, as an alternative, using a sturdy aluminum alloy for the body tending to go away a extra substantial impression within the hand. This isn’t a whole trick of the thoughts, given the pistol is hefty for a micro-compact—weighing in at 19.5 ounces unloaded. Regardless of this, the single-action is nimble as ever in presentation, goal acquisition advert goal transition.
As anticipated from a single-action, the set off is snappy as ever, enhanced by a flat-faced shoe. Although, the very fact it requires a thumb security to hold it loaded would possibly depart many chilly, after many years of acclimation to pistols sans a handbook security. A minimum of Smith & Wesson has opted for an ambidextrous change. Just a few different good touches are the EZ tab on the rear to assist cocking, a cushty 18-degree rake to the grip and glare-reduction serrations atop the slide. It’s on the sunshine aspect for capability for its class, transport with 12- and 10-round magazines. However for a lot of, that’s greater than sufficient for a hid carry gun. MSRP: $609
Springfield Hellcat

As identified beneath, the Sig P365 is a game-changer. The Springfield Hellcat is proof. Quicky embracing the micro-compact idea, the Illinois concern cooked up a direct competitor to the favored Sig. And in lots of respects produced a hid carry gun choice that runs neck and neck with the unique.
No bigger than a compact .380 ACP, the striker-fired is among the many smallest 9mm choices accessible in the present day. By the tape, it measures in at 1-inch in width, 6-inches in size and weighs in at 18-ounce. Fairly dang concealable and straightforward to hold by anybody’s requirements. On the identical tick, the Hellcat provides all the pieces you’d count on out of a a lot bigger hid carry pistol—particularly capability. Out of the field, the 3-inch barreled pistol boasts extra firepower than almost something in its class, transport with an 11-round journal. Spend money on a 13-round extended-capacity journal, effectively people, you’ll holster an iron flirting with a full-sized pistol’s capability.
Outfitted with adaptive grip texturing, the Hellcat provides a constructive grip while you want it, but the power to reposition your hand when it’s essential to. A flat-faced set off mixed with a featherweight break and brief reset ups the pistol’s accuracy resume, in addition to permits it to run when wanted. Breaking from the heard, Springfield opted for a barely new sighting system, jettisoning the normal three-dot sights for a U-notch. Comparable in idea, the execution differs in that shooters place the fiber-optic entrance pipe within the white outlined U-notch. A quick and intuitive system, few will miss the outdated method of constructing a sight image. Moreover, the OSP mannequin provides a slide reduce for mounting optics, if a crimson dot is extra your cup of tea.
Maybe better of all, the Hellcat is available in as some of the inexpensive choices in its class. In flip, it offers little excuse for not going small for every-day carry. MSRP: $633
S&W M&P Protect EZ in 9mm

Sure, He-Man sorts will scoff on the concept of a slide that takes lower than a metric ton of pressure to rack, however the idea is rock stable. Why muscle these with weaker hand energy—attributable to age, infirmity or different components—right into a much less fascinating hid carry gun? Smith & Wesson sees it this manner and has expanded its easy-to-manipulate line of pistols with the M&P 9 Protect EZ M2.0.
A hammer-fired pistol, the 9mm requires a lot lighter springs than the striker-fired choices that presently dominate the market. In flip, this implies much less resistance to work the slide, thus opening up polymer pistols to a a lot higher swath of the taking pictures world. Smith & Wesson didn’t cease at springs with the Protect EZ, incorporating a number of different options to reinforce operation of the pistol, equivalent to aggressive cocking serrations fore and aft and a flared part on the rear of the slide for a greater grip. It’s additionally right-sized for carry, with a 3.575-inch barrel and weighs in at a manageable 23 ounces unloaded.
The one knock, a minimum of for some, the 9 Protect EZ is a single stack with 8+1 capability. Nonetheless, it ought to show greater than sufficient for many defensive conditions. MSRP: $521
Walther CCP M2 .380 ACP

If the easy-to-manipulate idea appeals to you, however Smith & Wesson isn’t your factor, don’t fear there are different choices. Walther, for one, has devoted itself to the thought of a hid carry dgun accessible to the lots. The CCP M2 is the outcome.
A veritable engineering marvel, the .380 ACP makes use of what Walther calls Softcoil gas-delayed blowback know-how. Basically, it’s a gas-piston system that aids within the biking of the gun and requires a a lot lighter return spring—thus a way more pleasant slide during which to work.
Following the identical traces as the unique 9mm model of the pistol, the 8+1 capability gun has a wealth of comfort engineered into it. Chief amongst these is toolless disassembly. And the three.54-inch barreled single stack is sized completely for comfy carry, at 20 ounces in weight and 1.18-inches in width. MSRP: $469
Mossberg MC2c

Comfort and capability—it looks like a endless tug-of-war for hid carry weapons. Go for one and also you usually drastically have an effect on the opposite. Aiming to deal with simply this, Mossberg may need hit the candy spot with a welcome development of its MC line of pistols.
Minted the MC2c, the double-stack pistol vastly improves on the unique MC1sc’s capability, whereas conserving proportions almost the identical. Holding 13+1 rounds with its flush-fit journal (15+1 prolonged magazine), the pistol doubles the firepower of the single-stack 9mm. On the identical tick, its barrel-length and peak are solely fractions of an inch higher than its older brother. Fairly a feat, one Mossberg pulled off by turning to metal magazines for extra structural help.
As tidy as the unique, the MC2c additionally boasts the identical prime options, equivalent to flat-faced set off, outsized set off guard and easy takedown. MSRP: $556
Stoeger STR-9 Compact

Let’s be trustworthy right here, there’s not rather a lot authentic with the STR-9. Yeah, it has a reasonably distinctive slide with aggressive cocking serrations, however get underneath the hood and it’s primarily a Glock clone. Practically a useless ringer at that. Although, it’s one which is available in at a fraction of the value and provides almost an identical efficiency.
For this, we should always all rejoice Stoeger has prolonged the road of 9mm striker-fired pistols with the STR-9 Compact. Proper-sized for hid carry, the double-stack pistol is perhaps among the many greatest values available on the market in the present day. Interchangeable backstraps, snappy set off, nice reset, it has all the pieces you’d need out of a severe defensive piece.
After all, it tends to the bigger aspect of hid carry weapons weighing in at 24 ounces. However with 10+1 rounds of 9mm on faucet (13+1 prolonged magazine), the double-stack is effectively value the additional burden. MSRP: $329
Ruger LCRx 3-Inch

Ruger launched the LCRx 3-inch to its line-up a 12 months in the past, however the revolver greater than deserves its place on this hid carry handgun listing. All in all, it is perhaps one of many prime on a regular basis carry wheelguns on the market.
What offers the gun its chops is its 3-inch barrel. Simply off the efficiency of a 6-inch barreled .357, the LCRx packs far more of a wallop than equally chambered snubbies. Briefly, it’s obtained the products to get the job completed. On the identical tick, it’s nonetheless a compact revolver and lots simple to hide even within the lightest garb. Possibly it gained’t experience within the small of the again or on the ankle like a snub nostril, outdoors of that the 5-round revolver cuts a slimmer line than most the rest. The one areas of fear are the adjustable goal rear sight and hammer. Nevertheless, Ruger has made these minimal and general these options ought to trigger little concern of snagging on a draw. MSRP: $859
FN 509 Midsize

Cooked up for the U.S. Army’s Modular Handgun competitors, the 509 has an unimpeachable resume. Whereas the Compact mannequin definitely is available in a smaller package deal, the Midsize provides a higher accuracy potential thanks to some key variations. Boasting a 4-inch barrel, the 9mm has a higher sight radius making it simpler to maintain a sight image regular. Moreover, an extended grip, thus divers the shooter extra management over the gun.
So far as its capability as a hid carry gun? Don’t let the 509’s dimensions idiot you; it is perhaps a smidgen bigger, however conducive to staying underneath wraps. At 26.5 ounces unloaded, it additionally gained’t weigh you down. Distinctive 15+1 capability and intuitive controls, the shooters get duty-pistol capability in a really concealable package deal. MSRP: $754
Heckler & Koch VP9SK

Nope, no hammer right here. Type of loopy with a Hecker & Koch pistol, however the gunmaker’s trendy striker-fired VP9 greater than proves it is aware of a couple of tune. As to the VP9SK, it’s the shrunk-down model, providing all of the overengineering of the unique, in a dimension excellent for tucking alongside your waistline. You seldom hear a disparaging phrase from somebody who’s been behind the set off.
Like most of HK’s wares, the ergonomics are effectively thought out on the 9mm, with exchangeable backstraps conforming to just about any hand dimension. A big set off guard offers quick entry to the set off, even with gloved fingers, and wings behind the slide make manipulation a snap. And the set off itself—{{chef’s kiss}}—is unassailable, the most effective you’ll discover out of the field. MSRP: $869
Wilson EDC X9

Crème de la crème … on the subject of hid carry weapons, you’ve obtained it proper right here. Admittedly, a steep price ticket will scare many people off. However for those who’re unwilling to compromise on security the Wilson Fight all-metal masterpiece proves a worthwhile funding.
Basically a shrunk-down 1911-Hello Energy hybrid, the X9 has constructed a popularity for its reliability—pull the set off, count on it to go bang! The 9mm does have extra heft than many hid carry choices, nevertheless, this can be a profit when operating the gun quick. It soaks up recoil whereas sustaining accuracy. As to capability, it comes with two 18-round magazines and two 15-round mags and an elective magwell. MSRP: $3,210
Glock 48

Now, there’s no denying each members of Glock’s slimline sequence—the Glock 43X and 48—are top-notch hid carry weapons. But there’s one thing to be stated about going for the marginally bigger mannequin. They each have the identical peak and solely 2-ounces separate them in weight, however the G48 has an extended barrel, which on the subject of regular sight—thus accuracy—makes an enormous distinction. This particularly goes for brand new shooters.
The ten+1, single-stack 9mm is among the many most comfy pistols to hold, due to its very svelte width. This additionally typically makes it simple for most individuals to get a deal with on the gun, thus management it higher. Moreover, like all Glocks, it’s dependable and correct, to the purpose of being mundane. Yeah, there’s the grip rake—a bone of rivalry for some. However general, there’s a cause why so many in legislation enforcement officers, navy personnel and armed citizen belief their lives to the Austrian pistol. MSRP: $538
Heckler & Koch USP Compact .45

Compact .45 ACP pistols aren’t the simplest to drag off, however H&Ok does it eloquently with the USP. The HK USP Compact is a small body pistol able to firing probably the most highly effective cartridges in 9 mm, .40 S&W, .45 ACP. Based mostly on the full-size USP fashions, these helpful pistols mix compact dimension with optimum efficient taking pictures efficiency.
Regardless of being a hair taller than some hid carry weapons, the usstill suits this invoice. A light-weight polymer body qualifies it for every-day carry, as does its reliability. Capability is just a little underwhelming at 10+1, however that’s to be anticipated with a compact .45. Opted for H&Ok’s LEM (Legislation Enforcement Modified) Set off for those who go the USP. A modified DA/SA system, it provides an exceptionally mild and clear break after the primary shot. MSRP: $1,149
Sig Sauer P365

The pistol that modified the face of hid carry? It’s not an excessive amount of of a stretch. The Sig P365 has confirmed among the many most monumental handguns to hit the market in a spell, serving up what many take into account the proper on-person self-defense package deal. {That a} tall boast, however one the demure 9mm greater than fulfills.
Above all, what makes the P365 such a spectacular heater is dimension. The three.1-inch barreled pistol is a mere 1-inch in width and suggestions the scales at a scant 17 ounces or so, creating some of the concealable and easy-to-carry pistols on the market. Positive sufficient, there are smaller handguns, however in almost each case they’re a compromise in energy or capability. Not so with the P365. Delivery with two 10-round magazines, the mighty mite has a payload an identical to many compact fashions that are available almost twice its dimension. Not sufficient on faucet? Merely solved, given there are 12- and 13-round prolonged magazines accessible to enhance your firepower.
Taking pictures-wise, the micro-compact shocks for a pistol its dimension. An abbreviated sight radius offers a problem for these unfamiliar with the touchiness of small weapons, but Sig arms shooters with the instruments to maintain it regular. Along with aggressive grip texturing, the striker-fired’s exceptionally mild set off ups the gun’s accuracy potential. Besides, the 9mm can also be fairly simple to control—an typically missed asset. All in all, Sig cooked up a gun that could be a true game-changer. MSRP: $499.99
Bond BullPup 9

You need area of interest? Right here’s area of interest. Texas-based Bond Arms is lengthy identified for its Derringer-style and different micro pistols, taking pleasure of their dedication to complete USA-made manufacturing of small, highly effective private safety weapons. Formally launched in late 2018, the Bond BullPup9 appears to hit its stride.
Chambered (clearly) in 9mm, the BullPup9 is an eye-catcher with its ultra-short barrel and muzzle that sits flush with the entrance of the set off guard and Bond’s signature rosewood grips including a bit of favor to the general look. At simply over 5 inches complete size, the three.35-inch barrel posed a novel problem to the designers: learn how to feed the ammunition when the chamber sat instantly above the journal.
In most semi-autos, in fact, the ammunition is pushed ahead into the chamber because the slide cycles. Not so with the BullPup9: As a substitute, attributable to its distinctive design, rounds are pulled from the journal from behind, lifted even with the chamber after which shoved into the barrel.
Whereas most ammunition will work with the BullPup9, Bond Arms acknowledges that uncrimped ammo, equivalent to rounds made by Blazer, threat being pulled aside within the journal, because the pull pressure within the chambering mechanism can yank the casing and bullet aside, spilling gun powder into the journal and inflicting a malfunction. Up to now in testing, Bond has discovered no different ammunition that causes this downside persistently. In the event you’re a Blazer ammo fan, this isn’t the gun for you. For everybody else, you’ll be simply positive.
The 7+1 capability, double-action-only BullPup9 comes with two magazines and is made in very restricted manufacturing – solely 150 per thirty days. MSRP: $1,099
Walther PPK

You already thought it, however I’ll say it: Bond, James Bond. Sure, it’s that gun — the legend of the silver display screen. Now, earlier than you go off all half-cocked (look that one up for an attention-grabbing historical past of a cliché), we all know this isn’t a model new gun. Actually, it’s a quite outdated design, first launched in 1930. Nevertheless it has been redone for 2019 whereas hanging on to the heritage that made it well-known.
Whereas the gun has a little bit of a checkered previous (Hitler offed himself in his underground bunker with a .32 caliber model), it’s most recognizable for its stainless-steel body flashing within the limelight within the fingers of 1 007. The reborn model, absent from Walther’s arsenal since 1992, is chambered in .380 ACP to carry a bit extra ammo than the 9mm model. With a gun this small, that further spherical could make a distinction. Plus, in the present day’s .380 cartridges are extra highly effective than in years passed by, so that you’re not likely sacrificing a lot with the marginally smaller spherical.
All of the controls are right-handed, as is custom in older fashions, each authentic and redone. The journal is a scant 6+1. Nevertheless, for one further spherical, choose up the game (PPK/S) model that contains a barely longer grip with a 7+1 journal and single shade black end.
Manufacturing of this venerable weapon has moved from Germany to Walther’s US headquarters in Fort Smith, Arkansas, making this a really American-made gem. MSRP: $849
Kimber EVO SP

Lengthy identified for his or her hammer-fired semi-autos, Kimber is bringing out their first ever striker providing within the new EVO SP, chambered in 9mm. Obtainable in 4 completely different finishes — from two-tone to customized — the EVO SP provides a ton of options in a light-weight, compact package deal. The body is aluminum with a stainless slide completed in FNC black. Every variation provides a special grip texturing that feels and appears distinctive to the chosen fashion. Talking of favor — the place it meets perform — all 4 variations embody changeable backstraps.
Goal acquisition is made simpler via tritium evening websites, customary on all 4 variations, and placing rounds down the three.16-in barrel onto that easily-acquired goal comes via a 6-7 pound set off with built-in security.
One of many smaller magazines available on the market, the EVO SP holds 6+1, a surprisingly low variety of rounds in in the present day’s trade race to stuff as many bullets as attainable into compact and subcompact semi-autos. MSRP: $638 to $965
Arm Yourself With More Concealed Carry Knowledge
Glock 43

With an unloaded weight of lower than 18 ounces and a small profile, the Glock 43 is slim, mild and permits comfy every day hid carry — three hundred and sixty five days a 12 months. It has good sights and is straightforward to function. The 9mm caliber is an inexpensive stopper, and even those that don’t like Glocks gained’t argue with the reliability of a Glock. The Glock 43 is straightforward to study to shoot and carries sufficient ammunition within the equipped journal, and bigger magazines can be found. MSRP: $538
Kahr CM9

Lighter guns are more pleasant to carry, and the Kahr CM9 is both reliable and easy to concealed carry at just 14 ounces. It’s smaller than the above 9mms and packs a lot of punch with a six-plus-one capacity. It uses a long-stroke trigger system that feels like a light double action, but it lacks second-strike capability. The trigger is different than other striker-fired pistols, but it works really well for some people. Recoil is greater than heavier guns and not for the meek of heart, but it’s manageable with some practice. For those who just have to have more horsepower, it’s available in .40 S&W and .45 ACP with a bit more weight. MSRP: $528
Read More: Kahr CM9 Full Review
Ruger LCP II

Sometimes you just have to go small, and of the little guns, the Ruger LCP II is a winner. The LCP II corrected all the shortcomings of the very successful LCP by improving the sights, converting to a striker-fired-type trigger and providing slide lock on the last round. The beauty of the LCP II is its diminutive size and weight. If you can’t hide this gun, you can’t hide a gun. Yes, it’s just a .380, but modern, defensive .380 ammunition is better than the 158-grain round-nosed .38 Special loads that were once the standard for law enforcement. Another advantage is how easy it is to cycle the slide, which can be a big issue for older people and women with low hand strength. The LCP II is also quite affordable. MSRP: $419
Read More: Ruger LCP II Full Review
Smith and Wesson 340 PD

The Smith and Wesson 340 PD wasn’t on the website for a few years, but now it’s back and it’s the ultimate Noisy Cricket. Like the explosively powered gun Will Smith fired in Men in Black, the 340 PD packs a serious punch at both ends. True, the 2-inch barrel degrades the performance of the .357 Magnum caliber, but even from a short barrel, it’s on par with a 9mm with a 5-inch barrel. At less than 12 ounces, it’s almost as light as the diminutive LCP II, though it does have a thicker profile. Lighter weight and power come at a price — $1,019 to be exact — and it’s not an easy gun to shoot because of brutal recoil. If you think it’s a bit much, there’s always the S&W 442 in .38 Special at just less than 15 ounces. MSRP: $1,139
Updates were contributed by David Workman and Elwood Shelton.
Editor’s Note: This article is updated regularly, but originally appeared in the Winter 2017 issue of Gun Digest the Magazine.

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