In a tough economy, don't take concealed carry out of your budget. For less than the cost of the average monthly car payment, you could snag a concealed carry pistol that will make you proud to be a CCW-er. You just need to make sure that your chosen weapon can deliver the experience and the stopping power you need.
Here is a look at what's out there that we could happily purchase and carry as part of our EDC setup.
Key Features of the Right Concealed Carry Pistol Under $500
You can't get everything in an inexpensive pistol, but you don't need everything. You actually just need these 5 features, combined with the unique characteristics that come with the 5 pistols we will be showing you.
Reliability, concealability, stopping power, ergonomics, and safety: These are non-negotiables for any weapon, but when price is an issue, they become the real values to focus on when determining the worthiness of a weapon to join your setup. Here is a closer look at each.
Reliability You Can Trust
If you don't trust your pistol to work when you need it, you might as well spend $500 on a lump of metal. Many $500-and-below pistols will be reliable (Even when the weather is bad or you are in a high-stress situation), but not all of them will be. Make sure you choose a pistol that has a longer history on the market, alongside positive experiences from users who have put thousands of rounds through their models.
Comfortable Concealability
The thing about concealed carry is that you never know when you will need it. A fancy night out? A casual grocery store run? A hang out with your buddies? Your pistol needs to dress up or down for all of it, without leaving its mark on your clothes.
Optimal Stopping Power
When you need to defend yourself, you need the bad actor to STOP. Try to snag a pistol that is chambered in a 9mm or larger. The best concealed carry pistols under $500 will all have a reputation for stopping power and a caliber that proves that reputation true.
Superior Ergonomics
Love the way your gun feels in your hand - Even when you are investing in a budget weapon. Ergonomic designs provide a (1 Comfortable grip (2 Non-slip features (3 Well-placed controls and (4 A balanced feel.
Built-In Safety
Features Safety should never be compromised, regardless of your budget. Fortunately, pistols under $500 often come with essential safety features like trigger safeties, manual safeties, or even internal safeties that prevent accidental discharge.
The Leaders - 5 Concealed Carry Pistols Under $500
Hit your concealed carry target the first time by consulting our list of the 5 best concealed carry pistols under $500. The following are all renowned for reliability, boast some pretty exciting features and most importantly, work every time. Take a look!
Smith & Wesson M&P Shield 2.0
- Smith & Wesson M&P Shield 2.0
- Barrel: 3.1 in.
- Overall Length: 6.1 in.
- Overall Height: 4.6 in.
- Width: .9 in.
- Weight: 18.3 oz.
Smith & Wesson is a household name, even for people who do not carry guns. Treasured for its combination of reliable performance and slim profile, this 9mm pistol can also stop bad guys cold. Hold it confidently, thanks to a textured grip, and enjoy a smooth, consistent trigger pull that makes aiming even easier. Just make sure you are ok with its 7+1 or 8+1 capacity, which some may find too small.
Glock 43X
- Glock 43X Barrel
- Length: 3.41 inches
- Overall Length: 6.5 inches
- Overall Height: 5.04 inches
- Width: 1.10 inches
- Weight: 18.7 oz
Another concealed carry staple is the Glock, and its 43X model has a lot to offer when it comes to inexpensive concealability. Compact but powerful, this 9mm also has a bigger capacity (10+1). A longer grip offers comfortable operation, even in high-stress situations, while a slim profile fits under most outfits. Even better? The Glock 43X features the Glock Marksman Barrel for improved accuracy.
Sig Sauer P365
- Sig Sauer P365 Barrel
- Length: 3.1 inches
- Overall Length: 5.8 inches
- Overall Height: 4.3 inches
- Width: 1.0 inch
- Weight: 17.8 oz
The Sig Sauer P365 revolutionized the concealed carry market by offering a 10+1 capacity in an ultra-compact frame. The P365 is chambered in 9mm and is one of the most popular choices for concealed carry due to its size, ease of carry, and superior ergonomics. It’s also equipped with night sights for better low-light performance. It does come in at just about $500 and may therefore cost more than some of the other guns on our list.
Ruger LCP Max
- Ruger LCP Max Barrel
- Length: 2.8 inches
- Overall Length: 5.17 inches
- Overall Height: 4.12 inches
- Width: 0.81 inch
- Weight: 10.6 oz
Even smaller than the Sig Sauer P365 is the Ruger LCP Max. A .380 ACP pistol, it offers a sturdy 10+1 capacity alongside a reliable trigger and sights that are a pleasure to use. As a result, expect to enjoy some great accuracy - Even though this small weapon may not have the stopping power of 9mm weapons.
Springfield Armory XD-S Mod.2
- Springfield Armory XD-S Mod.2
- Barrel Length: 3.3 inches
- Overall Length: 6.3 inches
- Overall Height: 4.4 inches
- Width: 0.9 inch
- Weight: 21.5 oz
The Springfield Armory XD-S Mod.2 is designed to hide snugly against your person, no matter the outfit. Its slim, single-stack design makes it comfortable to carry, despite the fact that it is one of the heavier options on our list. You can get 7+1 or 9+1 capacity, a fiber optic front sight for accuracy and a textured grip for confident handling.
Do you have a concealed carry favorite that is also budget-friendly? Let us know! We are always on the hunt for concealed carry weapons that are good to your budget while also being good to your EDC requirements.
Lower budget? Check out our recommendations for Best Concealed Carry Pistols Under $300
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