Which Pistol Size Is The Best For Concealed Carry?

Published on May 4, 2026
Duration: 15:49

This video provides a comprehensive comparison of compact, subcompact, and micro-compact pistols for concealed carry, featuring expert insights from a seasoned firearms instructor. It details the pros and cons of each size category through live-fire drills, including speed draws, target transitions, and reloads, offering practical advice on choosing the best firearm based on concealability, shootability, and personal preference. The instructor emphasizes how season, clothing, and individual hand size influence the optimal CCW choice.

Quick Summary

Choosing the best concealed carry pistol size involves balancing concealability and shootability. Compacts like the Glock 19 offer good shootability but are harder to conceal. Subcompacts like the S&W Shield X provide a great all-season compromise. Micro-compacts like the FN Reflex offer maximum concealability but with increased recoil and potentially slower draws.

Chapters

  1. 00:15Introduction to CCW Pistol Sizes
  2. 00:48Compact Pistol: Glock 19 Gen 5 Review
  3. 01:50Subcompact Pistol: Smith & Wesson Shield X Review
  4. 03:09Micro Compact Pistol: FN Reflex Review
  5. 04:08Key Considerations: Recoil & Concealability
  6. 04:24Speed Draw Drill: Glock 19 vs. Shield X vs. Reflex
  7. 08:05Transition Drill: Glock 19 vs. Shield X vs. Reflex
  8. 10:42Culminating Drill: Speed, Movement, and Reload
  9. 13:54Conclusion: Which Pistol Size is Best for You?
  10. 14:40Further Resources & Thanks

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the three main sizes of concealed carry pistols discussed?

The video discusses three primary sizes for concealed carry pistols: compact, subcompact, and micro-compact. Each size offers different trade-offs between concealability, shootability, and magazine capacity, making the choice dependent on individual needs and preferences.

How does pistol size affect concealability and shootability?

Generally, smaller pistols (micro-compacts) offer the best concealability but can have more recoil and be harder to shoot accurately at distance. Larger pistols (compacts) are easier to shoot accurately and manage recoil but are harder to conceal, especially with lighter clothing.

Which pistol size is best for concealed carry in all seasons?

For all-season concealed carry, subcompact pistols are often recommended as they strike a good balance between concealability and shootability. They are thin enough to conceal easily year-round and offer sufficient magazine capacity and manageable recoil.

What are the key specifications of the Glock 19, S&W Shield X, and FN Reflex?

The Glock 19 (compact) has a 4.06-inch barrel and is about 1.5 inches wide. The S&W Shield X (subcompact) has a 3.6-inch barrel and is about 1 inch wide. The FN Reflex (micro-compact) has a 3.3-inch barrel and is also about 1 inch wide, offering maximum concealability.

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