With Kimber recently introducing their R7 Mako which is their first foray into the overcrowded world of sub-compact Wonder Nines, many of our readers requested that we recommend a good concealed carry weapon for them.
Instead of asking individual questions as to their preferences, we decided to come up with a list of our Top 10 Best CCW so they can just feel free to choose whichever one they think would be a good fit.
Coming up with a Top 10 Best CCW list isn't easy, especially considering that sub-compact handguns have become a dime a dozen not too long after Glock started the craze with their G26 some 27 years ago. But rest assured that all the models that made it to our list have something about them that make them stand out from the crowd.
But first, when choosing the best CCW piece for yourself, there are some things to consider:
Firstly, your stature. How tall or short you are will determine the size of the handgun you can easily carry concealed. It also determines the size of clothes you wear and the size of holster you can carry. If you're a little on the shorter side, get the smallest micro-compact available to you. If you're somewhere in the middle, you can go up to a sub-compact. If you're a hulking person of sorts, you should be able to conceal-carry up to full-size pistols.
Secondly, your level of familiarity with handguns in general and with the model/s you're eyeing in particular. If you've never carried a handgun before, much less shot one, or if you fancy a model that only came out recently, it'll be worth your time to visit the nearest shooting range for some target practice. Buyer's remorse can feel really bad if you end up purchasing a handgun and realizing a month later that it isn't for you.
Thirdly, the handgun's ammo capacity. While you can bring a spare, there are times when you can only rely on that one magazine in your CCW, especially during summertime when it's hot. You tend to wear lighter clothes, which makes carrying an extra mag a pain.
And lastly, the price. Your life is priceless, and if you ever get in a situation where your survival depends upon your CCW, then that damn piece better work! That said, you don't have to buy the most expensive CCW piece on the market -- the law of diminishing returns applies to firearms, too. If you're looking at something within the $400 to $800 range, it's safe to assume that you will get your money’s worth.
With all that out of the way, here's our Top 10 Best CCW:
1. Glock 19 Gen 4
2. Glock 26 Gen 4
3. Glock 43X
4. SIG P365
5. CZ P-10 Compact
6. Smith & Wesson M&P 2.0 SubCompact
7. Ruger Max-9
8. Springfield Armory Hellcat
9. EAA Witness P Compact
10. Walther PPQ M2
