Some guns call themselves compact, but once you try to carry them concealed, it’s a different story. The dimensions might technically be smaller, but the bulk, grip profile, or odd shapes make them harder to hide than a full-sized duty gun. If you’re carrying inside the waistband or under a t-shirt, these pistols might surprise you with how much they show. Doesn’t mean they’re bad guns—but if concealment is your priority, you’ll want to think twice.
Here are the compact guns that carry big—and not in a good way.
CZ P-10 C
The P-10 C shoots well and runs smooth, but it’s thick. The slide is blocky, and the grip angle sticks out unless you’re wearing a jacket or loose layers. It may be considered a compact, but it carries more like a chunky service pistol.
The aggressive grip texture doesn’t help either—it can rub against skin or grab clothing, making it harder to keep discreet. For open carry or winter use, no problem. For warm-weather concealment? You’ll feel it—and see it.
Glock 19
The Glock 19 is the gold standard for reliability and shootability, but for a compact, it’s bigger than you’d think. It’s wide through the slide and frame, and the squared-off grip prints easily on slimmer builds or lighter clothing.
Plenty of people make it work with the right holster and belt, but don’t expect it to disappear under a t-shirt. It’s a great all-purpose gun, but if deep concealment is your goal, there are slimmer options out there.
FN 509 Compact
The FN 509 Compact has solid features, but it’s not really that compact. The grip is still chunky, the slide has tall serrations, and it doesn’t hug the body well in an IWB setup.
It’s reliable and accurate, but concealment-wise, it tends to poke out at the worst angles. Even with the shorter grip module, the overall bulk makes it print more like a duty pistol than something built for low-profile carry.
Ruger Security-9 Compact
The name says compact, but it’s still fairly large in practice. The frame and grip feel thick in the waistband, and it’s got a flat, squared-off design that doesn’t blend well under clothing.
It’s lightweight, which helps, but the height and width give it away easily. It’s better suited for OWB or jacket carry than under a t-shirt. If you’re trying to stay discreet, this one takes more effort than you’d expect.
Walther PPQ Subcompact
The PPQ Subcompact keeps the great PPQ trigger, but it also keeps the wide slide and tall profile. It’s short in length, but the slide height and grip make it print more than other guns in the same size class.
It carries comfortably enough, but the design wasn’t made with concealment first. It’s a great shooter, but unless you’re layering up, it doesn’t hide like a true subcompact.
HK P30SK
The P30SK feels excellent in hand, but it’s thick through the frame and has a lot of sharp edges. The decocker, slide levers, and contouring all make it harder to conceal cleanly without something sticking out.
It’s dependable and well-built, but for something labeled subcompact, it’s got more bulk than most competitors. The grip is also tall enough that it can print unless your clothing really covers it up.
Beretta APX Compact
The APX Compact runs well and has good ergonomics, but the slide design doesn’t do it any favors for concealed carry. The serrations are tall and squared off, and the whole top half of the gun feels oversized for its class.
It’s not the thickest option, but it doesn’t carry flat. The squared grip adds to the problem, making it more noticeable under light layers or fitted shirts. It feels more like a duty gun that’s been slightly shortened.
SIG Sauer SP2022
The SP2022 flies under the radar for a lot of folks, but those who’ve tried carrying it know it’s not exactly low profile. It’s labeled compact, but it’s more of a full-size with a shorter barrel.
The slide is tall, the grip is long, and the controls are large. It shoots well and holds up under pressure, but if you’re looking to keep it hidden, you’ll need baggier clothes and a good holster setup.
Springfield XD Subcompact
The XD Subcompact brings plenty of firepower, but it’s another “compact” that prints hard. The grip frame is short, but thick, and the slide height adds bulk that makes it show through shirts or jackets more than you’d expect.
It’s reliable, no question, but concealment isn’t its strength. Even the controls tend to poke through layers. If you’re carrying appendix or strong side, this one takes more adjustment and attention to keep hidden.
Taurus G3C
The G3C has a lot going for it—price, reliability, decent trigger—but it’s thick for a compact. The frame doesn’t taper well, and the overall height makes it stick out unless you’re running a strong concealment setup.
It’s short enough for carry, but the chunkiness makes it feel like more gun than it is. Great value, and it works, but for clean concealment, you’ll probably be fighting a little more printing than you planned on.
*This article was developed with AI-powered tools and has been carefully reviewed by our editors.
