7 Best Concealed Carry Guns for Small Hands

Searching for the perfect concealed carry firearm for smaller hands can be daunting. However, your quest ends here.

We've narrowed down to seven top contenders, but which is the supreme choice for petite hands? Let's keep the suspense alive as we venture through the realm of compact firearms!

Here's a quick peek at what we're coverin':

Best Overall: Glock 42
Best for Easy Racking: Smith & Wesson M&P Shield EZ
Best Pocket Pistol: Sig Sauer P238
Best Single-Stack 9mm: Springfield Armory XD-S Mod.2
Most Versatile Compact: Ruger LC9s
Best DA/SA Option: Beretta Px4 Storm SubCompact
Best Micro 1911: Kimber Micro 9

The best concealed carry guns for small hands for confident carry in 2025

This list of concealed carry guns, it ain't just some random selection. We really zeroed in on firearm suitability. Especially for smaller hands. We're talkin' grip circumference here.

And how far your finger has to stretch. That crucial trigger reach is key. The gun's overall heft and size also matter. These are real-world needs for many folks.

Many find common handguns too much to handle. Our rankings? They come from how well these guns shoot. And how well they hide when your hands aren't massive.

Best Overall: Glock 42

Pros:

Ultra-slim grip; a true blessing for small hands.
Very lightweight; makes all-day carry almost unnoticeable.
Glock brand reliability is legendary; this .380 upholds that.
Soft shooting for a .380 ACP; practice is enjoyable.
Simple, no-nonsense operation, typical of Glock.

Cons:

.380 ACP caliber offers less punch than 9mm.
Capacity is a bit low at 6+1 rounds.
Sights are basic plastic; an upgrade is often desired.

The Glock 42 is kinda the standard for a reason. Especially when your hands ain't oversized. You pick this little fella up. It just melds with your hand.

It don't feel like you're wrastlin' a bulky brick. That super-slim profile? It ain't just for makin' it disappear. It's fantastic for getting a real, unshakeable purchase.

We've pushed thousands of rounds through these. They just keep on truckin'. No drama, no hitches, just pure Glock firearm dependability. Now, some folks will fuss 'bout it being "only" a .380.

Is it a 9mm cannon? Nope, it surely ain't. But shot placement is the name of the game. With the G42's surprisingly mild recoil, you can place rounds right. And do it fast and accurately.

It's a darn sight more comfortable to shoot. More so than a lot of other tiny .380s. Many of those can be snappy little beasts. This one is remarkably manageable for new shooters.

The trigger is, well, a Glock pistol trigger. Not feather-light, but consistent and predictable. That’s a mighty fine trait in a defensive gun. You'll likely want to swap factory sights for Glock pistols. Those plastic ones are placeholders. But that's an easy fix.

Key Features:

Caliber: .380 ACP
Capacity: 6+1 rounds
Barrel Length: 3.25 inches
Overall Length: 5.94 inches
Weight (unloaded): 13.76 oz
Grip: Slim, single-stack, great texture for smaller hands
Sights: Polymer, fixed (easily upgradeable with quality pistol sights)
Action: Safe Action (striker-fired)

Customer Reviews and Feedback:

"This G42 is a godsend for my small hands! So easy to shoot accurately and carries like it's not even there."
"The G42 is my everyday carry. Incredibly reliable. Surprisingly accurate for its diminutive size. My only wish is for a couple more rounds."
"Recoil is astonishingly light for such a small firearm. My wife tried it at the range once. Now she's claimed it as her own!"
"I upgraded the night sights immediately. Apart from that, it's a fantastic little carry piece. It reliably eats any type of ammo."

Buy it if: You need an ultra-concealable and utterly dependable pistol. And your hands make most other guns feel like 2x4s. You value carry comfort and a proven design. The Glock 42 disappears easily and performs.

Don’t buy it if: You absolutely insist on 9mm stopping power. Or require a higher capacity magazine. And you won't upgrade factory sights. You demand an external manual safety. This pistol relies on the Safe Action system.

Best for Easy Racking: Smith & Wesson M&P Shield EZ

Pros:

Slide is incredibly easy to rack; a game-changer.
Grip safety offers added confidence for some users.
Good ergonomics, fits small to medium hands comfortably.
Available in .380 ACP and 9mm, providing choices.
Tactile loaded chamber indicator is a practical touch.

Cons:

Grip safety isn't universally loved; some find it awkward.
Slightly larger than some other micro-compact pistols.
Trigger can feel a tad long to some shooters.

The M&P Shield EZ, the name gives it away. Smith & Wesson listened about stiff slides. This thing is an absolute dream to rack. If you've battled a welded slide, you'll love this.

It ain't just the slide that's well thought out. The ergonomics are quite commendable for smaller hands. The grip angle feels natural. Texturing is perfect – not too aggressive, not too slick.

Shooters with reduced hand strength handle this well. That’s a significant victory. The option of .380 or 9mm is smart. The .380 version is exceptionally soft shooting.

The 9mm has more get-up-and-go but is manageable. The easy-to-load magazine is another thoughtful feature. Now, that grip safety. It’s a love-it-or-hate-it feature.

Some feel it adds safety for carry. Others need to adjust their grip to disengage it. It's something you'll want to feel for yourself. It is a little bigger than tiny pocket rockets.

But that extra size improves shootability. The trigger is decent for self-defense. It has take-up, then a reasonably clean break. For an easy-to-use defensive tool, it works well. Consider AmeriGlo handgun sights for an upgrade.

Key Features:

Caliber: Available in .380 ACP and 9mm
Capacity: 8+1 rounds (for both calibers)
Barrel Length: 3.675 inches (9mm) / 3.8 inches (.380 ACP)
Overall Length: 6.7 inches (9mm) / 6.9 inches (.380 ACP)
Weight (unloaded): Approx. 18.5 oz (.380 ACP) / 23.8 oz (9mm)
Slide: Patented easy-to-rack design, a key selling point
Safety: Grip safety, optional manual thumb safety, internal safety
Sights: White dot, drift adjustable rear

Customer Reviews and Feedback:

"The EZ slide is absolutely amazing! I have arthritis; this is the only semi-auto I can comfortably rack."
"This is a great gun for my wife. She loves how incredibly easy it is to handle. The grip safety gives her extra peace of mind."
"It shoots very smoothly. I'm surprised by how accurate it is for a compact. The 9mm version offers great balance."
"It took me a little while to get completely used to the grip safety. Now I don't even notice it. It's reliable and fits my small hands."

Buy it if: You often struggle with racking slides on other pistols. Or if you have reduced hand strength for any reason. You appreciate an additional layer of safety. And you want a gun that's genuinely comfortable to shoot.

Don’t buy it if: You absolutely despise grip safeties as a matter of principle. Or if your primary need is the smallest gun. You're in search of a match-grade trigger. The EZ's trigger is serviceable, not exceptional for precision.

Best Pocket Pistol: Sig Sauer P238

Pros:

Classic 1911 styling in a diminutive package; very pleasing.
Single-action trigger is typically crisp, light, and joyful.
All-metal construction lends a reassuring, quality feel.
Often comes with decent Sig Sauer sights standard.
Very easy to conceal effectively, even in a pocket.

Cons:

Chambered in .380 ACP only; some desire more power.
Manual safety (cocked-and-locked carry) requires diligent training.
Can be pricier than other .380 ACP options.
Lower ammunition capacity than some newer designs.

The Sig Sauer P238 is a real classy little piece. If you like the 1911 feel but need somethin' that'll vanish, this is it. It’s built like a tiny, well-oiled tank. All metal, giving reassuring heft.

That delightful single-action trigger truly sets it apart. It’s typically light, wonderfully crisp. It makes it surprisingly easy to shoot accurately. We've found even folks with smaller hands manage it well.

This leads to much better shot placement. It just feels darn good to shoot. Being single-action, it's designed for "cocked and locked" carry. Hammer back, safety engaged.

This manual of arms requires more dedicated training. You absolutely gotta be comfortable and proficient. But for 1911 aficionados, it’s second nature. Many P238 models come with excellent Sig X-RAY3 night sights.

It's a .380, so the caliber debate pops up. But for deep concealment, it’s a proven round. Especially with modern defensive ammunition. The P238 is known as a softer-shooting .380.

Partly thanks to its all-metal frame absorbing recoil. This makes follow-up shots quicker. Practice sessions become far more enjoyable. It ain't the cheapest pocket pistol, that's for sure. Sig Sauer premium products come at a price.

Key Features:

Caliber: .380 ACP
Capacity: 6+1 or 7+1 rounds (depending on magazine)
Barrel Length: 2.7 inches
Overall Length: 5.5 inches
Weight (unloaded): Approx. 15.2 oz
Action: Single Action Only (SAO)
Frame: Alloy, often with attractive finishes
Sights: Frequently tritium night sights like SIGLITE or X-RAY3

Customer Reviews and Feedback:

"The P238 is my favorite pocket gun. It shoots like an absolute dream, and the quality is simply outstanding."
"I absolutely love the classic 1911 feel. The trigger is fantastic for a .380 ACP pistol."
"It's incredibly easy to conceal. I'm constantly surprised by how accurate it is. The standard night sights are a great bonus."
"It's a bit pricey, but you get what you pay for. This Sig is perfectly reliable and comfortable."

Buy it if: You love the 1911 platform. And desire a high-quality, all-metal pocket pistol. And you appreciate a crisp single-action trigger. You prioritize excellent factory sights. And a smooth, enjoyable shooting experience in a very concealable package.

Don’t buy it if: You're operating on a very tight budget. Or if you're not comfortable with single-action manual of arms. You need higher ammunition capacity. Or prefer a polymer frame for its lighter weight characteristics.

Best Single-Stack 9mm: Springfield Armory XD-S Mod.2

Pros:

Slim single-stack grip is exceptionally suited for smaller hands.
Mod.2 grip texturing provides a very secure hold.
Available in 9mm, offering more stopping power.
Good quality sights, often fiber optic sights (front) and white-dot rear.
Multiple safety features, including a grip safety.

Cons:

Can be a bit snappy with 9mm loads.
Trigger has a noticeably longer reset than some competitors.
Some users find the grip safety less intuitive.

The Springfield Armory XD-S Mod.2 is a solid choice. If you're looking for 9mm punch that fits smaller hands. That single-stack magazine makes for a wonderfully slim grip.

And the Springfield Armory Mod.2 grip texture? It’s like your hand just sticks to it. In a very good and secure way. We've found this pistol to be reliable.

It eats most 9mm ammo without complaint. The factory sights are usually pretty good. Often a bright front fiber optic with a tactical rack rear. This makes for quick target acquisition.

Being a small, lightweight 9mm, it has more felt recoil. More than the .380 ACP pistols discussed. It's not punishing, but noticeable. A firm grip is key.

That excellent Mod.2 texture really helps here. Practice will make perfect with managing that snap. Like other XD models, it has a grip safety. This, along with trigger and firing pin safeties, gives multiple layers.

The grip safety is personal preference. Some love it, some learn to live with it. The trigger on the XD-S Mod.2 is decent. It has take-up, a defined wall, then the break. You might like Meprolight sights for XD as an upgrade.

Key Features:

Caliber: 9mm (also .45 ACP, but 9mm is better for small hands recoil-wise)
Capacity: 7+1 (flush mag), 9+1 (extended mag)
Barrel Length: 3.3 inches
Overall Length: 6.3 inches
Weight (unloaded): Approx. 21.5 oz (with flush mag)
Grip: Mod.2 texture, very secure for small hands
Sights: Fiber optic front, tactical rack white-dot rear
Safety: Grip safety, trigger safety, firing pin block

Customer Reviews and Feedback:

"The XD-S Mod.2 fits my small hands perfectly! The enhanced grip texture is truly amazing and confidence-inspiring."
"I love this pistol as my everyday carry. It's completely reliable, surprisingly accurate, and the fiber optic sight is great."
"It's a little bit snappy with +P ammunition. But definitely manageable with proper practice. The grip safety adds peace of mind."
"This is a good, solid single-stack 9mm. It took me a few range trips to get fully comfortable with the trigger reset."

Buy it if: You want a slim 9mm pistol with excellent grip. And you appreciate multiple passive safety features built in. You need a reliable single-stack firearm that’s easy to conceal. Yet still offers a full grip for most.

Don’t buy it if: You are very recoil sensitive; smaller 9mms can be snappy. Or if you dislike grip safeties on principle. You demand the shortest trigger reset. Other options exist if that's your absolute top priority.

Most Versatile Compact: Ruger LC9s

Pros:

Slim and lightweight design makes for easy concealment.
Striker-fired ‘s’ model has an improved, lighter trigger.
Good balance of compact size and 9mm power.
Often found at a very reasonable price point.
Reliable performance from Ruger firearms, a trusted brand.

Cons:

Can be snappy with hotter 9mm defensive loads.
Sights are rather small and basic on some models.
Long, somewhat mushy trigger reset on the 's' model.
Magazine disconnect safety can be a negative for some.

The Ruger LC9s (ensure it’s the 's' model) hits a sweet spot. It’s slim, light, chambered in 9mm, and won't break the bank. What’s not to like? It’s a very versatile little gun for carry.

We found the 's' model's trigger a big step up. Better than the original LC9's long, heavy pull. The LC9s has a lighter, shorter pull. This makes it much easier to shoot accurately.

This is a big deal for shooters with less hand strength. Or those preferring a striker-fired feel. Its slimness is a major plus. For small hands and easy concealment, it's great.

It just melts away under clothing. Being 9mm, it offers a good power step-up. More than .380 ACP, which many carriers prefer. Ruger builds tough, reliable firearms.

The LC9s generally lives up to that. Now, it's a small 9mm, so physics applies. It can be a bit snappy with +P ammo. A good, firm grip is essential.

The sights are functional but not spectacular. They're machined into the slide and quite small. Some aftermarket Truglo sights for Ruger would be good. The trigger, while improved, has a long reset.

Key Features:

Caliber: 9mm Luger
Capacity: 7+1 rounds
Barrel Length: 3.12 inches
Overall Length: 6.0 inches
Weight (unloaded): 17.2 oz
Action: Striker-fired (LC9s model)
Frame: Glass-filled nylon, slim for small hands
Sights: Integral 3-dot, drift adjustable rear
Safety: Manual thumb safety, trigger safety, magazine disconnect

Customer Reviews and Feedback:

"The LC9s is absolutely perfect for my small hands. The trigger is so much better than the old LC9 model."
"This is a great little 9mm for everyday carry. It has been completely reliable and practically disappears in a good holster."
"It's a little bit snappy with self-defense loads. But definitely manageable with practice. A very good value for the price."
"The factory sights are a bit small for my eyes. But the gun itself is solid and well-built. The slim grip is a huge plus."

Buy it if: You want a slim, lightweight 9mm at a budget-friendly price. And you prefer a striker-fired trigger with a manual safety. You need a versatile compact pistol. One that’s easy to carry daily and comes from a reputable maker.

Don’t buy it if: You're highly sensitive to recoil. Or if you need top-tier sights out of the box. You dislike magazine disconnect safeties. Or if you demand a very short, crisp trigger reset.

Best DA/SA Option: Beretta Px4 Storm SubCompact

Pros:

Unique rotating barrel system can help mitigate recoil.
DA/SA action offers second-strike capability and lighter SA pull.
Ambidextrous safety/decocker is a thoughtful, practical touch.
Good ergonomics for its size; fits small hands well.
Carries the strong Beretta firearms reliability reputation.

Cons:

Thicker than single-stacks due to its double-stack mag.
DA trigger pull is long and can be heavy.
Slide-mounted safety/decocker can be less intuitive for some.

The Beretta Px4 Storm SubCompact is different. If you like traditional double-action/single-action (DA/SA) pistols, look here. That DA/SA system offers a long, deliberate first pull.

Followed by shorter, lighter single-action pulls. Some folks really prefer this type of action. One standout feature is the innovative rotating barrel. Beretta claims this reduces felt recoil.

We've found it makes the 9mm shoot softer. Softer than expected for its compact size. This is a plus for shooters with smaller hands. Or those with less grip strength.

Despite being double-stack and chubbier, ergonomics are good. The grip has interchangeable backstraps. This allows you to customize the fit somewhat. For a subcompact, it fills the hand nicely.

The DA trigger pull is long and heavy. This is typical for this action type. It requires practice to master effectively. But the SA pull is much nicer.

It's shorter and crisper. The pistol also has an ambidextrous slide-mounted safety/decocker. Some find slide-mounted safeties awkward. But it’s down to preference and training. Meprolight gun sights are good upgrades.

Key Features:

Caliber: 9mm (also .40 S&W, but 9mm is better for recoil)
Capacity: 13+1 rounds (9mm)
Barrel Length: 3.0 inches
Overall Length: 6.22 inches
Weight (unloaded): 26.1 oz
Action: DA/SA (Double Action/Single Action)
Barrel: Rotating barrel system for reduced felt recoil
Safety: Ambidextrous slide-mounted safety/decocker lever

Customer Reviews and Feedback:

"I absolutely love the DA/SA trigger on this Px4 SubCompact. The rotating barrel really does seem to tame 9mm recoil."
"This pistol fits my small hands surprisingly well for a double-stack. It exhibits the very reliable Beretta quality I expect."
"The first double-action pull is admittedly heavy. But the subsequent single-action pulls are sweet and crisp. It offers great capacity."
"It's a little bit thick for comfortable IWB carry for me. But it shoots great. The decocker is a very nice feature."

Buy it if: You specifically want a DA/SA hammer-fired pistol for carry. And you appreciate features that genuinely help mitigate recoil. You value higher ammunition capacity in a subcompact. And the Beretta brand reputation for quality appeals to you.

Don’t buy it if: You prefer the consistent trigger of a striker-fired pistol. Or if maximum slimness is your top priority. You find long, heavy double-action triggers difficult. Or if slide-mounted safeties are not your thing.