Top 20 Most Popular Concealed Carry Firearms: 2015 Edition

So many great choices are out there for the concealed carrier!  We fought, argued, debated, and cussed but finally we narrowed it down to 20 concealed carry firearms that make the honor roll!

We are pleased to present the 2015 Edition of the Top 20 Most Popular Concealed Carry Firearms!

If you find yours notably absent, it’s because we’re human.  But you should let us know why yours should be included in the comments below!

And these are in no particular ranking order – simply 20 of the most popular concealed carry handguns we’ve run across.

Glock 26/27 aka “Baby Glock”

Released in 1994, the Glock 26 has become the most highly sought after concealed carry firearm on the market.  In a pinch, it can accept larger Glock magazines and it can be altered easily to allow for right-handed/left-handed operators.

Did you know?  In the television series, Law & Order: Los Angeles, Episode 15 featured a murder weapon that alternated between a Glock 19, Glock 17, and a Glock 26 throughout the episode (source: IMDb).

Specs: Glock 26 Gen 4 [link] Glock 27 Gen 4 [link]
Caliber: 9mm / .40 S&W
Magazine Capacity: 10+1 / 9+1 (Standard)
MSRP: $599

Smith & Wesson M&P Shield 9mm / M&P .40 S&W

We’ve reviewed this firearm extensively in a prior article you can find here.  Our opinion?  It’s a good, reliable and cheap single stack concealed carry pistol.  Chambered in either 9mm or .40 S&W, people have largely taken to it like a duck to water.

Did You Know?  Agent Coulson from Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. actually carries an M&P Shield. (source: IMDb)

Specs: Smith & Wesson M&P Shield 9mm [link] .40 S&W [link]
Caliber: 9mm / .40 S&W
Magazine Capacity: 7+1 (Standard) / 6+1 (Standard)
MSRP: $449

Sig Sauer P220/Sig P250

The P220 Carry is a much more concealable version of the famous Sig Sauer P220.  All the capabilities of an SA/DA full-size combat pistol packaged perfectly for the concealed carrier.  Added bonus?  It’s chambered in .45 ACP.  The big alternative (though not the only one) is the Sig Sauer P250.  Chambered in 9mm, it provides DAO operation perfect for fast reaction times.

Did You Know?  Sig Sauer was first featured in cinema in Rambo: First Blood Part II (1985; source – IMDb).

Specs: P220 Carry [link] P250 [link]
Caliber: .45 ACP / 9mm
Magazine Capacity: 8+1 (.45 ACP) / 15+1 (9mm)
MSRP: $1,015 /

Ruger LCP Pistol

The Ruger Lightweight Carry Pistol was designed from the ground up to be an extremely reliable sub-compact centerfire pistol.  At the price point that the base model is available at – it’s accessible to anyone in the market for a good, concealable pistol.

Specs: Ruger LCP 3701 [link]
Caliber: .380 Auto
Magazine Capacity: 6+1
MSRP: $389

Kahr CM9/PM9

A Kahr CM9 can fit nearly anywhere on the concealed carrier.  It truly is built for everyday carry.  While the PM9 features some largely aesthetic improvements over the CM9, the Kahr CM9093 is truly a fine, well put-together DAO pistol with an overall length of less than 5.5″.

Specs: CM9093 3″ Barrel [link] PM9093A 3.1″ Barrel
Caliber: 9mm
Magazine Capacity: 6+1 (standard)
MSRP: $460 / $810

Beretta PX4 Storm – Sub-Compact

It sort of looks like that gun Harrison Ford’s character carried in Bladerunner.  Well, Beretta is bringing geek sci-fi to a whole new level with the Px4 Storm Compact.  Its modular design allows the user to configure the pistol to suit his carry style best.  Best of all, it’s one of the few pistols that can be chambered in .40 S&W and actually perform well with it.

Did You Know?  In Live Free or Die Hard (2007), McClane ditches his iconic Beretta 92 for the Px4 Storm.

Specs: Px4 Storm Compact Type F [link]
Caliber: 9mm / .40 S&W
Magazine Capacity: 15 (9mm) / 12 (.40 S&W)
MSRP: $599

Ruger LCR Double-Action Revolver

Equipped standard with either five rounds of .38 Special, .357 Magnum, or even 9x19mm Luger, this double-action revolver is ideal for single hand grip.  Whether it’s an everyday carry or an emergency back-up – this revolver was designed for precision, reliability, and force.

Specs: Ruger LCR Double-Action Revolver [link]
Caliber: 38 Spc +P (available in .357 Magnum and 9mm Luger)
Magazine Capacity: 5
MSRP: $545 (Base model, .38 Spc +P)