The “best” all-around Everyday Carry (EDC) firearm can vary based on personal preferences, experience, and intended use, but there are several well-regarded options that are frequently recommended for their balance of size, reliability, and performance. Here’s a breakdown of some of the top EDC firearms:
- Glock 19
Type: Semi-Automatic, 9mm
Why it’s great: The Glock 19 is a perennial favorite for EDC because it offers a good balance of size, capacity, and ease of concealment. It’s compact enough for concealed carry, but still offers a full grip and a decent magazine capacity (15+1 rounds). Glock’s reputation for reliability and durability, combined with its ease of use, makes it a solid choice for many.
Pros:
Reliable and proven design
Good magazine capacity
Easy to conceal, but still comfortable to shoot
Strong aftermarket support for accessories and modifications
Cons:
Some find the grip angle and trigger less ideal compared to other options
The polymer frame may not appeal to everyone aesthetically - Sig Sauer P365
Type: Semi-Automatic, 9mm
Why it’s great: The Sig P365 revolutionized the concealed carry market by offering a high-capacity micro-compact pistol. It packs 10-12+1 rounds of 9mm into a very small form factor. Despite its size, it’s comfortable to shoot and reliable. It’s a great option for those who want a small firearm but don’t want to sacrifice too much firepower.
Pros:
Compact and easy to conceal
Impressive capacity for its size
Comfortable ergonomics
Smooth trigger pull
Cons:
Smaller size can affect recoil control for some shooters
Smaller magazines can feel cramped for larger hands - Smith & Wesson M&P Shield 9mm
Type: Semi-Automatic, 9mm
Why it’s great: The M&P Shield has been a long-time favorite for EDC. Its slim profile, reliability, and user-friendly design make it a great choice for everyday carry. With options like the 7+1 or 8+1 round capacity, it’s small and concealable without sacrificing too much firepower.
Pros:
Slim, easy to conceal
Comfortable and simple design
Available with a variety of safety features (like external safety or not)
Cons:
Lower magazine capacity than some other options
Recoil may be snappier in the smaller frame - Springfield Armory XD-S Mod.2
Type: Semi-Automatic, 9mm or .45 ACP
Why it’s great: The XD-S Mod.2 is known for being a reliable and accurate concealed carry pistol. It’s slim and has a great trigger, and it’s available in both 9mm and .45 ACP for those who want a little more power. The Mod.2 comes with excellent ergonomics and a solid reputation for reliability.
Pros:
Compact and slim
Excellent trigger
Available in multiple calibers
Cons:
Lower magazine capacity in comparison to full-size options
Slightly more felt recoil due to its size and caliber options - Ruger LCP II
Type: Semi-Automatic, .380 ACP
Why it’s great: For those who prioritize ultra-concealability over power, the Ruger LCP II is an excellent choice. It’s one of the smallest pistols available, making it perfect for deep concealment. While it lacks the firepower of larger guns, its small size makes it easy to carry in a variety of ways.
Pros:
Extremely small and lightweight
Easy to conceal in almost any position
Affordable
Cons:
Limited magazine capacity (6+1 rounds)
.380 ACP is less powerful than 9mm, which may be a concern for self-defense - Walther PPQ M2 SC
Type: Semi-Automatic, 9mm
Why it’s great: The Walther PPQ M2 SC is a slightly larger compact pistol that offers excellent ergonomics and one of the best triggers in the industry. It’s known for its smooth and light trigger pull, which makes it enjoyable to shoot, even for long sessions. The PPQ M2 SC is a good option for those who prefer a slightly larger pistol but still want something concealable.
Pros:
Outstanding trigger
Ergonomically excellent
Good size for both carry and range use
Cons:
Slightly larger and less concealable than ultra-compact models
May be too large for some people to carry comfortably
Key Considerations for Choosing the Best EDC Firearm:
Size: The smaller and more compact, the easier it is to conceal. However, smaller guns often have less capacity and may be harder to control when firing.
Caliber: 9mm is the most common and versatile caliber for EDC guns, offering a balance of power and manageable recoil. Some people prefer .380 ACP or even .45 ACP for more stopping power, but these come with trade-offs in size, capacity, and recoil.
Capacity: More capacity is generally better, especially for self-defense situations, but this needs to be balanced with the size and weight of the firearm.
Ergonomics: How the gun feels in your hand, how comfortable it is to carry, and how easy it is to shoot are important for effective use.
Reliability: Above all, your EDC firearm needs to be reliable. A gun you can’t trust in an emergency is not worth carrying.
Conclusion:
If you’re looking for a versatile, well-balanced option: Glock 19 or Sig Sauer P365 is hard to beat.
For those who prioritize ultra-concealability: Ruger LCP II or Smith & Wesson M&P Shield.
For a more traditional feel and great ergonomics: Walther PPQ M2 SC.
Ultimately, the best EDC firearm is the one you feel most comfortable with, that you can train with effectively, and that meets your specific needs (concealability, capacity, and ease of use). www.rougarouxfirearms.com
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