What is the safest concealed carry gun? This is a topic that requires careful analysis, as safety in this realm transcends the physical and mechanical aspects of a firearm.
A gun is only as safe as its handler, requiring a responsible, well-trained individual who is committed to practicing safe gun handling.
While distinguishing between different types of actions and safety systems may contribute to the overall safety of your firearm, it is the individual's competency and consciousness that ultimately determines the level of safety.
In General, What is the Safest Handgun for Concealed Carry?
The safest concealed carry guns are the ones designed with multiple built-in safety features, ease of use, reliability, and ergonomic controls suitable for quick, confident handling, especially by newer shooters. Some standout models recommended for safety and user-friendliness include:
Smith & Wesson M&P 9 Shield EZ — This pistol is engineered specifically for users who may struggle with grip strength or slide manipulation. It features a grip safety that is disengaged only when held firmly, a lighter recoil spring for easier slide racking, and magazines designed for smooth loading. Its design minimizes accidental discharge risks while in the holster, making it exceptionally safe for concealed carry.
Glock 19 Gen 5 — Known for its "Safe Action" trigger system that includes a trigger safety preventing firing unless the trigger is deliberately pressed. It has no external manual safety, reducing the chance of fumbling under pressure, and a consistent trigger pull aids controlled shooting.
SIG Sauer P365 series — Highly praised for reliable striker-fired operation with built-in internal safeties, superior ergonomics, and manual safeties optional in some models. Its compact size pairs with secure handling to lower accidental discharge chances.
Springfield XD-S — Equipped with a grip safety and trigger safety, this pistol promotes positive user engagement to disengage safeties only when intentionally gripping and firing. Its design improves safe handling for concealed carry scenarios.
Each of these guns has features like trigger safeties, grip safeties, and internal drop safeties that prevent unintentional firing, plus ergonomic designs that make them easier to control and holster safely.
The safest concealed carry gun is ultimately one you are comfortable handling, have practiced drawing and firing responsibly, and fully understand its safety mechanisms. Regular training and proper holster use are equally critical for safe carry.
Striker-Fired Vs Double-Action: Is One Really Safer?
| Criteria | Striker-Fired Pistols | Double-Action Pistols / Revolvers |
|---|---|---|
| Trigger Pull | Light and consistent (typically 4.5–6 lbs) | Heavy and deliberate (8–12 lbs on DA trigger) |
| Mechanism | Striker releases internal firing pin | Trigger cocks and releases hammer |
| Safety Perception | Debated—safe when holstered properly | Perceived as safer due to heavy pull |
| Ease of Use | Simple manual of arms, no decocking | More complex manual of arms (decocker, safety) |
| Holster Dependency | Requires quality holster with trigger guard coverage | Still benefits from proper holster, but margin for error is slightly wider |
| Training Requirement | Easier to learn quickly due to consistent trigger | Requires more practice to master DA/SA transitions |
| Negligent Discharge Risk | More likely if trigger discipline is poor | Reduced risk due to heavier first pull |
| Concealed Carry Suitability | Very popular; lightweight and streamlined | Bulkier but still viable, especially revolvers |
| Maintenance Simplicity | Fewer moving parts, generally easier to maintain | More complex with additional springs and levers |
| Examples | Glock 19, Sig P320, Smith & Wesson M&P | Beretta 92, Sig P226, Ruger LCR |
One of the oldest talking points on this topic is striker-fired pistols vs double-action pistols and revolvers.
Double-action pistols have a unique feature where the trigger pull accomplishes two tasks: it cocks the hammer and then releases it, firing the round. This mechanism requires a significantly heavier pull than other firearms, with trigger weights of 8 to 12 lbs, depending on the gun and its hammer spring.
Therefore, accidental discharge with a double-action firearm is less likely, making it a popular choice amongst safety-conscious gun owners...though not impossible. NDs/ADs have absolutely happened with traditional DA autos and revolvers in every situation that an ND/AD has occurred in with striker-fired pistols.
On the other hand, riker-fired pistols, like the renowned Glock series, do not feature a traditional hammer. Instead, an internal striker is cocked by the slide's action (either mostly or fully, depending on the design) and then released by the trigger to fire the round. This results in a consistent, lighter trigger pull compared to a double-action pistol.
To many, the heavier trigger pull of a double-action pistol equates to greater safety. The rationale is simple: the increased resistance you need to overcome to fire the weapon reduces the chance of a negligent discharge.
However, this is not an argument for leaving safe firearm handling practices at the door-- an improperly holstered firearm is a hazard, no matter the type.
In reality, negligent/accidental discharges happen when a trigger is pulled when it shouldn't have been. Keeping the trigger guard free of obstruction when holstering prevents discharges of that type.
Keeping your finger off the trigger unless you intend to shoot keeps them from happening. And carrying a pistol in a holster that fully and adequately protects the trigger guard does as well.
Say whatever you want about Glocks and other striker-fired guns. Once holstered (in a quality holster) they are for all intents and purposes inert.
Single-Actions and Manual Safeties
Let's not forget another type of action that often comes into the safety discussion: single-action pistols with manual safeties.
A single-action pistol is fully cocked by the slide (or manually, in the case of single-action revolvers) and the hammer held in place. Pressing the trigger drops the hammer and fires the pistol. Some striker-fired pistols (not all) are technically single-action by virtue of having a fully-cocked striker, which includes the Sig Sauer, Smith and Wesson and Walther pistols among others.
Single-action semi-autos have long been considered by some to be the "safest" concealed carry pistol because the manual safety allows the user to place the pistol on or off safe at any given moment, giving a person direct control over whether the pistol can fire to a greater degree than any other firing mechanism.
This has led to a number of people insisting the 1911 pistol family, to include traditional single-stacks and the widebody/2011 family, is the "safest."
On one hand, it's undeniable that the 1911 design has more mechanical safety features than any other firearm. There's no arguing it doesn't.
A grip safety plus a thumb safety puts two active safety mechanisms between the gun at rest and a discharge. Used properly, there's no way you can fire one unless you really mean it. You have to grip the gun to deactivate the grip safety and sweep off the safety to place the gun on "fire." That's all true.
However, anyone who's carried a 1911 or the few other extant single-action designs like the Sig P210 or Browning Hi Power can tell you is that thumb safeties can be swept off in the holster if the one you're using is not necessarily designed for cocked-and-locked carry.
It's also true, again, that any striker-fired pistol that's safely holstered in a holster that's safe to carry with is equally safe as any single-action pistol that's likewise safely holstered. Single-action pistols are not immune to negligent/accidental discharges.
It's also true that a person who is cautious and assiduous with firearms safety is just as safe operating a striker-fired pistol as they are with a 1911 or Hi Power.
The Safest Concealed Carry Gun is The One You're Safest With
Ultimately, the safest concealed carry gun is the one that you can handle, carry and operate in the safest manner possible. That may be a traditional double-action, that may be a striker-fired gun like a Glock or a Sig P365, and you may feel that you have to carry a 1911 or one of its iterations for the utmost in safety.
That's up to you to determine. If you just don't feel confident with a Glock, then don't carry a Glock.
There is no real "safest" concealed carry gun, not in the real world. Any gun can be carried safely, but that depends on the operator. Some mechanical designs have a bit more inherent "safety" than others, but their benefits are marginal, redundant even; a double-action trigger pull or manual safety is not a replacement for safe handling and safe operation by you.
A safely holstered gun, regardless of whether it's a double-action or striker-fired, is a safe gun. The holster should cover the trigger guard entirely, preventing any foreign objects from inadvertently pressing the trigger. It should also hold the gun securely, minimizing the chance of the firearm falling out and potentially discharging. Ergo, the next most important thing to invest in besides your own training is a quality holster.
If you want to carry safely, make sure you can carry safely first. Then dial in what kind of pistol you should have.
FAQs
What is the safest handgun for concealed carry?
The safest handgun for concealed carry combines reliability, safety features, and ease of handling. Popular choices include the Smith & Wesson M&P Shield EZ, Sig Sauer P365 with manual safety, and Springfield XD-S Mod.2 — all of which offer strong safety records and user-friendly controls.
What is the safest gun to carry with one in the chamber?
The Sig Sauer P365 with manual safety, Glock 43X, and Smith & Wesson M&P 2.0 Compact are considered among the safest guns to carry loaded. They offer passive and manual safeties, consistent trigger pulls, and secure holster options that reduce accidental discharge risks.
What is the safest gun to own for home or personal defense?
For home and personal defense, the Ruger Security-9, Beretta PX4 Storm, and Walther PDP are popular for their safety mechanisms, clear visual indicators, and reliable performance under stress.
What is the best 9mm with thumb safety?
The Smith & Wesson M&P Shield 2.0, Sig Sauer P365X with manual safety, and Taurus G3c all offer a thumb safety and chambered in 9mm, providing added control and peace of mind for those who prefer a manual safety feature.
What is the best concealed carry 9mm?
Top choices for best concealed carry 9mm include the Glock 43X, Sig Sauer P365, and Springfield Hellcat — known for their compact size, high capacity, and proven reliability in daily carry.
What is the best concealed carry gun with manual safety?
The Smith & Wesson M&P Shield EZ, Sig Sauer P365X Manual Safety, and Beretta APX Carry are among the top concealed carry handguns that include a manual safety for added user control.
What does ‘cocked and locked’ mean?
“Cocked and locked” refers to carrying a single-action pistol, typically a 1911, with the hammer cocked, a round in the chamber, and the manual safety engaged. It allows for a fast first shot while keeping the firearm secure.