Some handguns might shoot great at the range, but try carrying one all day and you’ll start to wonder why you bothered. It’s not always about weight—sometimes it’s the size, shape, or just how awkward it rides. If you’ve ever had to readjust your belt every 10 minutes or felt like you were hauling a toolbox in your waistband, you’re not alone. Here are 10 handguns that have a solid reputation… and a not-so-subtle presence when carried concealed.
Desert Eagle
Sure, it turns heads at the range—but good luck hiding it. The Desert Eagle is massive, heavy, and oddly shaped for anything resembling carry comfort.
Unless your pants have steel reinforcements, it’s a nightmare to carry inside the waistband. It’s better suited to movie props and range days than everyday use. Carrying one is more about showing off than practicality.
CZ 97B
The CZ 97B is accurate and well-built, but it’s a hefty slab of steel. It’s wider than most expect, and the grip is chunky even for big hands.
For those trying to conceal carry, the 97B is unforgiving. You’ll need a heavy-duty belt and some commitment to make it work—otherwise, it’ll feel like you’re hauling a brick.
Smith & Wesson 629
It’s great for the woods or bear country, but around town? Not so much. The 629 is a full-size .44 Magnum revolver that’s thick, long, and heavy.
Holsters tend to sag unless they’re built like a saddle rig. Carrying it daily, especially concealed, feels like dragging around an anchor. It’s powerful, but that power comes with a price.
Beretta 92FS
The 92FS is known for reliability and military use, but it’s one wide, bulky gun. The open-slide design doesn’t help when it comes to overall dimensions.
It carries more like a duty pistol than a CCW. For many folks, it sticks out, prints easily, and rides awkwardly. Great on the range—cumbersome under a t-shirt.
Glock 21
Big-bore Glocks have their fans, but the Glock 21 is a tank. It’s thick in the slide, wide in the grip, and noticeably heavy when fully loaded.
It’s not uncarryable, but it’s far from subtle. Compared to the 19 or 26, this one feels like someone slipped a cinder block in your waistband. If you carry it, you’ll definitely feel it.
FNX-45 Tactical
Threaded barrel, optic-ready, and high capacity—it’s got the bells and whistles. But it’s also wide, tall, and top-heavy. Even in an OWB holster, it drags.
Inside the waistband? Forget it. The FNX-45 Tactical feels more like duty gear than EDC. If you want to carry it, you’ll need to rethink your entire wardrobe and belt setup.
Ruger Super Redhawk
This revolver is purpose-built—for hunting, not concealed carry. It’s long, overbuilt, and feels like a steel club strapped to your side.
Even with a chest rig, it wears you down after a while. For waistband carry? That’s a hard no. It’s a beast, plain and simple. Great gun, just not for everyday hauling.
SIG Sauer P220 Elite Stainless
The P220 Elite is all stainless and all business—but also all weight. While the ergonomics are good, that steel frame adds ounces you feel with every step.
It carries like a boat anchor unless you’re using a serious belt and holster combo. It’s a solid shooter, but it wears on you by the end of the day.
Taurus Raging Bull
Another revolver that’s too much gun for most carry situations. It’s big, heavy, and built to handle serious recoil—none of which helps with comfort.
You’ll get power, but the trade-off is bulk and weight. Even open carry feels like a chore with this thing. It’s more at home in the field than on your hip.
HK Mark 23
This gun was built for special operations, not for squeezing inside your waistband. It’s long, bulky, and built like a brick with a trigger.
Most people joke about how huge it is—and they’re not wrong. The Mark 23 is a precision tool, but for carry? It’s a walking workout. You’ll know it’s there all day long.
*This article was developed with AI-powered tools and has been carefully reviewed by our editors.
