Top 3 Concealed Carry Firearms For New Gun Owners

As a firearm instructor, my most frequently asked question is “What gun should I buy for concealed carry?”. I always tell my students that the “perfect” gun is determined by personal preference and to try different firearms to see what works best for them. Here’s a list of 3 of my favorite Concealed Carry firearms I recommend for new gun owners to try:

1. M&P9 M2.0 W/4 inch barrel

2. M&P Shield Plus Performance Center M&P 9 W/Crimson Trace Red Dot

3. Equalizer

Great features they all have in common

- They’re all 9mm. I think 9mm is the best caliber for self defense because it’s inexpensive, easy to find and doesn’t produce the unnecessary recoil of .40 or .45. The “stopping power” argument has been disproven and we’ve learned that shot placement is more important than caliber size. 

- They all have the ability to accommodate a 15 round magazine. The chances of you needing 15 rounds for a self defense shooting is unlikely but as the saying goes, “It’s better to have it and not need it than to need it and not have it.” I’d rather have 15 rounds and use 6 than have 6 rounds and need 10. An added bonus is the Equalizer and Shield Plus PC magazines are interchangeable.

- They’re all optic-ready. While red dots are a great addition to concealed carry handguns, I don’t think it’s necessary to purchase one for your first firearm. I recommend all new gun owners learn how to use their iron sights before they move on to a red dot optic. The benefit of purchasing an optic-ready firearm allows you to upgrade in the future without having to spend extra money to have your slide cut in preparation for an optic - an expense that could cost upwards of $200. 

What I like about each firearm

M&P9 M2.0 - I can appreciate the versatility of the M2.0 - this firearm could easily suffice as a concealed carry firearm or a home defense weapon. The M.20 has all the bells and whistles - a flat-faced trigger, picatinny-style rail for a light mount and interchangeable grip inserts to fit different hand sizes. The best benefit of a larger, heavier frame is the ability to manage recoil. Larger firearms have less felt recoil than smaller firearms making it easier to maintain accuracy. This firearm is slightly wider than the other firearms listed so you may have to put more thought into concealing the firearm. I recommend wearing busy patterns and loose-fitting tops to conceal the firearm better. 

M&P Shield Plus Performance Center - I love that the Shield Plus PC comes with stock fiber optic sights and a 5 MOA Crimson Trace Red Dot. When you’re ready to transition from iron sights to a red dot, you’ll already have a great starter option to try out. This firearm also comes with a cleaning kit and upgraded flat faced trigger. If you prefer firearms with no external safeties, the Shield Plus PC is also striker-fired so no need for an additional grip safety. The only con is this firearm does not come with a rail mount for a light, however the red dot is highly visible in low/no light. You may want to consider purchasing a hand-held flashlight. 

Equalizer - I think the Equalizer is the best overall concealed carry firearm for all new gun owners. This firearm comes with a 10, 13 and 15-round magazine plus a speed loader to help load them. The Equalizer also has a picatinny-style rail for a light mount which I recommended for all concealed carry firearms. You may have to illuminate your target in a low-light or no light scenario. My favorite features are the easy-to-rack slide and the deep slide serrations which are perfect for those with hand strength issues. Even if you don’t have hand strength issues, you may find yourself having to reload or clear a malfunction with injured or wet hands. Having an EZ slide makes that process quick and simple. 

Final Thoughts 

Keep in mind you may decide to purchase multiple firearms designated for concealed carry in the future so don’t worry about committing to just one. When making your purchase consider your accuracy with each firearm, price, accessories and ease of carry. Also think about where you plan to carry the firearm and price out different holster options. Lastly, don’t forget to take several concealed carry classes after you make your purchase. You need to make sure you’re proficient drawing from your holster and maintaining accuracy on target. Overall, you can’t go wrong with any of these concealed carry firearm options!

Marchelle “Tig” Davis

Owner, My Sister’s Keeper Defense

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