Best CCW Guns Under $400 (2026): Tested Budget Picks
Want a reliable and accurate concealed carry gun for an affordable price? Here are some of the most popular (and tested) CCW guns that don't cost over $400.
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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
- Most Modular: Ruger RXMJump to details ↓
- Easiest to Conceal: Smith & Wesson Bodyguard 2.0Jump to details ↓
- Best Value: PSA Dagger CompactJump to details ↓
- Most Affordable Micro-Compact: Taurus GX4Jump to details ↓
- Easiest to Shoot: CZ P-10 CJump to details ↓
- Best Trigger: Canik TP9 Elite SCJump to details ↓
- Best Micro Compact: Smith & Wesson M&P9 Shield PlusJump to details ↓
Table of Contents
CCW Guns Under $400 Comparison Chart
| Price | Best For | Caliber | Capacity | Barrel Length | Width | Weight | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ruger RXM | $392 | Modularity | 9mm | 15+1 | 4" | 1.26" | 23 oz |
| S&W Bodyguard 2.0 | $377 | Deep Conceal | .380 ACP | 12+1 | 2.75" | 0.88" | 9.8 oz |
| PSA DaggerCompact | $299 | Affordable Optics-Ready | 9mm | 15+1 | 3.9" | 1.28" | 22 oz |
| Taurus GX4 | $240 | Tight Budget Concealed Carry | 9mm | 11+1 | 3" | 1.08" | 19 oz |
| CZ P-10C | $397 | Duty Use | 9mm | 15+1 | 4" | 1.3" | 26 oz |
| Canik TP9 Elite SC | $339 | Accuracy | 9mm | 12+1, 15+1 | 3.6" | 1.45" | 25 oz |
| S&W M&P9 Shield Plus | $369 | Everyday Carry | 9mm | 10+1, 13+1 | 3.1" | 1.1" | 18 oz |
How We Tested the Best CCW Guns Under $400
Every gun included on this list has a full hands-on review on our website that adheres to our strict testing protocols. Additionally, many of these guns are owned by members of the Pew Pew Tactical team and regularly find their way into their carry rotations.
Our choices for this article were based on the following criteria:
- Must be able to be concealed with relative ease.
- Has a retail price of $400 or less from at least one vendor.
- Must exhibit a strong track record of reliability
- Has a mix of good ergonomics, accuracy, and overall features
Reliability & Accuracy
Each firearm is tested for reliability by firing a minimum of 500 rounds, though many guns on this list have far higher counts. We use a combination of FMJ range ammo, along with common defensive rounds, to test reliability across a variety of ammunition types.
Baseline accuracy testing is completed by shooting 5-shot groups at 7 yards freehand. Additional combat accuracy testing is conducted at further ranges, between 10 and 25 yards, and often beyond. Any optics-ready firearms are fitted with a red dot when conducting the accuracy portion. All group sizes are measured with digital calipers.
Other shooting drills completed during testing include, but are not limited to:
- Bill Drills
- Failure to Stop Drills
- Fast Reload Drills
- One-handed shooting with both strong and weak hands
Any malfunctions are logged and detailed in the article, including the type of malfunction, the magazine used, the ammo type, and the condition of the gun at the time of the failure.
Ergonomics
We frequently have other people join us when testing firearms, whether it be another PPT team member, family, or friend. We do this to get a better picture of how each gun's ergonomics work for people with different hand sizes and hand strength.
We analyze everything, including the grip size, grip angle, how easy the controls are to reach and actuate, recoil impulse, force required to rack the gun, and the overall comfort. We note any hot spots or uncomfortable areas on the grip, along with any other issues such as slide bite and ejection pattern under recoil.
Value
As this is a budget-oriented article, the overall value of every gun was paramount when putting together this list. Our primary goal was to find guns reliable enough that we would personally be comfortable using them as defensive firearms.
We also heavily considered other features, such as overall ergonomics, accuracy, trigger, optics capability, and included accessories. We want to ensure you are getting your money's worth.
Best Concealed Carry Guns Under $400
1. Ruger RXM - Most Modular
Pros
- Reliable
- Upgraded features
- Modular Design
- Optics can be directly mounted
Cons
- Trigger has the same feel as a stock Glock
- Slightly more felt recoil than a Glock 19
The Bottom Line
In a crowded sea of Gen 3 Glock clones, the Ruger RXM offers something different with its completely modular serialized trigger group.
Specs:
- Caliber: 9mm
- Action: Semi-automatic, striker-fired
- Capacity: 15+1
- Barrel Length: 4"
- Overall Length: 7.2"
- Width: 1.26"
- 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. Smith & Wesson Bodyguard 2.0 - Easiest to Conceal
Pros
- Extremely small and easy to conceal
- Good ergonomics
- Good trigger
Cons
- Can be difficult for people with larger hands
- No native optics cut or ability to mount accessories
The Bottom Line
Smith & Wesson's Bodyguard 2.0 set a new bar when it comes to ultra-compact concealed carry pistols. Despite being light as a feather and small enough to fit in a pocket, these guns have good triggers and easily manageable recoil.
Specs:
- Caliber: .380 ACP
- Action: Semi-automatic, striker-fired
- Capacity: 12+1
- Barrel Length: 2.75"
- Overall Length: 5.5"
- Width: 0.88"
- Weight: 9.8 oz
The original Smith & Wesson Bodyguard 380 was a double-action-only hammer-fired pocket pistol. It was concealable, but pretty terrible to shoot.
Thankfully, Smith & Wesson gave the gun a much-needed overhaul. The newer Bodyguard 2.0 is a small, striker-fired pistol that is built for the modern era.
At only 9.8 ounces and 0.88 inches wide, the Bodyguard is small enough to fit in your pocket while still packing 12 rounds in the slightly extended mag, and a respectable 10 rounds in a flush-fit mag.
Even though the gun is tiny, the grip is designed in such a way that it still feels substantial in the hand. Aggressive slide serrations and a rough texture on the front and rear of the grip make the gun easy to manipulate and hold onto under recoil.
You also get a flat-faced trigger that breaks around the 3-4 pound mark, as well as some nice metal sights with a high-vis front dot.
Yes, the recoil is still a bit snappy; you can't cheat physics. That being said, it is probably the most pleasant -shooting pocketable .380 ACP we have ever tested.
Read our full S&W Bodyguard 2.0 review for more hands-on info!
3. Palmetto State Armory Dagger Compact - Best Value
Pros
- Compatible with most aftermarket Glock parts
- Good ergonomics
- Lots of variations to choose from
- Affordable
Cons
- Hinged trigger with a Glock-type break
- Not compatible with most Glock holsters
The Bottom Line
The PSA Dagger offers you much of the same shooting experience and robust aftermarket that you would get from an actual Glock, but at half the price.
Specs:
- Caliber: 9mm
- Action: Semi-automatic, striker-fired
- Capacity: 15+1
- Barrel Length: 3.9"
- Overall Length: 7.2"
- Width: 1.28"
- 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!
4. Taurus GX4 - Most Affordable Micro-Compact
Pros
- Good grip texture
- Comes with Mec-Gar magazines
- Good size for an 11-round pistol
Cons
- Not great for people with large hands
- Snappy recoil
The Bottom Line
Surprisingly good ergonomics, solid reliability, and a decent trigger make the Taurus GX4 a very competent budge entry in the micro-compact landscape.
Specs:
- Caliber: 9mm
- Action: Semi-automatic, striker-fired
- Capacity: 11+1
- Barrel Length: 3"
- Overall Length: 6.1"
- Width: 1.08"
- 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!
5. CZ P-10 C - Easiest to Shoot
Pros
- Superb ergonomics
- Flat-shooting with a pleasant recoil impulse
- Excellent accuracy and reliability
Cons
- Constantly fluctuating prices sometimes knock it out of the $400 range
- Lackluster aftermarket support
The Bottom Line
For many people, the CZ P-10 C offers a superior shooting experience to many of its peers, such as the Glock 19. This is thanks to a superior ergonomic design and improved trigger.
Specs:
- Caliber: 9mm
- Action: Semi-automatic, striker-fired
- Capacity: 15+1
- Barrel Length: 4"
- Overall Length: 7.3"
- Width: 1.3"
- 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!
6. Canik TP9 Elite SC - Best Trigger
Pros
- Excellent trigger
- Most accurate subcompact we have tested
- Includes a holster
- Optics-ready
Cons
- Wider than the more popular micro compacts
- Taller bore axis
The Bottom Line
Borrowing heavily from Walther designs, the Canik TP9 Elite SC has a best-in-class trigger, outstanding reliability, and better accuracy than any other gun subcompact or micro compact gun we have tested.
Specs:
- Caliber: 9mm
- Action: Semi-automatic, striker-fired
- Capacity: 12+1, 15+1
- Barrel Length: 3.6"
- Overall Length: 6.7"
- Width: 1.45"
- 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. With a trigger that good, it makes it easy to squeeze insane accuracy out of a gun this size. We are routinely able to get 2-inch groups at 25 yards freehand with this gun!
Check out our Canik TP9 Elite SC review to see why we love this gun so much!
7. Smith & Wesson M&P 9 Shield Plus - Best Micro Compact
Pros
- Great trigger
- Decent capacity for its size
- Good grip texture
- Reliable
Cons
- Snappy
- A little small for large hands
The Bottom Line
The Smith & Wesson Shield Plus offers comparable performance to the Springfield Hellcat and Sig P365 while still regularly coming in under $400. It also enjoys a strong aftermarket with tons of holster options.
Specs:
- Caliber: 9mm
- Action: Semi-automatic, striker-fired
- 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 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!
The first step in the picking process is to determine your criteria. Deciding which one of these is best for you depends on personal preferences. Start with these to narrow your options:
- Sizing: Do you want the smallest possible or more of a midsize?
- Carry Placement: Where do you intend to carry? Determine if you intend to carry inside the waistband, outside the waistband, appendix, or in an off-body bag.
- Capacity: How many rounds do you want to be able to carry? Are you willing to carry a lesser capacity and a spare mag?
- Optics: Will you be mounting a red dot? Do you need to budget for that or ensure your gun comes red dot-ready with an optics cut?
- Accessories: Do you want to add any additional accessories, like a laser or weapon light? If so, you'll need to focus on a gun with a rail.
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 make everyday carry as comfortable and effective as possible.
If you can, it's always a good idea to get some hands-on time with models you're considering. A lot of ranges offer rental guns, so if you can, grab a rental and test fire a few different firearms.
FAQs
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!
Meet the Experts
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.
Latest Updates
- May 2025: Removed the Ruger LCP Max. Added the S&W Bodyguard 2.0. Expanded the section on testing protocols.
- 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.