For many years I have carried two handguns, a Glock 30 and a Glock 26. But a while back I also picked up a Glock 19, generation 5, a Springfield Armory Ronin 1911, and a Ruger LCP Max. They were some nice additions to my handgun collection and they all will work for concealed carry. I am still fine-tuning the holsters I will use but at least I have a few more options. I also picked-up a Glock 20 but it is too large to be carried concealed. But that makes it a great trail gun for hiking or backpacking.
Glock 30, Generation 3
My Glock 30, which is .45 ACP, is still my main go-to handgun
. I have used it for many years and it is the handgun I am most comfortable with. Since it is considered a sub compact handgun, it has a 10-round, doubled stacked magazine that feeds the .45 ACP bullets very reliably. Compared to other concealed handguns it is a bit thick and heavier but I still like it.
Glock 26, Generation 3
My Glock 26 is a 9 mm caliber and has been my warm-weather handgun for many years
, it is a smaller package and prints less with hot-weather clothing. So let me describe my warm-weather clothing, it is a pair of jeans and a tucked-in tee shirt with an untucked short-sleeved shirt as a cover garment. While the Glock 26 is small it still needs something to cover my IWB holster. It too has a 10-round, double stacked magazine for the 9mm bullets and that helps its concealability. But ever since I picked up the Glock 15 I am beginning the reconsider if it is the best handgun to use.
Glock 19, Generation 5
My Glock 19 is also a 9 mm caliber
and while it is smaller than the Glock 30 it has a 15-round magazines which works out great is an adequate amount of firepower for a concealed carry firearm.. As I am getting older, smaller handguns feel better in my IWB holsters so this Glock 19 is beginning to seem like a better option for me these days. I replaced the stock plastic sights with XS Sights F8 night sights and they are really nice. They installed very easy and are very accurate. The Glock 19 holds 5 more rounds then the G26 and has a slightly longer barrel, that being said this makes the G19 a bit more accurate and has more firepower. This handgun still conceals very well so that is making me reconsider my gun of choice.
Springfield Armory Ronin 1911
My Springfield Armory Ronin is a .45 ACP caliber
and is new to me, I do not carry it very much right now. I am still breaking it in and until I have fired 400-500 rounds through it without a reliability problem I will not use it for self defense. But so far I love the gun and it carries very well in my IWB holster. Now because these handguns are single action, they need to be carried “cocked and locked” and that brings up a whole bunch of other safety concerns. Will I address them in this article, probably not! Will I address them in another article, possibly! But if I cut to the chase right now and say when I have this pistol broke-in and I feel it is reliable, I will carry it “cocked and locked”!
Ruger LCP Max
Then I have a Ruger LCP Max which is a .380 ACP caliber
and is a pocket pistol, this is also my warm weather concealed carry handgun. So the question comes up, if I have a Glock 26 that I just said was for warm weather then why would I want another one? Well in Colorado we have some fairly hot weather in the Summer and those days I cannot tolerate a cover garment as I sweat very badly. Therefore, thats why I have the MAX. With the right kinds of pants this little gun can be placed in a pocket holster and slipped in your pocket completely un-noticed. Some people might just not carry a pistol on those days when it is uncomfortable. But I would rather have a smaller handgun that can be carried during uncomfortable times and therefore be armed all the time. If you are interested in Pocket Pistols, look for my next article, “My Little Pocket Pistol”, It will have more details about these small guns.
Final Remarks
Now that I have given you the rundown of my favorite handguns for 2023, the question comes up which one is my overall favorite. My overall favorite is still my Glock 30. But the Glock 19 is coming in a close second. Why? As I stated, these old bones of mine are not liking the IWB holsters as much these days so if I can find a gun a little thinner and lighter and holds more bullets, its a win win for me.
You will also notice I like Glocks! Not everyone can say that or will say that, and that’s their choice, but for me I like them a lot. They are reasonably priced, very reliable and simple to shoot. You add that up and that is the kind of handgun I want to shoot. So there you go, my handguns that I like for 2023. You may not agree and I welcome your comments. Let me know what are your favorites.
If you have any questions about this post or anything related to Everyday Carry (EDC)/Concealed Carry, feel free to leave a comment below and I will be happy to get back to you.
All the best,
Larry
Founder of Everyday Carry Essentials