"There's actually a lot of different opinions on concealed carry, and just as many different state laws as there are opinions. I'm not even gonna get started on that.

However, lots of guns can be used for CCW work. In fact, handgun options really depend on the person's size and build, the style of carry that they prefer (IWB, OWB w/ jacket or long shirt, ankle, vest, etc.), the style of clothing that they are wearing and of course, their budget.

I'm fairly large, and can get away with carrying full-sized handguns easily. I admit, I prefer medium-sized single stack guns though. I'm CCW'ing my girlfriend's Mauser M2 in .40 S&W in an inexpensive Uncle Mike's IWB (thanks to Ironhand for sending the gun to her!) for the time being because my guns are still in Saint Louis. However, I carried a Makarov PM in a Falco IWB most of the time, and for deep-concealment I carried a Beretta 950B in .25 ACP."

"I've carried a govt 1911 in an IWB. It took a while to get used to. And I'd say it's definitely not the most comfortable way to do things. My point is though, don't automatically think pocket .380 when you think concealed or open carry.

If you conceal carry, it's your responsibility to use a gun that maximizes on damage against someone who threatens your life will less risk of collateral damage - that is spraying bullets blindly and overpenetration.

Lightweight guns will make you pay in less effective rounds and recoil. That's unavoidable. So I'd recommend you shoot a bunch of guns on the range to see what you like before you even think of carry."

"Well, you have a point. Perhaps the Colt New Agent (small 1911)."

"There are a ton of options available to the CCWer now a days, in my humble opinion the Kahr is about the best CCW weapon. They come in .380, 9mm, .40, and .45ACP. They are compact and slim. I have found the ones I have shot accurate and reliable.
Another good option is a compact Glock they are easy to stow and reliable( I do not like the subcompact my self because I have large hands and cannot hold them well)

If you are on a budget and you need something right away the Makarov is the way to go reasonably priced, a sufficient round and they make good holsters for them.

I have CCWed for over ten years if you need advice I will try my best to give you some."

"I've carried a govt 1911 in an IWB. It took a while to get used to. And I'd say it's definitely not the most comfortable way to do things. My point is though, don't automatically think pocket .380 when you think concealed or open carry.

If you conceal carry, it's your responsibility to use a gun that maximizes on damage against someone who threatens your life will less risk of collateral damage - that is spraying bullets blindly and overpenetration.

Lightweight guns will make you pay in less effective rounds and recoil. That's unavoidable. So I'd recommend you shoot a bunch of guns on the range to see what you like before you even think of carry."

"A tiny .45 is a lot of recoil, mind you. I'm a fan of the Lightweight Commander 1911s myself."

"Thanks. sounds good."