Best Concealed Carry Guns for New Shooters: Must Read

Picking the right concealed carry gun as a new shooter can feel overwhelming. There are many options to consider, from size and weight to caliber and features. The best concealed carry guns for new shooters are typically compact, easy to use, and reliable.

Popular choices include smaller 9mm pistols that balance power and control. These guns often have simple controls and smooth triggers to help beginners shoot accurately. Comfort is key for everyday carry, so lightweight polymer frames are common.

Safety features like manual safeties or longer trigger pulls can give new shooters extra peace of mind. Top concealed carry guns for 2024 include models from trusted brands known for quality and dependability. With some research and hands-on testing, new shooters can find a concealed carry gun that fits their needs and skill level.

Key Takeaways

• Compact 9mm pistols often work well for new concealed carriers
• Comfort, reliability, and ease of use are important factors to consider
• Practice and training are essential for safe and effective concealed carry

Understanding Concealed Carry

Concealed carry involves legally carrying a hidden firearm for personal protection. It requires knowledge of laws, safety practices, and proper training. New shooters need to grasp key aspects before getting started.

Benefits of Concealed Carry for Self-Defense

Concealed carry gives people a way to protect themselves. It can deter criminals who may target unarmed victims. Having a gun allows quick response to threats.

Carrying a hidden gun lets people blend in. This avoids drawing unwanted attention. It also keeps the element of surprise if needed.

Concealed carry guns come in many sizes and styles. This lets users pick one that fits their needs. Small, lightweight guns work well for daily carry.

Legal Considerations and Requirements

Laws on concealed carry vary by state. Most states require a permit. Getting a permit often involves:

• Background checks
• Firearm safety classes
• Shooting tests
• Fingerprinting

Some states have “constitutional carry” laws. These allow carrying without a permit. But users still need to follow other gun laws.

It’s vital to know where carrying is allowed. Many places ban guns, like schools and government buildings. New shooters must learn these rules to avoid legal trouble.

Safety Fundamentals for New Shooters

Safety is the top priority for concealed carry. New shooters should follow these key rules:

1. Treat all guns as if they’re loaded
2. Keep fingers off triggers until ready to shoot
3. Be sure of the target and what’s beyond it

Proper training is essential. Classes teach gun handling, shooting skills, and safety. Regular practice at shooting ranges builds skill and confidence.

Safe storage prevents accidents and theft. Use a locked safe or secure holster. Keep guns away from children and unauthorized users.

Choosing the Right Concealed Carry Gun

Selecting a concealed carry gun involves considering size, type, caliber, and reliability. These factors impact comfort, effectiveness, and ease of use for new shooters.

Evaluating Handgun Size and Comfort

Size and weight are crucial when choosing a concealed carry gun. Smaller guns are easier to hide but can be harder to shoot accurately. Larger guns offer better control but may print through clothing.

New shooters should try different sizes to find the right balance. Subcompact pistols like the Sig P365 or Glock 43 are popular choices. They’re small enough to conceal yet large enough to shoot comfortably.

Grip size also matters. The gun should fit comfortably in hand without fingers hanging off. This helps with recoil control and accuracy.

Revolver or Semi-Automatic Pistol

Both revolvers and semi-automatic pistols have pros and cons for concealed carry.

Revolvers:

• Simple to operate
• Reliable
• Less maintenance
• Limited capacity (usually 5-6 rounds)

Semi-automatic pistols:

• Higher capacity (often 10+ rounds)
• Faster to reload
• More complex operation
• Require more maintenance

For new shooters, revolvers like the Ruger LCR can be a good starting point. They’re straightforward to use under stress. Semi-autos like the Glock 19 offer more rounds and are popular among experienced carriers.

Caliber Selection for Effective Use

Caliber choice affects recoil, capacity, and stopping power. Common concealed carry calibers include:

• .380 ACP: Low recoil, good for small guns
• 9mm: Balanced power and capacity
• .40 S&W: More power, increased recoil
• .45 ACP: Large bullet, slower velocity

9mm is often recommended for new shooters. It offers good power with manageable recoil. Many compact and subcompact guns are available in this caliber.

Shooters should practice with their chosen caliber to ensure they can handle it effectively.

Reliability and Maintenance Considerations

A concealed carry gun must work when needed. Reliability is critical. Choose guns from reputable manufacturers with proven track records.

Regular maintenance is key to reliability. New shooters should learn basic cleaning and care procedures. Some guns require more frequent cleaning than others.

Semi-automatic pistols need more attention to function properly. Revolvers are simpler but still need occasional maintenance.

Test the gun thoroughly before carrying it. Fire at least 200 rounds to ensure reliability. Address any issues before relying on it for self-defense.

Best Concealed Carry Guns for Beginners

New shooters should consider size, caliber, and ease of use when choosing a concealed carry gun. Compact and subcompact pistols offer good balance between concealability and shootability. Revolvers can be simple and reliable options for some beginners.

Compact Pistols

Compact pistols strike a good balance for new concealed carriers. The Ruger Security-9 is an affordable 9mm option with user-friendly features. It has a simple design that’s easy for beginners to operate.

The Glock 19 is another popular compact choice. It has a reputation for reliability and a generous 15-round capacity. The ergonomic grip fits a variety of hand sizes.

Smith & Wesson’s M&P Shield EZ is designed for easy slide manipulation. This makes it a good pick for those with less hand strength. Its grip safety adds an extra layer of security for new carriers.

Subcompact Pistols

Subcompacts offer maximum concealability. The SIG Sauer P365 is a top choice in this category. It packs 10+1 rounds of 9mm into an ultra-compact frame.

The Springfield Armory Hellcat is another strong contender. It offers high capacity in a small package, with 11+1 rounds standard. The optional optics-ready slide allows for easy red dot mounting.

For ultimate pocket-carry, the Ruger LCP Max is worth considering. Chambered in .380 ACP, it’s very easy to conceal but may have more recoil than larger options.

Revolvers

Revolvers can be excellent choices for new shooters. The Ruger LCR is a lightweight option that’s easy to carry. Its hammerless design won’t snag on clothing during draw.

Smith & Wesson J-frame revolvers, like the Model 642, are classic concealed carry guns. They’re simple to operate and reliable. The .38 Special chambering offers decent power in a small package.

For those wanting more power, the Ruger SP101 in .357 Magnum is an option. It’s heavier, which helps absorb recoil. New shooters can start with .38 Special loads and work up to .357 Magnum.

Fundamentals of Effective Concealment

Effective concealment involves choosing the right holster, wearing suitable clothing, and using proper techniques. These elements work together to keep a firearm hidden and secure while allowing quick access if needed.

Holster Types and Selection

Choosing the right holster is key for concealed carry. Inside-the-waistband (IWB) holsters offer good concealment by tucking the gun between the body and pants. Outside-the-waistband (OWB) holsters sit on the belt and may require looser clothing to cover.

Ankle holsters work well for smaller guns but can be slower to draw from. Shoulder holsters hide guns under jackets but may print more visibly.

Kydex and leather are common holster materials. Kydex is rigid and maintains its shape, while leather molds to the body over time. A good holster should cover the trigger guard fully and retain the gun securely.

Clothing Considerations

Loose-fitting clothes help hide the outline of a concealed gun. Button-up shirts, jackets, and sweaters work well to conceal firearms carried on the waistline or torso.

Patterned fabrics can break up the gun’s shape better than solid colors. Dark colors also tend to hide printing more effectively than light shades.

For warm weather, light layers like breathable button-downs over t-shirts provide concealment without overheating. Cargo shorts or pants offer extra pocket space for smaller firearms.

Concealment Techniques

Proper positioning is crucial for concealment. The 4 o’clock position (behind the hip) balances comfort and accessibility for most people. Appendix carry (in front) can work well but may be less comfortable when sitting.

Adjusting posture and movement helps maintain concealment:

• Keep arms relaxed to avoid lifting clothing
• Bend at the knees instead of the waist when picking up objects
• Use the off-hand to open doors or reach for items

Practicing drawing from concealment is important. Start slowly to build muscle memory, then gradually increase speed while maintaining safety and control.

Practice Makes Perfect

Regular training is crucial for new shooters to become proficient with their concealed carry guns. Consistent practice helps develop essential skills and builds confidence for real-world situations.

Dry-Fire Training Exercises

Dry-fire training is a safe and effective way to practice without using live ammunition. New shooters can improve their trigger control, sight alignment, and grip by doing these exercises at home. Set up a dedicated practice area away from distractions.

Start with basic drills like drawing from a holster and aiming at a target. Focus on smooth, consistent movements. Practice proper finger placement on the trigger.

Use snap caps to safely simulate loading and unloading. This helps familiarize shooters with their gun’s mechanics. Incorporate movement drills to mimic real-life scenarios.

Aim for 10-15 minutes of dry-fire practice daily. Consistency is key to developing good habits and muscle memory.

Range Training for Real-World Scenarios

Live-fire training at a range is essential to reinforce skills learned during dry-fire practice. Start with stationary targets at close range. Focus on accuracy before increasing distance or speed.

Practice drawing from concealment and firing quickly. This simulates real-world self-defense situations. Use different target sizes and shapes to improve target acquisition skills.

Incorporate movement into range sessions. Practice shooting while moving forward, backward, and sideways. This builds confidence in dynamic situations.

Train with various lighting conditions. Many self-defense scenarios occur in low light. Use a flashlight while shooting to improve skills in dark environments.

Developing Muscle Memory and Confidence

Consistent practice develops muscle memory, allowing for smoother, more instinctive reactions. Start with slow, deliberate movements to ensure proper form. Gradually increase speed as technique improves.

Practice drawing from different concealed carry positions. This builds familiarity with accessing the gun quickly and safely. Repeat holstering and unholstering drills to reinforce safe handling habits.

Simulate stress by adding time pressure to drills. Use a shot timer to track progress and push for faster, more accurate shots.

Participate in defensive pistol classes or competitions. These provide valuable feedback and expose shooters to new challenges. They also build confidence in handling the gun under pressure.

Additional Resources for New Shooters

New shooters can benefit from various resources to improve their skills and knowledge. These include educational materials, local training courses, and online communities.

Educational Books and Online Materials

Many books and online resources can help new shooters learn about firearm safety and proper techniques. Gun Digest offers articles and guides on concealed carry topics. Popular books include “The Concealed Handgun Manual” by Chris Bird and “The Law of Self Defense” by Andrew Branca.

Free online resources are also available. The NRA’s website provides safety rules and training information. YouTube channels like Hickok45 and Active Self Protection offer instructional videos on gun handling and self-defense scenarios.

For those who prefer structured learning, online courses cover topics from basic firearm safety to advanced shooting techniques. Platforms like Udemy and Coursera offer firearms-related classes.

Local Firearms Training Courses

Hands-on training is crucial for new shooters. Local gun ranges often provide basic pistol courses and concealed carry classes. These courses cover safety, marksmanship, and legal aspects of carrying a firearm.

The NRA’s “Basic Pistol Shooting Course” is a popular option for beginners. It covers firearm safety, shooting fundamentals, and proper gun cleaning. Many states require a training course before issuing a concealed carry permit.

Some ranges offer simulator training, allowing shooters to practice decision-making skills in various scenarios. This can be valuable for those interested in self-defense applications.

Online Communities and Support Groups

Online forums and social media groups can be great resources for new shooters. Websites like TheGunZone offer articles and community discussions. Reddit has several firearm-related subreddits where users share advice and experiences.

Facebook groups focused on concealed carry and firearms training can provide a supportive environment for beginners. These communities often share tips on gear selection, training methods, and local events.

Gun-specific forums like SigTalk or GlockTalk are useful for those seeking detailed information about particular firearms. Here, new shooters can ask questions and learn from experienced owners.

Frequently Asked Questions

New shooters often have questions about choosing and using concealed carry handguns. These questions cover important aspects like features, affordability, and suitability for different body types.