Start Here: 5 Versatile Carry Guns That Also Work for Home Defense

Carry gun selection is as individual a process as your fingerprint. There’s no such gun as a “best” carry gun or a one-size-fits-all pistol. Anyone who claims there is immediately discredits themselves.

However, it’s true that some handguns are more ideal than others, and sometimes being steered in the right direction can help you find the ideal gun for your needs. We’ve put together this list of five excellent self-defense handgun choices with an eye for both concealed carry and home defense.

This is not a comprehensive list by any means, but it’s a solid starting point. It’s also diverse and offers different platforms so you can branch off from here in your search for just the right gun for you.

GLOCK 43X

If you’re going to go for a GLOCK, the 43X is a fantastic choice. It’s slightly shorter than the G48 which might not sound important, but that tiny difference makes it easier to conceal. The G43 is chambered in 9mm, has a capacity of 10 +1 rounds with a flush-fit magazine. It weighs in at 18.70 ounces, empty.

This is one of GLOCK’s Slimline guns meaning it’s not a double-stack but it also isn’t technically a single stack, so they manage to fit in a bit more ammo without getting crazy with the gun’s dimensions.

The GLOCK 43X has a 3.41-inch barrel length and if you’re thinking that means less accuracy, in this case you’d be wrong. This is a handgun capable of excellent accuracy. It boasts the Gen 5 GLOCK Marksman Barrel, an improved trigger, and slide serrations fore and aft for easier manipulation. All controls can be operated without overly adjusting your grip. If you’re a leftie, you’re in luck because the magazine release is reversible. Other useful features include GLOCK’s S.A.F.E. Action, a safety blade trigger, and a nicely textured grip.

Why the GLOCK 43X over the GLOCK 48? It’s really a matter of personal preference. The G48 has a barrel length of 4.17 inches which keeps the overall dimensions small enough to remain highly concealable, but can be a bit tougher for some people to conceal when carrying. Both are great guns and aside from barrel length they’re basically identical.

Colt King Cobra

If revolvers are your preference for concealed carry — and we know you’re still out there — the Colt King Cobra is a well-made, accurate gun that’s well worth your consideration. The King Cobra is chambered in .357 Magnum, meaning you can also run softer shooting .38 Special, and it has a six-shot capacity.

There’s a carry model with an even shorter barrel, but for reasons like felt recoil and accuracy, the model with a 3.0-inch barrel may well fit the bill for more people. The King Cobra has a stainless steel frame and comfortable rubberized grips making it both heavy enough to felt recoil and muzzle rise and more comfortable to shoot.

The Colt King Cobra we refer to is, of course, one of the latest incarnation of Colt’s snake guns. If you can find and want to carry an original Colt snake gun, go for it—we firmly believe there’s really no such thing as a safe queen. But this new generation of Colt revolvers is very well-made and reliable and the Colt King Cobra holds a special place in this writer’s heart as a great all-around gun.

Ruger SR1911

The Ruger SR1911 is offered in all the expected 1911 platform sizes as well as a few different caliber choices. This particular model is a Government — meaning full — size with a 5-inch barrel. It isn’t chambered in .45 ACP, but in 9mm. Yes, you can conceal a full-size handgun. Lots of people do it every day. Almost anything is possible to carry and conceal with the correct holster and belt.

This is a classic 1911 meaning it’s a single-stack pistol and, since it’s chambered in 9mm, has a capacity of 9 +1 rounds. Ruger’s SR1911 line of pistols is based on the Series 70 design, albeit with modern tweaks. Many shooters will tell you that means a better trigger and I believe it does make a difference. The entire SR1911 lineup is surprisingly nice, particularly for the price point.

Despite being a full-sized 1911 the SR1911 isn’t excessively hefty. It weighs in at 32.2 ounces which helps cut down on felt recoil and muzzle rise (which is already pretty minimized given that it’s the 9mm version of the gun).

Features include a serrated, rounded hammer and rounded off edges overall that reduce risk of snags on the draw. The Ruger SR1911 Government-size gun makes a great home defense choice, too. And if you’d like one of these relatively affordably priced 1911s, but want a smaller one, Ruger makes SR1911 Commander and Officer sized models, too that you’ll find easier to conceal.

Walther PDP Compact

If there’s a handgun maker that doesn’t seem to get nearly the credit they deserve for high-quality designs and impressive performance, it’s Walther. No, their guns aren’t the prettiest or the most tacticool on the market, but they’re exceptional, especially considering their price point. The Walther PDP Compact is a versatile handgun that’s perfect for concealed carry and home defense use. It has the right size to hit that sweet spot and that makes it a really good option if you want one gun that does it all.

The PDP Compact has a 4.0-inch barrel, overall length of 7.5 inches, and height of 5.4 inches. It weighs 24.4 ounces empty and is relatively thin with a width of 1.34 inches. This gun is chambered in 9mm and has a 10 +1 capacity.

The grip is shaped with a palmswell that fits well into the shooters hand and it’s also textured on all sides to improve the shooter’s hold even with wet or sweaty hands. Wide, angled serrations are located at the front and back of the slide to make racking it easier.

This gun has a lot to recommend it, including reliable cycling and precision. It has an accessory rail in front of the trigger guard that’s fantastic for adding a light or laser. It has a polymer frame that cuts its weight a bit while remaining balanced. Your self-defense handgun should be reliable, durable, and fit well in your hands. The Walther PDP Compact does all that really well.

Taurus TH10

Interested in a bigger bore handgun without a correspondingly larger price tag? The Taurus TH10 is chambered in 10mm and has proven reliable so far in testing. This pistol is, as its name suggests, part of Taurus’s TH line of handguns and is double-action/single-action. One of the great things about this gun is its 15 +1 capacity because while that means it’s heavier, it also means you have an impressive amount of 10mm ammo on board.

If you’re wondering, yes, people can and do successfully carry 10mm handguns on a regular basis. The TH10 has a 4.25 inch barrel which is sufficient to give you solid ballistics. Empty, it weighs in at 28.50 ounces. It has a full-size frame, but thanks to the barrel length it can be concealed. This is a handgun that’s a great choice for home defense and can also be open carried for self-defense while out and about.

Aggressive texturing on the grip of the gun helps the shooter maintain a firm hold during live fire and serrations at the rear of the slide facilitate smooth manipulation. Controls can all be operated without needing to adjust your grip—depending on your hand size—and interestingly, the safety doubles as a de-cocker. While this isn’t a high-end 10mm it’s a good entree into the big bore handgun world.

Some of these guns are likely to appeal to you while others may leave you questioning why they’re on the list. Remember that everyone’s skill level, needs, and preferences vary. What you value and need isn’t the same the guy down the street. That’s why it’s a good thing we have such a wide variety of choices available. Find the one that suits you best and go from there. Just because a pistol is perfect for a friend, instructor, or industry “influencer” doesn’t mean it’s best for you.