Guns, in the end, are tools, and there is a right tool for every task - which is why a lot of people will tell you that picking a home defense handgun is different than choosing a concealed carry gun. Granted, there are some pistols that are equally suited to both roles, but a lot of guns may be better at the one than at the other.
There are also some attributes that are a positive in one area but a negative in others, and some attributes that are neutral for home defense but a negative for concealed carry.
If you're going to choose a handgun for home defense, here are a few of the things you should look for.
House Gun Size Matters A Little Less
Often enough, people will keep a full-size pistol as an open carry, range and nightstand gun but won't often - if at all - concealed carry it due to handgun size making it prohibitive. Full-size pistols can be difficult to conceal for many people and not always the most pleasant to carry. After all an extra three pounds on the hip from a Government-frame 1911, N-frame or Sig P226 can become a drag, which is why smaller pistols like the M&P Shield, Glock 26, Ruger LCP and snubbie revolvers are more popular for everyday carry.
Dimensions matter a lot in concealment, too. A longer grip, frame and barrel make more demands for effective concealment; some pistols can't be effectively concealed without a jacket, which not everyone is going to wear all the time.
That's why some people have a winter carry gun and a warm weather carry gun.
For a home defense pistol, however, it really doesn't matter as much. You aren't going to be tucking it inside the waistband, so you can get as large a handgun as you want.
Accuracy and Shootability Matter
A home defense handgun has to be shootable, has to be capable of sufficient accuracy and has to be reliable first, second and last. In other words, you have to shoot well with it. Since you don't have to balance this aspect with....basically anything...you're free to choose any gun you wish.
Want one of the full-size Glocks? Feel free. Don't want to carry an aircraft carrier-sized Sig Sauer P220 on a daily basis? Make it a home defense gun. Prefer a 1911? Hard to find a sidearm with a better pedigree. Think you'd rather have a .45 Colt or a .44 Magnum because you want bear-stopping capability as well as man-stopping power? Go ahead - make your gun store's day.
For a home-defense gun, there should be no compromise on the shooting function front, as you don't have to give an inch to concealability. Same goes for ; feel free to stock up on extended magazines.
As a bonus, you also get to start adding goodies that would otherwise be impractical.
In Home Defense, Handgun Accessories Begin To Help
There are certain handgun accessories and that are something of a hindrance for concealed carry. For instance, adjustable target sights snag on holsters easily, extended magazines print while carrying and some lasers and lights aren't easy to find holsters for.
However, do these things get in the way of a home defense pistol? They certainly do not. In fact, they actually become a serious benefit.
Say you have a full-size pistol that has an accessory rail - some examples being a Glock 17, Canik TP9, Ruger American or a CZ SP-01. These are all service pistols, featuring full-length railed dust covers, high-capacity double-stack magazines and barrel lengths in excess of 4 inches. In other words, these aren't easy guns for concealment. Some would say near impossible.
However, you can add a flashlight/laser combo such as the Streamlight TLR-2 or TLR-6 to any of them. Perfect for operating in the middle of the night, should an intruder come prowling. There aren't too many holsters out there for subcompacts with TLR attachments or similar laser/light combos and it isn't as if you're going to want to attach your light every time you get home and take it off every morning before you leave the house.
In short, the things you normally have to compromise on for some concealed carry pistols - such as size, recoil mitigation, accessorization - don't have to be compromised on. All you need worry about is something you can shoot well with, operate and store safely.
FAQs: Concealed Carry and Home Defense Handguns
What’s the difference between a home defense gun and a concealed carry gun?
A home defense gun prioritizes shootability, capacity, and accessory compatibility, while a concealed carry gun prioritizes size, concealability, and comfort for daily carry.
Can you use the same handgun for both home defense and concealed carry?
Some compact pistols, like the Glock 19 or M&P Compact, are versatile enough for both concealed carry and home defense, though they may not excel in either role.
Why are full-size pistols better for home defense?
Full-size pistols offer better recoil control, longer sight radius, and higher capacity, making them ideal for accuracy and performance in high-stress home defense scenarios.
Is a compact or subcompact pistol good for home defense?
Compact pistols can work for home defense but may sacrifice shootability, especially under stress. A larger frame typically offers more control and comfort.
What are the benefits of adding a light or laser to a home defense handgun?
Lights and lasers improve target identification and accuracy in low light. These accessories are more practical on home defense guns since concealment isn’t a concern.
Why is concealment such a big factor when choosing a carry gun?
Concealed carry guns must be small enough to avoid printing under clothing and light enough for all-day wear, which limits size and accessory options.
Is a revolver or semi-auto better for home defense?
Semi-autos offer higher capacity and faster reloads, while revolvers offer simplicity. Most choose semi-autos for home defense due to capacity and accessory compatibility.
Should you use extended magazines for home defense?
Extended magazines are ideal for home defense as capacity outweighs concealment. They provide more rounds without needing to reload in a critical situation.
Why do people use different guns for warm and cold weather carry?
Winter clothing allows for concealing larger pistols, while summer carry often requires smaller firearms due to lighter clothing and limited concealment options.
Do handgun accessories interfere with concealed carry?
Bulky sights, lights, or lasers can snag or print under clothing, making them impractical for CCW but ideal for home defense setups where concealment doesn’t matter.