Concealed carry has grown exponentially since Florida passed the first “shall-issue” carry law in the country in 1987. “Shall-issue” means that unless the government can find some reason to disqualify an applicant, his/her permit will be approved. As a result, the applicant could carry handguns for self-defense in that state and any other that offers carry reciprocity.

Understanding Concealed Carry Handguns

Over the last decade, the constitutional carry (or “permitless” carry) movement has swept the nation. Now, residents in more than half the states in the nation—29, to be exact—can carry a concealed firearm for self-defense in their states without having to apply for a permit or pay a fee to practice that constitutionally protected right.

Before you decide to carry a firearm for self-defense, make sure you know the laws in your state. That’s just part of responsible gun ownership, and a little web searching will give you the information you need.

At the beginning of the concealed carry movement, gun manufacturers began making guns smaller, thus more easily concealed. Small revolvers and “subcompact” semi-automatic pistols can be fine carry guns for those who familiarize themselves with them and know how to shoot them safely and accurately.

Anti-gun advocates tell anyone who will listen that carrying a firearm for self-defense is both dangerous and ineffective. However, the evidence tells just the opposite story. Americans save their own lives and those of their families many times each day, despite what the so-called “mainstream” media claims.

Things You Should Know

Sure, there’s a lot to know and a fairly steep learning curve for new gun owners. But that’s something you can overcome.

First, it’s imperative to become intimately familiar with your firearm, all of its mechanisms, and how to handle it safely. Being able to shoot your gun accurately is also equally important.

Don’t just buy a gun and a holster, load it up, strap it on, and head to your next appointment. The best way to get good at these things is to find a good course with a qualified instructor who can make your learning curve much less steep.

There is also more to concealed carry equipment than just your gun of choice. A good holster is equally important as a high-quality firearm. Skimping on a holster because you think it’s no big deal will leave you frustrated.

Find a holster made for your gun that holds the gun securely. The holster needs to be comfortable when worn, or you’ll find yourself leaving your carry gun at home more often than you take it along with you.

There are several different modes of carry and a lot more things to consider when it comes to carry holsters. We’ll be covering that topic more in depth in a later Shooting 101 installment.

Ammo selection is equally important, as the ammunition you use for range work likely isn’t made for self-defense purposes. We’ll also explore that in a future Shooting 101 column.

In the past, good carry guns were limited in the amount of ammunition they could carry—often just six or seven rounds for small, pocket-sized semi-autos. But with recent innovations, many small semi-autos hold 12 or more rounds of 9mm. That’s enough to face just about any threat with confidence.

Popular Carry Handguns

Now, let’s take a quick look at just a couple of the most popular carry guns on the market today.

The Sig Sauer P365 started the very small, high-capacity 9mm semi-auto boom. While the P365 series now includes over 20 different models, the base model is still a go-to for many who carry a concealed firearm. 

At only 5.8 inches long and weighing just 17.8 ounces empty, it is easy to carry concealed and is a very shootable little pistol. It comes with a couple of 10-round magazines. However, an optional 12-rounder allows you to carry 13 rounds, counting the one in the chamber.

Another super-popular and easily concealable semi-auto that has many followers is the Springfield Hellcat. Like the P365, it also has several different models available now. The base Hellcat is only 6 inches long with a 3-inch barrel and weighs only about 18 ounces empty. It also offers an excellent sight picture with a U-dot configuration and Tritium front sight.

The Hellcat boasts an 11+1 capacity, and an included extended mag raises that to 13+1—a big payload for such a small carry gun.

For those more interested in revolvers, the Smith & Wesson 642 has long been a favorite and can be had for a very reasonable price. Built with a superlight alloy frame, it weighs in at only 14.6 ounces empty. With a 1.88-inch barrel and an overall length of 6.31 inches, the cylinder holds five rounds of .38 Special ammo.

Final Thoughts

As with all things firearms, when considering carrying—or practicing concealed carry—remember that safety is always rule number one. A safe gun owner is a happy gun owner, and the same holds true for concealed carry practitioners.