Hey, if you’re new to firearms and searching for the best concealed carry guns for new shooters, you’re in the right spot. Picking your first gun can feel like a lot—too many choices, too much advice. I totally get it. I’ve been handling firearms for over 30 years, since 1988, and spent 12 years in the Army Reserve, including 8 as a Chief Warrant Officer. I worked with both enlisted folks and officers, helping them get comfortable with all sorts of firearms. Part of that was teaching new soldiers about the M16, M4, and M9—showing them how to use and understand those weapons from the ground up.
If you’re just getting started, understanding how your firearm works is essential. Check out Parts of a Handgun: A Simple Breakdown for Home Defense for a quick, clear overview of each part and what it does.
I’ve guided lots of beginners over the years, and I’d love to help you too. You’re probably busy with work and family, maybe between 30 and 60, just wanting to keep your home safe. Worries about break-ins or being unprepared might be on your mind. Let’s sort this out together and find a gun that’s simple, reliable, and fits your life.
How to Choose the Best Concealed Carry Gun
How do you pick the right one? It comes down to a few things: size, weight, caliber—that’s the bullet size—and how easy it is to use. A gun that’s too big won’t hide well under your clothes, but one that’s too small can be tricky to shoot accurately. I’d recommend 9mm for beginners. It’s powerful enough to stop a threat, the recoil—the kick when you fire—is manageable, and ammo’s affordable. You also want something straightforward—no complicated buttons or stiff slides. In the Army, I learned a gun you can’t shoot well isn’t much help.
Here’s the thing: what works for you might not work for someone else. I’m 6’2”, and my wife’s 5’4”—we’re different sizes and prefer different guns. She likes the Smith & Wesson M&P for its comfortable grip; I lean toward the Glock 19 or Sig Sauer P365 because they fit my hands better.
If smaller hands are your thing, check out my article “Best Concealed Carry Handguns for Small Hands.” Taller folks like me might enjoy “Best Concealed Carry Guns for Big Guys.” You need a gun you can shoot well and carry comfortably. It’s a balance—especially for bigger folks, a tiny gun feels odd, but a large one gets heavy fast. Try some at the range to see what clicks.
If your wife, girlfriend, significant other is interested in the female side of concealed carry, we recommend the “Best Concealed Carry Guns for Women.” You may also find helpful options in my guide to the Best Home Defense Guns for Women—practical, smart picks for self-defense around the house.
Best Handgun for Personal Protection
Personal protection means a gun you can carry daily, shoot confidently, and rely on. For new shooters, that’s usually something small enough to conceal—whether you’re in the suburbs or the city—but not so small it’s hard to handle. It should fit your routine and ease your mind without adding hassle.
What Are the Top 5 Concealed Carry Handguns?
Here are five guns that stand out for beginners. I’ve tested these and seen them work well for new shooters.
- Glock 43X
- Why it’s good: Compact, smooth trigger, holds 10 bullets plus one ready to go.
- Pros: Very reliable, simple to use.
- Cons: Grip might feel short for big hands.
- Who’s it for: Anyone wanting a trusted name in a smaller size.
- Smith & Wesson M&P Shield
- Why it’s good: Comfortable to hold, slim, fits 8 bullets plus one.
- Pros: Light, affordable, easy to conceal.
- Cons: Trigger’s a bit firm at first.
- Who’s it for: People who value comfort and ease.
- Sig Sauer P365
- Why it’s good: Small but packs 10 or 12 bullets with the larger magazine.
- Pros: Plenty of rounds, shoots great.
- Cons: Pricier than some options.
- Who’s it for: Folks wanting more bullets in a tiny frame.
- Ruger LCP II
- Why it’s good: Super light, uses .380 bullets, slips into a pocket.
- Pros: Cheap, hides anywhere.
- Cons: Recoil’s a bit sharp.
- Who’s it for: People needing something extra small.
- Springfield Hellcat
- Why it’s good: Holds 11 bullets plus one, still compact.
- Pros: Good sights, lots of capacity.
- Cons: Less known than bigger brands.
- Who’s it for: New shooters looking for a modern pick.
These are great places to start—try them at a range. My small hands or big guys articles might offer extra tips if fit matters.
Best Concealed Carry Gun for the Money
You don’t need to spend a ton for a good gun. My top value pick is the Smith & Wesson M&P Shield. Depending on the model and caliber, it runs $450 to $700—a solid deal for what you get. It’s slim, reliable, and budget-friendly. My wife and my 79-year-old father owns both, the M&P Shields for personal and home protection.
My wife fell in love with the M&P 380 Shield EZ at a gun show—it’s easy to load and shoot, which she appreciates. My dad likes the M&P 9 Shield EZ for the same reasons and also enjoys his Smith & Wesson 9mm Equalizer. (Quick note: the Equalizer is like an M&P Shield EZ with a Shield Plus grip, mixing ease with more bullets, while the Shield Plus is a standard compact pistol.) They show you don’t need to overspend—save cash for practice, since skill matters most. I’ve seen folks buy pricey guns they never use—go with something solid and train with it.
Common Mistakes (And How to Avoid ‘Em)
It’s easy to stumble when you’re starting out—here’s what to avoid.
- Following Hype: Don’t choose a gun just because it’s trending online. Pick what fits you and your needs.
- Skipping a Holster: Get a sturdy one—it keeps your gun safe and comfy. I’ve seen cheap holsters fail in training—don’t chance it.
- Not Practicing: Owning a gun isn’t enough. Hit the range often to stay ready.
Take your time choosing and practicing.
Don’t forget, safe handling starts at home. Read through Gun Safety in the Home for essential tips on storage, access, and teaching family members firearm respect and awareness.
Conclusion
The best concealed carry gun for new shooters is one you’ll carry daily and shoot well. Whether it’s the Glock 43X, M&P Shield, P365, LCP II, or Hellcat, it’s about what feels right for you. Visit a range, rent a few, and find your fit. After 30 years with guns, I can say this: being prepared beats worrying every time. You’re taking a big step to protect your family—keep it simple, and you’ll do fine.