Carrying concealed only works if you can actually live with the gun on you. Too many pistols either jab into your ribs or feel like a brick by the end of the day. The best carry guns are the ones that disappear at your side without constant adjusting, yet still give you confidence if you ever need them. These are the models that have earned a reputation for being both dependable and comfortable.
Glock 43X
The Glock 43X is a slim pistol that balances capacity with comfort. Its longer grip gives you control without being bulky, making it easier to carry without it digging into your side. At barely over an inch wide, it slides into most holsters without printing badly.
Many shooters appreciate that it keeps Glock’s reliability while trimming down the size for daily carry. The 10+1 capacity is plenty for defensive use, and the pistol’s shape avoids the sharp corners that cause discomfort during long hours of carry.
Smith & Wesson Shield Plus
The Shield Plus offers a thin profile with enough grip to hang onto during recoil. Its flat-faced trigger and improved capacity over the original Shield make it a strong contender for all-day carry. The slim build means it tucks close to your body without the extra bulk.
Unlike thicker pistols that press against your side, the Shield Plus rides comfortably in both IWB and appendix setups. It’s built with defensive carry in mind, so you get a reliable platform that won’t cause irritation through the day.
SIG Sauer P365X
The SIG P365X combines a micro-compact frame with an extended grip module that balances out its handling. The gun remains easy to conceal, but it avoids the cramped feel smaller pistols are known for. This balance helps with both accuracy and carry comfort.
At under 18 ounces unloaded, it doesn’t weigh down your belt or create sore spots after hours of wear. With 12+1 rounds in a small frame, it’s one of the most efficient concealed carry guns available today.
Ruger Max-9
Ruger’s Max-9 is a lightweight pistol that rides comfortably against the body. Its rounded edges keep it from pressing sharply into your side, and at less than an inch wide, it’s well-suited for inside-the-waistband holsters.
With a factory optic-ready slide and a 12+1 capacity, it gives you more flexibility than older single-stack carry pistols. Even with added features, it maintains a carry-friendly design that won’t leave you sore or adjusting constantly during daily wear.
Springfield Hellcat
The Springfield Hellcat was built to maximize capacity in a compact frame, but it remains surprisingly comfortable for long carry days. The smooth contours prevent hotspots, and the overall weight keeps it manageable on your belt.
Its adaptive grip texture also makes it easier to control during shooting without adding rough spots against your skin. With up to 13+1 rounds on tap, you get more firepower than most pistols of its size, all in a form factor designed for carry comfort.
Walther PPS M2
The PPS M2 is one of the thinnest pistols on the market, which makes it excellent for all-day carry. Its single-stack design and smooth grip profile keep it from creating pressure points against your ribs.
The ergonomics Walther is known for carry over into this model, making it both easy to shoot and easy to wear. Many carriers appreciate how natural it feels to conceal, with less printing and less irritation compared to bulkier designs.
Glock 48
The Glock 48 stretches the 43X’s concept into a slightly longer frame, offering better sight radius while still keeping things slim. Its narrow width makes it ideal for concealed carry without digging uncomfortably into your side.
The extra slide length also helps balance recoil, making it a solid choice for those who want comfort paired with shootability. It carries flat against the body, avoiding the blocky feel some larger pistols create during extended wear.
Kahr CW9
The Kahr CW9 has been around for years as a no-frills carry option, and its slim design is one of the reasons people keep using it. At under an inch thick, it disappears easily and doesn’t cause pressure points while seated or moving.
The smooth trigger and lightweight build make it approachable for new carriers while still offering the reliability needed for defense. It may not have the latest optics cuts or extras, but for a comfortable gun you can carry all day, it delivers.
SIG Sauer P938
For those who like a metal frame, the SIG P938 offers 1911-style handling in a compact form. Its rounded frame edges keep it from digging into your side, while the alloy build keeps the weight down compared to full-sized steel pistols.
Despite its small size, it offers manageable recoil and solid accuracy. Many carriers choose it for its familiar controls and easy concealment. It’s one of the few micro-9s that remains comfortable even in appendix or hip carry positions.
Beretta APX Carry A1
The Beretta APX Carry A1 is a thin, lightweight option designed specifically for concealed carry. Its flat sides and snag-free design make it comfortable against your body, with fewer edges to cause irritation.
At just over 19 ounces, it’s not a pistol that will drag your belt down. Shooters like it for its straightforward reliability, simple design, and ease of concealment. If comfort is the priority, this pistol stays out of your way while still being there when you need it.
*This article was developed with AI-powered tools and has been carefully reviewed by our editors.
