The safest handgun for concealed carry is the one you can conveniently and safely carry. It does not give you a surprise by going off on its own. Every human being has been born with one basic and common right which is to defend themselves. This right is exercised best without disturbing people around us. Concealed carry should be the preferable choice of carrying a handgun in public. Before you decide which handgun is the safest for concealed carry, you must consider the factors on which this judgment should be based.

Safety Features to Consider While Selecting Concealed Carry Handguns

The higher the number of safety features in a handgun, the safer it is for you and the people around you. One of the manual safety features includes a lever/switch which prevents the accidental pull of the trigger when placed in “safe” position. The most common system includes a latch/block that prevents the movement of the trigger. It also includes a system for disconnecting the firing mechanism from the trigger.

Grip Safety:

Grip safety includes a lever/device fixed at the rear side of the handgun grip. It must be pressed before the gun can shoot. The safety will only be deactivated if the shooter has his hands around the grip and will be activated immediately when the grip is released.

Drop Safety:

Some guns have the drop safety feature. It is a passive security feature that prevents accidental discharge when a handgun is dropped. 

Firing Pin:

This safety system prevents the forward movement of the firing pin and striking the chamber unless you press the trigger.  Even if something else hits the pin or the hammer is released, the safety will not be released without pressing the trigger.

Other Manual security features include hammer block, transfer bar, safety notch, trigger safeties, de-cocker, etc.

Some handguns have internal safety features based on three levels. A trigger safety level that prevents it from moving unless it is positively pressed. An extension bar which is linked with the trigger locks the gun’s striker so that even if the gun is dropped it does not result in accidental discharge. The third level includes a safety mechanism for the firing pin which prevents it from contacting the primer until you press the trigger for clearing the block.

Factors for Better Concealed Carry and Safety

 You should also consider other factors that decide how good your concealed carry is and how much safety it offers.

1.     Weapon Size

 If you are a gun enthusiast, you definitely know why handguns like Desert Eagle, .45 Magnum or Smith & Wesson .500 are famous. These are big powerful handguns that have earned a solid reputation. If you do however carry them openly, they are bound to startle bystanders. The size of your handgun is very important for concealed carry. Compact handguns can be concealed easily and many models are purposely built for this. You can keep the big ones at home and keep a separate handgun for concealed carry.

2.     Holsters & Clothing

 Holsters are available in a large variety including shoulder holsters, ankle holsters, inside-the-waistband holsters, belly band holsters and pocket holsters. Your decision to wear one should be based on a number of factors including comfort, safety, ease of reach and the type of place you are heading to. For instance, if you are going for running or jogging then wearing a shoulder holster would be a way better choice than an ankle holster.  You can conceal the shoulder holster by wearing a jacket on top of your shirt.  Recently, belly band holsters have become very famous. They are in the shape of  a thick elastic band which can be worn around your belly. It’s a holster and belt combo which is elastic and has the ability to absorb body movements without compromising the weapon. Wearing loose clothes rather than fitted ones can also help conceal weapons better.

3.     Purpose

Although you don’t need a reason for concealed carry, it is always better to identify the purpose(s). You know what type of places you usually visit where you should concealed carry a handgun. For instance if your job includes travelling by road often, you can plan accordingly and purchase a suitable handgun.

 The Safest Handgun - Our Recommendation

There are many handguns available in the market which have been specifically manufactured for concealed carry. However, one gun manufacturer which has given a new definition to gun safety and has been constantly improving these features is without any doubt, Glock.

We Recommend - The Glock 42 and the Glock 19

The 42 is their smallest handgun. A subcompact 0.380 powerful handgun, it has a barrel size of 3.25-inch, a length of 5.94 inches, height of 4.13 inches and width of 0.94 inches. It weighs only 13.76 ounces and has a round capacity of 6+1 with aftermarket extensions available as well.

The Glock 19 is a 9mm that was purposely built for law officers who have small hands. It is considered the ultimate concealed carry gun and has a barrel size of 4 inches, a length of 7.36 inches, a height of 4.99 inches and a width of 1.26 inches. It weighs 23.65 ounces and has a round capacity of 15+1. It is light enough so you can easily carry it every day and everywhere.

Both the handguns are equipped with the famous ‘safe action’ feature offered by Glock. It is based on a three level mechanical safety system; all three are independent of each other and are entirely internal.

When you pull the trigger, the three safety levels are sequentially disengaged; the striker moves backward within the handgun and the tension increases on the spring attached to the firing pin. As soon as the firing pin is released by the trigger bar the striker moves forward as the tension in the spring eases. The striker hits the bottom of the round inside the chamber and releases the round.

We hope this guide helps you chose the safest handgun for concealed carry.