So, you’ve decided to carry concealed. Good for you! Now you just have to find the best CCW gun for your budget.
We know how hard it is to make sense of all the guns out there, let alone know which ones are worth your hard-earned money and which ones will leave you with buyer’s remorse. Luckily, we have some answers for you.
This list contains the best CCW guns under $400. We’ve personally shot all of them, and they’ve earned our stamp of approval. Which of these is right for you? Let’s find out!
THE QUICK LIST
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Best Overall
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Best Value
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Best Micro-Compact
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Best for Large Hands
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Best Subcompact
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Easiest to Conceal
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Best Trigger
Table of Contents
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CCW Guns Under $400 Comparison Chart
| Caliber | Action | Capacity | Barrel Length | Overall Length | Weight | Price | |
| Ruger RXM | 9mm | Semi-automatic, striker fire | 15+1 | 4″ | 7.2″ | 23 oz | $349 |
| PSA Dagger | 9mm | Semi-automatic, striker fire | 15+1 | 3.9″ | 7.2″ | 22 oz | $299 |
| Taurus GX4 | 9mm | Semi-automatic, single action | 11+1 | 3″ | 6.1″ | 19 oz | $239 |
| CZ P-10C | 9mm | Semi-automatic, striker fire | 15+1 | 4″ | 7.3″ | 26 oz | $369 |
| Canik TP9 Elite SC | 9mm | Semi-automatic, striker fire | 12+1, 15+1 | 3.6″ | 6.7″ | 25 oz | $380 |
| Ruger LCP Max | .380 ACP | Semi-automatic, single action | 10+1, 12+1 | 2.8″ | 5.2″ | 11 oz | $333 |
| S&W M&P9 Shield Plus | 9mm | Semi-automatic, striker fire | 10+1, 13+1 | 3.1″ | 6.1″ | 18 oz | $399 |
How We Tested the Best CCW Guns Under $400
Input into this article came from the PPT editorial team and our writers. Together, we have a combined shooting experience of 30+ years, including instruction, competition, and multiple shooting disciplines.
We’ve spent countless hours researching, analyzing, and testing guns to determine which is the best when it comes to features, reliability, ergonomics, and bang for your buck.
All of our picks have spent hands-on time at the range with one of our staff, shooting at 3, 5, and 7 yards, and have seen a minimum of 500 rounds through them (but most likely thousands).
We had to make some tough calls. If you don’t see your favorite budget blaster on here, it doesn’t mean we hate it; it just means we couldn’t include it this time. So let us know in the comments and stay tuned!
Best Concealed Carry Guns Under $400
1. Ruger RXM – Best Overall
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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Pros
- Reliable
- Upgraded features
- Modular Design
- Direct-mount optics
Cons
- Glock trigger
Specs:
- Caliber: 9mm
- Action: Semi-automatic, striker fire
- Capacity: 15+1
- Barrel Length: 4″
- Overall Length: 7.2″
- Weight: 23 oz
Glock clones are nothing new, but the Ruger RXM adds a few twists that bump it to the top of our list.
Like the Glock 19 it’s based on, this pistol is small enough to conceal comfortably but large enough to shoot accurately and quickly. It’s been nothing but reliable in our testing.
Unlike the Glock 19 (and its clone army), the RXM comes from the factory with a tritium front sight, a flared magazine well, a modular trigger group, and a slide that’s milled so you can mount an RMSc-footprint optic without an adapter plate.
The trigger feels like any Glock trigger (not terrible, not great). It’s nothing fancy but plenty of people shoot these guns very well.
Get the full scoop in our Ruger RXM review!
2. Palmetto State Armory Dagger Compact – Best Value
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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Pros
- Enjoy the Glock aftermarket
- Good ergonomics
- Lots of variations to choose from
- Affordable
Cons
- Sells out quickly
Specs:
- Caliber: 9mm
- Action: Semi-automatic, striker fire
- Capacity: 15+1
- Barrel Length: 3.9″
- Overall Length: 7.2″
- Weight: 22 oz
So you want Glock aftermarket support without having to shell out the money for an actual Glock? The Palmetto State Armory Dagger Compact is here to save the day.
The Dagger operates just like a Glock 19 but with an improved grip angle and texture.
Reliability is solid with quality magazines. Since it’s a near-direct clone, most Glock Gen 3 aftermarket parts will fit the Dagger. Save money now and upgrade later if you want to!
You can get into models that are optic-ready or have threaded barrels for less than $400, and the base model costs less than $300.
Take a peek at our complete PSA Dagger review!
3. Taurus GX4 – Best Micro-Compact
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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Pros
- Good grip texture
- Comes with Mec-Gar magazines
- Good size for an 11-round pistol
Cons
- Not great for people with large hands
Specs:
- Caliber: 9mm
- Action: Semi-automatic, single action
- Capacity: 11+1
- Barrel Length: 3″
- Overall Length: 6.1″
- Weight: 19 oz
Micro-compact pistols are all the rage right now, and the Taurus GX4 is one of the best for shooters on a budget.
The GX4 falls right in line with competitors like the Sig Sauer P365 and Springfield Armory Hellcat — except the Taurus costs less than $250.
This pistol features a three-inch barrel, one-inch width, and a weight of just under 19 ounces. And it still holds 11 rounds in the magazine!
The 5.5-pound trigger is a tad heavier than some of the competition. We can live with that because it hits a well-defined wall and breaks cleanly and predictably.
These guns are reliable, accurate, comfortable, concealable, and affordable. That’s a tough combination to beat. If you are looking to get into the micro-compact game on a budget, the GX4 is a clear winner.
Check out our Taurus GX4 review for more!
4. CZ P-10 C – Best for Large Hands
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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Pros
- Superb ergonomics
- 15-round magazines
- Easy to shoot well
Cons
- Minimal aftermarket support
Specs:
- Caliber: 9mm
- Action: Semi-automatic, striker fire
- Capacity: 15+1
- Barrel Length: 4″
- Overall Length: 7.3″
- Weight: 26 oz
The CZ P-10 C is arguably the best value in compact handguns right now.
This striker-fired pistol is right around the size of a Glock 19, meaning it can cover everything from duty to home defense to concealed carry roles well.
You’ll get superb ergonomics with extremely aggressive grip texturing, chunky slide serrations, and a trigger that’s better than most striker-fire pistols by a notable margin. Other perks include metal sights and metal 15-round magazines .
The accuracy and reliability of the P-10 C are outstanding. This pistol shoots flat and fast.
While CZ’s aftermarket support isn’t as big as you’ll get with some manufacturers, I strongly feel that the CZ P-10 C is a better-than-average gun out of the box.
Want to know more? We got you covered with a full CZ P-10 C review!
5. Canik TP9 Elite SC – Best Subcompact
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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Pros
- Excellent trigger
- Accurate
- Good value
- Optic-ready
Cons
- Wider than subcompacts
- High bore axis
Specs:
- Caliber: 9mm
- Action: Semi-automatic, striker fire
- Capacity: 12+1, 15+1
- Barrel Length: 3.6″
- Overall Length: 6.7″
- Weight: 25 oz
The Canik TP9 Elite SC is a true subcompact gun, not a micro-compact. This means it is a bit wider, but that isn’t necessarily a bad thing.
The extra chunkiness makes the TP9 Elite SC easier to hold onto and increases recoil control. If you find micro-compacts difficult to shoot accurately (which is very normal), this might be the ticket.
Another benefit is the ability to accept the full-sized magazines of the larger Canik models.
Even with a hefty width of 1.45 inches, the TP9 Elite SC is still concealable thanks to a 3.6-inch barrel. The standard capacity is 12 rounds, and a 15-round extended magazine is included.
The slide is cut for the Shield RMSc optic footprint and the frame has an accessory rail where you can mount a light.
What really sets this gun apart from its peers is its trigger, which breaks crisply around 3.5 pounds and has a short, tactile reset.
Check out our Canik TP9 Elite SC review to see why we love this gun so much!
6. Ruger LCP Max – Easiest to Conceal
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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Pros
- Super light
- Decent capacity
- Tritium front sight
Cons
- Snappy
- Disassembly requires tools
Specs:
- Caliber: .380 ACP
- Action: Semi-automatic, single action
- Capacity: 10+1, 12+1
- Barrel Length: 2.8″
- Overall Length: 5.2″
- Weight: 11 oz
If you want something light and slim that doesn’t skimp on capacity, take a look at the Ruger LCP Max.
The LCP Max checks in at a featherweight 10.6 ounces and measures just 0.8 inches wide, but it still manages to pack 10 rounds of .380 ACP in a flush-fit magazine.
A tritium front sight and blacked-out rear sight offer a surprisingly good sight picture, especially for the price.
So what’s the rub? It can be a bit rough to shoot. The thin profile and lack of weight make the LCP Max pretty snappy.
The trigger is mediocre at best, but the gun is surprisingly accurate for how small it is.
Our test gun also needed a 200-round break-in period before it ran flawlessly.
If you are willing to deal with snappy recoil and a short break-in, you end up with one of the most concealable guns on the market.
Read the boss’s full Ruger LCP Max review for more hands-on info!
7. Smith & Wesson M&P 9 Shield Plus – Best Trigger
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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Pros
- Great trigger
- Decent capacity for its size
- Good grip texture
- Reliable
Cons
- Snappy
- Challenging to field strip
- A little small for large hands
Specs:
- Caliber: 9mm
- Action: Semi-automatic, striker fire
- Capacity: 10+1, 13+1
- Barrel Length: 3.1″
- Overall Length: 6.1″
- Weight: 18 oz
The Smith & Wesson M&P9 Shield Plus is the heir to the the M&P Shield that revolutionized the CCW market back in the day.
Smith & Wesson improved on the original design with improved magazines that increase the capacity of the Shield to 10+1 with flush magazines or 13+1 with extended magazines.
A better trigger and aggressive grip texture are other improvements over the original Shield.
Another bonus is that the M&P9 Shield Plus uses the same holsters as the original Shield, so options are plentiful.
Interested in the Shield Plus? Check out our S&W M&P9 Shield Plus review!
How to Pick the Best CCW Gun Under $400
You don’t have to spend a lot of money to get a quality concealed carry gun. Better yet, there are lots of options to suit your needs!
Deciding which one of these is best for you depends on personal preferences. Do you want your carry gun to be as small as possible? What kind of capacity are you looking for? Will you be mounting an optic or shopping for upgrades?
Regardless of how you answer those questions, there’s something here for you. Don’t be shy about digging into our full reviews for all the nitty-gritty details.
Next, think about adding a concealed carry holster, belt, and clothing to keep you carry as comfortably and effectively as possible.
Why Trust Pew Pew Tactical
This article comes to you from Pew Pew Tactical founder and CEO Eric Hung. Eric is an NRA-certified pistol instructor and a USPSA, 3-Gun, and NRL22 competitor. He has also researched and written more than 250 articles on firearms and gear. He brings this expertise to this article, offering his perspective on CCW guns that everyone can afford.
Editing and adding to this article is editor Wyatt Sloan. Wyatt is an NRA-certified instructor with previous experience as a USPSA competitor. Wyatt personally owns over 200 firearms and has 10 years of home-based FFL firearm sales. He has used his extensive experience with firearms at large to test guns for Pew Pew Tactical, evaluating them based on our standards and metrics.
Editor Scott Murdock also chipped with some updates. Scott is a Marine Corps veteran who competed and qualified as a rifle and pistol expert while in service. In addition to shooting, Scott has written for a variety of publications, testing, researching, and evaluating guns and gear. He brings that knowledge and skillset to this article, editing and fact-checking for accuracy.
Editor-in-Chief Jacki Billings runs our experienced team of reviewers and fact-checked this article. She is a National Rifle Association Basic Pistol Instructor as well as a member of the Society of Professional Journalists, ACES: Society for Editing, and the Professional Outdoor Media Association. Jacki has a bachelor’s degree in journalism and has worked as a media professional for close to 20 years, specializing in gun media for almost 10 years. With 2,000+ articles to her name, she uses her professional journalism and editing experience to set testing protocols and editorial standards for Pew Pew Tactical.
Final Thoughts
Getting a budget pistol that works is always better than having no pistol. There are a lot of great carry options on the market, and these are just a few of them!
Any of the budget-friendly CCW guns on the list will serve you well, but be sure to get some training, put in quality range time, and choose your ammo with care.
What is your favorite budget CCW? Let us know in the comments! If you’re new to CCW life, you’ll also need a way to carry your pistol. Check out our favorite holsters and off-body carry bags!
Latest Updates
- January 2025: Removed the Taurus 605. Added the Ruger RXM. Updated supporting content.
- May 2024: Added Taurus GX4 as Overall Best Pick, added supplemental information to each product category, added more information to how we chose the best CCW guns.
- September 2023: Added PSA Dagger Compact.
74 Leave a Reply
We are here again. Best for 400. In four years, INFLATION loss of exchange value of the dollar for STUFF has been 25%. Translation your dollar buys 75 cents worth. I often wonder on everything VALUE. What you get for YOUR MONEY. RE: GUNS. Be thankful they are not eggs.
They were minty-nine cents a dozen now over four dollars.
No mention of the Ruger Security-9.
How did you miss the Bodyguard 2.0
I agree with Don love my Beretta APX A1 Carry it's only real drawback is the 8 round capacity but its a great shooter.Am curious what the folks at Pew Pew think about it ?Do you have a review of it?
Prefer hammer-fired to striker-fired.
You’ll love the Mossy MC2sc.
Love my Mossberg MC2sc. 6.25 AOL, 11+1 & 14+1 mags, optic ready. Got mine for $379. Only thing I don't like is the P365 like rail. Doesn't have a cross slot, but I did find a light I like for it.
S&W M&P shield 9+
Rebate to get 15 round mags from S&W made it even sweeter.
I think the Beretta APX A1 Carry is a serious contender in this department. Well under the $400 limit here, and that's even without the rebate that has been going on. Trigger pull was a bit different, but easy to get used to. It's a solid micro-pistol and hard to beat at the price.
The SCCY DVG-1 is widely available for $200 and has a 10+1 capacity!
Ruger EC9S - Likely under $300 including tax. No frills, just a very reliable, thin, easy to carry gun.
Ruger Max-9 - $350 plus tax at Bass Pro. Plus, they will give you a military discount if applicable. An upgrade from the EC9S - lots of improvements, just a hair thicker than the EC9S.
Both of these are excellent carry guns.
another contender for a compact is the Beretta APX compact, for sale for 299 at the time of writing. its a proven company and tested for the military.
My summertime CCW is the Ruger LCP Max. In the winter, I switch to my Mossberg MC2c. I love that gun and it was under $400 when I bought it. It is extremely reliable and easy to shoot along with great capacity. Am looking to add the Mossberg MC2sc for summer carry and still stay under $400.
It isn't inexpensive, but I have been concealed carrying the Browning 1911-380 for five years. It is highly concealable, even in an OWB pancake hoster with a light overshirt or vest. And it flat disappears in a IWB holster. I like it because it is a 1911, which I prefer.
Carried a Glock 43x for a year or two and loved it. Felt the same about the Taurus G2C. Currently carry a Taurus 605 protecter poly. .357 magnum through a 2" barrel. Love it. Thinking about grabbing a Taurus GX4
I have the Taurus G2C and it's a flawless running pistol. But I'm amazed that you would prefer the G3C over the GX4 which I also have. It's a much better gun with a much better trigger and much more accurate. Since I'm short and the G2C gets uncomfortable when sitting(appendex carry) the GX4 has eliminated that issue and is very comfortable to carry in any condition. An excellent gun for under $400.
You forgot the Bersa Thunder 380 and 380 Plus. You can get either for well under 400 dollars. I have two, one if each. They are miles ahead of any 380 on this list in terms of accuracy, felt recoil, reliability and concealabilty. I can honestly say that after approximately 800 to 1000 rounds thu my 380.plus I have never had a FTF or FTE ever.The only thing I don't like is there "hammer drop/safety" you have to push up with your thumb instead of down which to me is less intuitive, but then again I choose not to carry it engaged.
1.) Determine how much you can reasonably spend and not go into debt.
2.) Look at several pistols and hold them to see if they fit your hand comfortably.
3.) If you can, fire a few of them to see if the recoil is something you can manage. There are
firearm ranges that do allow you try out several firearms.
4.) Make your choice.
5.) Pay in cash and not with a credit/debit card. Buy ammo, too, using cash...always.
6.) Practice, practice, practice.
Look for 'specials on firearms, especially around Christmas. I picked up a new, in-the-box, G2C a couple years ago for $179.
Don't look at getting a 'tack driver' as most pistols are inherently more accurate than many shooters. Get a pistol that has, what would be considered, good combat accuracy, remembering that most self-defense is carried out between 5 to 10 yards.
When you train, train with safety in mind and obey the safety rules until you don't have to think about them. Then...have fun.
Thank you for this information
This article is suppose to be about the best self defense carry for under $400 then the OP goes on to include the Walther .380 with a price over $400 ($439).
Missing in this roundup is the PSA Dagger which can be acquired optic ready; suppressor height night sights; threaded barrel; etc for under $400.
Was the article "updated"?
I see the PSA Dagger listed, but not the Walther?
They must have taken your comment to heart!
Nice work, thanks.
Hi-point….and Kel-tec…should never be mentioned in any context involving self defense. Use them for training failure drills maybe…neither should be seriously considered as a primary, no matter how cheap the cost.
I have a Walther Creed that I carry. It was just a tad bit over $400 when I bought it. It has been very accurate for me and fits well as my EDC. Never had any issues with FTF or miss fires either.
Can't believe Springfield Hellcat didn't make the list. My fav CC weapon. Accurate, dependable and 13 rounds. Hasn't failed to shoot with any of the numerous ammo choices I've used.
The Hellcat also MSRPs for much more than $400. That was the whole point of the article, bud.
Ruger 57 baby!
OK, maybe not.
I carry a Kahr cw9. Runs flawlessly with any ammo I feed it and is very accurate to 30 yds‼️
I have and can NOT recommend this Taurus. Mine fails to fire often enough not to trust for defense, despite proper maintenance. Side note: I AM a fan of my Taurus .357, so not a Taurus hater.
Of these choices, I would lean highly toward the m&p.
I have the above Canik and Taurus pistols love 'em both.
Picked up a Canik TP9SF Elite about 6 months ago, and was honestly amazed at how well I shot it right out of the box. The trigger is indeed excellent, and the ergos are dialed in way better than was expected for a $400 gun. It’s not going to displace my P226, but shooting them side by side was eye-opening for myself and two buddies at the range. An excellent choice in this segment!
Not one SA/DA? I know striker-fired are the most popular, but some people prefer hammer-fired SA/DA. Since there is not as much demand, there are fewer options available and they are typically a little more expensive. But you can find these under $400:
- SAR B6C
- Taurus TH9C
- Bersa TPR9CM
You can find these pretty close to $400 if you keep an eye out for good deals:
- Springfield XD-E
- Grand Power P11
Of course, the more popular SA/DA compacts are typically over $500—like any in the CZ-75 line, Beretta Px4 Storm, SIG P229, HK P30, IWI Jericho, KRISS Sphinx SDP, and Tanfoglio Defiant Force Compact.
Great write-up!
Got a Taurus G2c and it won't shoot about half the time when the trigger is pulled. Could not even put 2 mags through, other at the range and myself deemed it too dangerous as it fired a few times after i released the trigger. Called Taurus, they said send it back but there is a minimum of 12+ weeks turn around time. Brand new gun out of the box malfunctioning and i'm told send it back and maybe in 3-4 months you will get it back. What is the purpose of even buying it if you cannot use it for 3-4 months due to bad manufacturing. Taurus says no other options if i want it fixed. For those who had great luck with Taurus, i'm happy for you. But for me never again. Also, even trying to sell this back with less than 20 rounds through it i get offered less than half what i paid for it if they even want to buy it and send it back themselves. I can't keep a firearm for protection when it does not fire when the trigger is pulled about 33% of the time or you can't have it for 3-4 months while being fixed.
Sounds like a troll report. I can write one too on almost any gun, who can say. I bought 2 G3c s and they function great. Accuracy is only as good as the shooter. I have 1911s, Dogs, but I must say, the G3cs are Hard not to like!! Bruce G. Montana
Or maybe the g3c has had the g2c bugs worked out. My experience very similar to his.
Having owned 8 Taurus handguns has left me with 2 comments.
1) Good buyin price and they work ok when they work. They are ONLY a range piece, NOT a CCW!
2) They are a throw away gun because it will take a minimum of 6 months to get them repaired. I've been trying for 3 months to get a RETURN ORDER with no luck.
I recently received a letter from the President of Taurus apologizing for the poor performance of the warranty dept!!!
What are your thoughts on the Ruger-SR9c, 17 round pistol
Recently on Sale for only $249
Ruger SR9c is pretty good for left handed shooters. Safety and mag release are both ambidextrous, but the slide release is RH only. Cost me $320 on GrabAGun.
Your comment about police seizures is extremely valid. In Philadelphia, even if you have a permit to carry, if an officer finds you have a gun on your person or in your car, they just take it, and it takes months to get it back, if ever. I wouldn't mind losing my $200 Taurus P111G2 if this happened. Better than a nice 1911 or a Sig.
I just got the Beretta APX Centurion a few months ago for $350 and I prefer to carry it over the various, more expensive pistols I've carried in the past...
I don't get it... why was the Beretta APX Centurion and/or Compact not mentioned in this article???? Beretta lowered the base price several months ago making this pistol one of the best deals on the market: modular, versatile, incredible ergonomics, and a finalist in the military trials - proven reliability.
Springfield XDS Mod2 in .45. Great little gun, easy to carry, very manageable for such a big caliber, and has a FANTASTIC trigger. I paid $450 for the all black model with 5 mags, but I've seen the two tone for around $375 lately
Was very happy with ported Performance Center Shield. The thumb safety however did not release naturally with my grip.
Tried the Sig 365 and immediately switched. Thumb safety goes off with grip without thought and gun is very comfortable to shoot. I can shoot it as quickly and accurately as my full size guns. 12+1 rounds mags fit my hand and conceal well. 1,800 rounds through it now with zero issues any ammo.
Haven’t had a chance to try the Hellcat, but it’s in the list!
I saw a P365 for $429, that's close, it'll drop under $400 with a bit more time. I'd actually prefer they make a "hammer" version and will wait and see. That or a Ruger 57 compact would be interesting ;)
Why is Ruger seldom, if ever, considered in your comparisons? I own a LC9s that was purchased new for $320. It came with 3 dot sights and an excellent trigger. I am not personally familiar with the EC9s but have not read or heard anything negative. It too sells for less than $400 new.
I totally agree with you Mark. My EDC is a Ruger Security-9. MSRP is currently $549, when i purchased mine two years ago i paid $289. My favorite gun store GrabAGun.com currently list is $325, and the compact version is $320. Ihave also considered the EC9S for $249. All of these firearms have stellar performance reviews and a rock solid Ruger repatriation .
Agree, it's just "essential".
+P too, if you're brave...
The Walther PPS M2 is a better choice than the CCP and, as noted below, is currently [04/26/2020] selling for ~US$300 at CDNN Sports. Both the PPS and PPQ are manufactured at the Walther plant in Ulm as indicated by the "staghorn" proof mark. The CCP is manufactured at the Umarex plant in Arnsberg and passes through the Cologne proof house as indicated by the "three crowns" proof mark. Although Umarex is the parent company of Walther, they manufacture mostly air guns and rimfire guns at Arnsberg. A side-by-side comparison of the PPS with the CCP will demonstrate significant differences in quality of manufacture. When you buy a Walther, you want one made in Ulm.
I'll continue to take my .380 Springfield 911 (with the good grips and sights) with me, thanks. (Far superior to any other .380 out there, IMHO.)
I've concealed carried for decades. There is a "trade space" between reliability, caliber, weight, and size. Although I own several semi-automatics for recreational shooting, when it comes to personal defense, I prefer a revolver. I recognize semi-automatics are very reliable, but getting a bad primer or misfeed and having to clear the weapon are still possible with even the most highly maintained semi-automatic weapon. I used to carry a Smith and Wesson 442 5 shot .38 Special +p. Now I carry a .357 7 round Taurus revolver with a 3" ported barrel. It also has an additional cylinder for 9mm. Fortunately, I've never had to "draw down" with a revolver, but I have had to use, on several occasions, Sabre pepper gel to deter attacks by dogs. I carry both the revolver and the pepper gel. No sense shooting a dog or any other mammal if something less than lethal neutralizes the threat.
Check out the Bersa TPR9C Simply amazing and well made, what a deal! You wont be disappointed.
I can’T believe you did not mention the S&W 442, I love mine. Fits perfectly in the front pocket of my slacks and light as can be. The internal hammer means no snags, and the double action trigger helps prevent glock leg.
I guess it was overlooked because MSRP is over 400....but they can be found closer to 325-350 in the stores. I scored the 442 Performance Center brand new at a local store for 329....highlty recommended by yours truly!
I love my Ruger security 9. No issues whatever! $300 out the door, and shoots like a dream. But anything that's easy to shoot and something you can be confident in, is all you really need.
Got S&W Shields, Rugers, Sigs, etc., but what usually goes with me is a Remington RM380 in a Sticky holster in my right front pocket. Metal gun, not a plastic fantastic. It disappears in my pocket and with a spare mag in a mag pouch in a cargo pocket I’m good to go. Many rounds downrange and nary a malfunction of any kind. Besides, they’re made about 15 miles from me so there’s a certain kinship there.
Good article, I own a G2C great pistol.
Now somewhat off topic.
The first pic in this article of the guy showing IWB holster.
What are the pants he is wearing with the strap going around behind ?
Please 'splain'
I've got a M&P 2.0, I mostly carry it as a backup in an ankle holster, but sometimes I do carry it as a primary. I can shoot the lights out at 5 meters, all 8 rounds in a five in circle in about 3 seconds from low ready. With Hornady Critical Defense it's a great stopper. Paid less than $325 with a built-in laser. Still available for about the same price. I wouldn't bother with the laser again, it was just the better price when I bought mine.
Great article. The TP9 Elite SC is more concealable than the Elite. I have one on the way to alternate with my 9mm Sheild 2.0. I really like the other Caniks.
Great article. Bought a TCP 380 micro years back. Sent back to Taurus for a trigger fix and it's been flawless since. I greatly prefer pocket carry in a sticky holster to any other method and that size eliminated every excuse I'd ever used to leave a ccw home. My buddies guilted me into a bigger cal so I shifted to a P365 (was on sale for 399 at Sportsman's Warehouse) and found I can pocket carry it almost as easily as long as I'm not squeezing into jeans that fit me 10 years ago. Liked the TCP,
but it sucked to practice with. Love the 365 and it's great at the range.
My TCP 380 micro also had to go back to Taurus to get the trigger to work, but when I got it back it passed a 400 round (without cleaning) test with flying colors. So the problem may still be around. It's my "Have a gun" (as in the first rule of a gun-fight). Frankly I've had more trouble with Rugers.
I would not give up my Kimber Micro 9 LG for 2 or more of these.
You can find often find subcompact KAHR 380 pistols for less than $400. My KAHR P380 is ridiculously accurate, reliable, easy to maintain, and easy to shoot with their silky smooth triggers. It is my #1 CCW of choice. Another plus is that it 'disappears' in my clothes and doesn't print when in my DeSantis holster. My 9mm & .40 KAHRS are equally effective CCWs, but obviously larger. Over the years KAHR has made these better & better - well worth consideration.
Ruger LC9S is a good single-stack option, although discontinued. The fixed-sight EC9 series is very affordable. Both may pose challenges for big hands. Bersa Thunder is a reliable .380 and can be found easily for < $300. Walther PPS M2 is a great buy right now on CDNN Sports for ~$300.
Agree on the LC9S and EC9. I have the discontinued LC9S, with tru-glo sights and Crimson Trace green laser.
Yes, the grip is short, but the included magazine accessory butt plate contains the pinky finger. Plus, I have two more, extended grip magazines. (Which don't hold any more bullets. WTF, Ruger?) This is a true, concealed carry pistol, melted, smooth, will fit in a large pants pocket in a Sticky #2 holster. I find it surprisingly accurate and easy to control. Easily passed the CCW range test, and can group 3" at 10 yards. Digests the cheapest practice ammo to the best Hornady er, zombie killers.
I also have an older, LC380 with red laser, hammer-fired, lousy trigger, but that's now relegated to a particular backup location.
I feel the new, inexpensive EC9, with the improved LC's striker trigger, with a Crimson Trace green laser, would be a good concealed carry for anyone who can handle a 9mm in a micro-compact pistol.
Caniks are fantastic guns, but a better recommendation is the new Canik TP9 Sub Elite. It is the sub compact version. Much more compact than the Elite that you recommended. A lot easier to conceal as it's closer to a Glock 26 in size.
I'm surprised that you listed the Canik Elite as opposed to the Canik TP Elite Subcompact which fits this category much better and is about the size of the Taurus. It comes with both 12 and 15 round magazines making it much more concealable. Has the same great trigger, is fitted with an optic plate, you can co-witness with the excellent iron/fiber optic sights. Cost is generally $375 to $399 pre-panic pricing.
I agree with you Peter. I have a Canik TP9 SF Elite, sold my G23 gen 3 for it and have been very satisfied. Plan on getting the Elite subcompact once this "Cootie Fest" is over. Stay safe
I've had a carry permit since the early '80s and have carried a number of guns. My current choice is a HK VP9SK with a CT laser. It fits my hand, shoots very comfortably and accurately; and with the laser I can point accurately without having to bury the target behind the sight.
I got my Shield 9 2.0 on sale for $375. It's a good edc for a skinny ass guy like myself. I got a Hogue grip sleeve to help with the narrow grip and only use the 8 round extended mags and it fits great in my slightly larger than normal hands. If I did it all over again I would probably take a harder look at a M&P compact but I'm still super happy with my Shield.
Never thought of looking at used trade-in models.
Hoping I can come across a m17 unless St. Benitez rids of the CA roster.
Are you allowed to share where we can find police trade-ins for civilians?
Sure can! GunPrime is a great source, you can also try things like gunbroker and guns.com!
I don't own any of the listed handguns but I just want to say to all the Taurus haters: Try their new products with an open mind. My TX22 is my favorite .22 pistol. Love it so much I chose it over all others and sold my SR22 in favor of it. I also picked up a G3 before Christmas. Haven't gotten it to the range yet but first impressions......well built and feels great in the hand. Is it on par with my beloved SP01 - no, but then again it's a different animal. And for the $213 I paid for it new - I'm extremely happy. I cant speak to the Taurus of old but I am VERY happy with their new offerings. Just my .02
I don’t think I can pass up that TX22 much longer. I can walk out the door from my local at around $300 all said and done brand new. That’s ridiculous.
Yea Taurus I would not recommend that you purchase one . Tx 22 sounded great! Ask any gun writer. But owning one is not! I have given Taurus another try then I gave them another another try. This is my latest adventure.
Tx22, recoil spring assembly, the metal spring is chipping the polymer rod to the point of overiding and gouging the aluminum slide. Barrel, so much tool chatter that with most ammo severe leading occurs. Now this isn't the biggest deal I contacted Taurus customer service January 22 2020 and every couple of weeks I call and send e mails. Today is April 26 2020 and I haven't received any parts and a non functioning brand new gun.
I have had to send a few Rugers back while I don't like problems with new guns it fall back to the quality of customer service of which TAURUS seems not to have . I just want to hear Something! If you goggle tx22 problems you will see it is a common problem. I would like to be recognized as a customer and at least told when the parts will ship. I didn't start out as a HATER but I am close! Your mileage may very