There are two distinct camps when it comes to concealed-carry handguns — those who own one (or several) and those who want to. While veteran gun owners who are filling out their collections account for many carry-gun sales, purchases by first-time gun buyers are gaining more and more traction. During the first four months of 2021, nearly 16 million background checks were conducted on firearms purchases, an increase of 31% compared to 2020. And while sales have declined somewhat in the first half of 2022, the market is still vibrant, with first-time buyers accounting for a lot of the purchases. So don’t disappoint when customers visit your stores to purchase a piece of the American dream. Here are a handful of models that are sure to pique their interest.
Century Arms Canik TP9 Elite SC
The easily concealed 9mm Canik TP9 Elite SC — featuring a 12-round standard capacity magazine — measures a compact 1.45 inches wide and 6.7 inches long, weighing in at just 24.78 ounces. Its 3.6-inch barrel is the optimal length designated by Canik’s engineers to ensure top tier accuracy out of the 4.6-inch-tall handgun. The TP9 Elite SC comes with an optics-ready slide mount, allowing co-witness with iron sights, a loaded chamber indicator, ambidextrous slide release, reversible magazine release and a white-dot front sight and blackout rear sight. Every pistol also comes standard with a subcompact holster that can be mounted for an inside- or outside-the-waistband carry and 12- and 15-round magazines. MSRP: $439.99.
CZ-USA P-10 M
The micro-compact P-10 M pistol from CZ-USA is sized just right for easy concealability while retaining the famed ergonomics of the full-size P-10 pistol in the company’s ever-expanding line of polymer-framed handguns. Its 3.19-inch barrel is cold hammer-forged and is almost 2 inches shorter than the largest pistol in the line. Weighing only 20.1 ounces, the P-10 M has a capacity of 7+1 rounds in a slim, metal staggered magazine, which contributes to the handgun’s narrow overall width of just 1 inch. There are no controls or levers on either side of the gun other than the magazine release, and because self-defense situations can arise at any time or place, the P-10 M comes standard with robust 3-Dot sights. MSRP: $499.
Glock G48 MOS
Chambered in 9x19mm, the Glock G48 MOS features slide cuts designed for specific micro-optics and the Glock Slim Mounting Rail for attaching tactical accessories — the perfect tactical partner with increased concealability. The G48 MOS is of similar length and height as the compact-size G19 but has the well-known Glock Slimline design with reduced width for carrying comfort. The frame incorporates elements of the Slimline series such the short trigger distance, a frame with a built-in beavertail, reversible magazine catch and the incredibly accurate, match-grade Glock Marksman Barrel (GMB) of the Gen5 series. The G48’s slim magazine has an orange magazine follower for higher visibility and is specifically developed to ensure the 10-round magazine capacity. MSRP: $582.
Mossberg MC2sc Optics Ready 9mm Subcompact
Mossberg has expanded its MC2 handgun lineup with a subcompact 9mm, the MC2sc. A double-stack magazine provides a slim, compact profile that offers 11+1 or 14+1 capacity, and an optics-ready slide allows easy direct mounting of micro-dot optics. The slide is made from 416 stainless steel with a black DLC finish and features angled serrations for positive manipulation. The optics-ready feature can be converted in minutes using a provided hex wrench. Sights are dovetail mounted in a low-profile, snag-free white 3-Dot configuration and Truglo Tritium Pro night sights are an available option. The frame is high-tensile-strength glass-reinforced polymer that features Mossberg’s signature aggressive grip texturing and palm swell for a confident, firm grip under a variety of shooting conditions. MSRP: $556-$662.
MPA DS9 Commander
All parts of the 9mm DS9 Commander wide body, double-stack pistol from MasterPiece Arms are machined in the USA from bar stock and billet. Features include the 7075 aluminum frame, TriTop slide machining, 4.25-inch MPA 416R stainless bull barrel, stainless steel beavertail/grip, stainless steel ambidextrous safety, stainless steel slide stop, firing pin stop, ejector, magwell and 7075 black anodized aluminum grip. The MPA DS9 Commander has a 17-round capacity and comes with two magazines. It has a 3.5-pound trigger pull and each pistol is hand-built, including lapping the slide/frame interface. It ships with a custom MPA single-pistol case. MSRP: $2,999.
Nighthawk Custom Treasurer
Nighthawk Custom has introduced the fourth installment of its prestigious Boardroom series of 1911 pistols, the compact Treasurer, which follows up on the popularity of the Chairman, President and Vice President models. The 9mm Treasurer is built on an officer frame and features a 3.8-inch bull barrel. The heavy angle cuts in the slide aid in faster cycling for competitive shooters while windows show off the gold titanium nitride crowned barrel. This pistol has a Heinie Black Ledge rear sight with a 14k-gold-bead front sight. Custom Ascend grips provide a sure purchase on the pistol and a durable DLC finish will keep the Treasurer looking new for years to come. MSRP: $4,599.
Rock Island Armory STK100
Rock Island Armory has announced the addition of a striker-fired pistol to its long line of product introductions. The STK100 features a solid frame that gives shooters the advantages of metal for the price of polymer. It comes with aluminum grips to make it more durable and give it enough added weight for a smoother feel with less felt recoil and less flex for improved accuracy. Chambered in 9mm, the STK100 has a 17-round capacity. It also boasts an extended beavertail that’s angled more like a 1911 to provide a natural point of aim and greater control. An optics-ready slide makes it easy to mount accessories and the firearm is compatible with aftermarket parts. MSRP: $499.
Rock River Arms 1911 Carry
The Rock River Arms Model PS2210 9mm 1911 Carry handgun features a black hard anodized 7075 T6 aluminum forged Commander-style frame, steel slide and 4.25-inch barrel. It weighs 1 pound, 12 ounces empty and has an overall length of 7.75 inches. It has a Commander hammer tool steel trigger with match sear and disconnector, and its aluminum speed trigger comes set at 4 pounds. The pistol has super rosewood grips with a black hard anodized 6061 T6 aluminum MSH checkered 25 LPI mainspring housing. It also features a beavertail grip safety and extended thumb safety and has a high polished blued slide and nine-round magazine capacity. MSRP: $1,750.
Ruger LCP Max .380 Auto
Chambered in .380 Auto, the Ruger LCP Max fits 10+1 rounds into the same footprint as the LCP II. A 12-round accessory magazine slightly extends the grip length to increase the capacity of the LCP. Measuring less than 1 inch wide and weighing under 11 ounces, the LCP Max is comfortable and convenient for concealed carry. It is fitted with a tritium front sight with a white outline that is quick to acquire and aligns easily with a drift-adjustable rear sight. The medium textured grip frame provides easy reach to the Secure Action trigger that is well known for its short, crisp pull and inner trigger safety. Pronounced cocking ears and deep functional slide serrations ensure easy manipulation. MSRP: $469.
SAR USA SAR9 Compact X
The 9mm SAR9 Compact X DNA comes directly from the SAR9 pistol, which was originally designed and engineered as a military sidearm. It features a lightweight polymer frame with accessory rail, serrated slide with Cerakote platinum finish and a 4-inch hammer-forged barrel with recessed crown for increased accuracy. With a 3-dot sight, optic-ready mount and a choice of three insertable backstraps to personalize fit, the SAR9 Compact X points naturally and is a pleasure to shoot. Couple these features with an ambidextrous safety trigger that is smoother than a double-action revolver and the SAR9 Compact X becomes the perfect concealed-carry pistol. It comes standard with two 15-round magazines. For compliant restricted states, two 10-round magazines are included. MSRP: $632.
SCCY CPX-2 Gen 3
The Gen 3 CPX-2 from SCCY is a 10+1 capacity sub-compact, hammer-fired, double-action-only pistol chambered in 9mm. With a focus on ergonomics, simplicity and reliability, it is a great firearm for first-time buyers and seasoned shooters alike. The third generation of the CPX series brings an array of new features to the CPX-2 including a Picatinny rail, upgraded sights and an improved grip. A red-dot-ready option is available and other features include a 3.1-inch barrel, polymer frame, stainless-steel slide and G-43 style sight. It weighs 15 ounces. MSRP: $309.95; $339.95/Red-dot ready.
Springfield Armory Hellcat Pro
Springfield Armory’s new Hellcat Pro pistol — chambered in 9mm with a 15+1 capacity — has a smaller footprint than any other gun in its class. At just 1-inch wide, its slim-line grip feels superb in the hand, increasing contact and control, while additional mass in the slide and barrel translates into reduced muzzle flip and faster follow-up shots. The Hellcat Pro features an OSP (Optical Sight Pistol) configuration with co-witnessing U-Dot sights made up of a high-visibility tritium and luminescent front sight paired with a Tactical Rack rear sight. A versatile Picatinny rail on the dustcover portion of the frame gives users the flexibility to deploy a wide range of accessories for varied applications and conditions. MSRP: $634/With two 15-round magazines.
Stoeger STR-9SC Sub-Compact
Stoeger Industries’ new polymer frame, striker-fired STR-9SC Sub-Compact and STR-9SC Sub-Compact Optic-Ready pistols feature the handling and performance of a larger handgun at an affordable price. The receiver is made from fiberglass-reinforced polymer with steel inserts for a blend of light weight and strength, and the slide’s nitride finish minimizes wear during IWB or OWB carry. Aggressive front and rear slide serrations ensure these small-profile defensive pistols can be easily manipulated for charging and clearing during high-stress operations. Stoeger offers three models in the STR-9SC Sub-Compact lineup, and all come with a medium backstrap, left- or right-side magazine release lever, trigger safety, integrated accessory rail, front post/square notch rear sight configuration and a 10-round magazine for 10+1 carry. $329-$399.
Taurus .327 Federal Magnum Revolver
Taurus has expanded its most popular everyday carry revolver line with the introduction of a six-shot model chambered for the .327 Federal Magnum. The Taurus 856 has proven itself as a dependable, easy-to-carry personal protection handgun for anyone who favors the reliable performance and simplicity of a revolver. Its compact design, smooth operation and recoil-mitigating cushioned grip has made it a go-to firearm for everyday carry and deep concealment. Previously chambered only for .38 Special +P, Taurus now offers consumers a revolver based off the popular 856 but chambered for the highly capable .327 Federal Magnum, available as a 2-inch or 3-inch barrel firearm that is multi-cartridge compatible, able to also accept .32 H&R Mag. and .32 S&W Long cartridges. MSRP: $371.05/Matte black; $388.32/Stainless.
Umarex Compact Pepper Pistol
The Umarex T4E P2P HDP .50-caliber pepper pistol is a compact version of the popular and affordable less-than-lethal P2P HDP model. Powered by a single 8-gram CO2 cartridge (three included), it fires .50-caliber round pepper ammunition or powder balls and rubber balls that will engage and neutralize threats at a farther distance. Its hinged trigger guard secures four rounds in a hidden integrated magazine that disperse up to a 12-foot cloud of irritant, and a Quick Pierce System keeps the CO2 cartridge sealed until the user is ready to fire. Channel-style sights allow for quick target acquisition. Ten pepper rounds for self-defense, 10 rubber rounds for practice and one cleaning squeegee are included. MSRP: $119.99.
Walther Pro SD 5.1-Inch Full-Size
Whether it’s on the job or protecting the family, it’s important to stay ready for any self-defense situation that might arise, and the 9mm Walther Pro SD stands tall. With red-dot ergonomics, SuperTerrain slide serrations and a Dynamic Performance trigger, the Walther Pro SD is a great choice as a concealed-carry pistol. Its unique design offers versatile advantages when needed the most, providing supreme performance in any condition, making this the go-to choice for shooters who demand excellence. Features include a 5.1-inch threaded barrel with polygonal rifling, stepped chamber, white-dot adjustable sights, aluminum magwell, 4.5-inch slide and 18-round capacity (three magazines included). It is also optics ready and includes one free plate of the buyer’s choice. MSRP: $829.
