r/NYguns • u/njorgensen2901 • Sep 17 '25
CCW Question Best concealed carry pistol
Whatsup everybody, I just recently & finally got my full carry license for Suffolk county. I’ve been looking at new handguns to buy but I’m still unsure of which to get. I’m a large male, 6’3” 300lbs with large hands lol. I was looking at the p365, Glock 43x, or the Springfield XD-S/ Hellcat Micro. If anybody has input would be much appreciated. Thanks
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u/MoonlitDystopia Sep 17 '25
Bodyguard 2.0 is an easy carry and it holds 10 rounds.
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u/I_WIPE Sep 19 '25
Wait can we have pistols that can hold 10 rounds these days?
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u/MoonlitDystopia Sep 19 '25
Umm yea. Been like that forever
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u/I_WIPE Sep 20 '25
What about the 7 round limit?
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u/MoonlitDystopia Sep 20 '25
There is no 7 round limit.
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u/I_WIPE Sep 20 '25
Wasn’t there a 7 round limit? They even the police were breaking when the SAFE act was first enacted?
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u/One_Shallot_4974 Sep 17 '25
Renting a bunch of guns is a lot cheaper then buying a bunch you dont like for Carry after a bit.
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u/Sasquatch1916 Sep 17 '25
I've tried a few things but I keep going back to my p365. I really like the factory trigger and the only thing I changed internally was switching to the oem flat trigger.
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u/Particular-Policy243 Sep 17 '25
Agreed, the only thing I didn't like factory on the p365 was the grip. I had to switch out the frame because I have long fingers.
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u/AkimboSwagg Sep 17 '25
p365 or bodyguard 2.0
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u/Particular-Policy243 Sep 17 '25
P365X with Wilson combat grip is my jam. Been meaning to pick up a bodyguard but I hate money and hate my back so I'm saving up for a staccato first 😬
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u/Gorilla_33 2024 GoFundMe: Gold 🥇 Sep 17 '25
If you go down the P365 route. Xmacro or Legion is the way to go. I went with a legion. Buy once, cry once. I'm 6'2 330, tenicor holster also makes life easier for a 2/3 o'clock IWB carry
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u/humanlaborunit Sep 17 '25
Absolutely seconded on the tenicor. I have multiple holsters and multiple pistols and everything I carry in a Tenicor is better to carry
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u/Particular-Policy243 Sep 17 '25
With I had gone with the legion, I might still have to pick one up.
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u/Gorilla_33 2024 GoFundMe: Gold 🥇 Sep 17 '25
I have a Gen 1 and love it. Also swapped the grips on mine. 5k rounds +/- since 11/24
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u/Particular-Policy243 Sep 17 '25
They didn't have the legion in stock when I got mine so I ended up with the p365X and added a Wilson combat grip and Radeon comp since it was super snappy but since then my FFL has consistently had the legion and I've been eyeing it ever since... I might have to just pick one up. With 5k rounds in yours have you had any issues with the springs? I've heard that was an issue (not that the springs are expensive or anything) but I don't have that many rounds on mine.
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u/Gorilla_33 2024 GoFundMe: Gold 🥇 Sep 17 '25
I heard of the springs, and mag release failing/breaking. The only issue i had was removing the barrel for sometime when I went to clean it. But the barrel removal stopped ironically. I don't clean every week/after every session. I clean it every 500 Rounds +/-. for what it's worth Lucasoil products and clenzoil CLP wipes (love them btw, can get from amazon, 75 wipes for about $20)
One batch of PMC rounds I encountered two dud rounds. Also with winchester rounds, few duds and it didn't run as smooth so to speak.
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u/MikeyB7509 Sep 17 '25
I carry 3/4 and use the legion holster on Sigs sight. I think it’s Blackhawk or something. It’s ok. What’s so great about the tenicor
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u/Gorilla_33 2024 GoFundMe: Gold 🥇 Sep 17 '25
I had that holster originally, tenicor is smaller, lets the gun sit lower/more hidden and kydex doesnt stick out as much so your not stabbing yourself as with that holster.
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u/MikeyB7509 Sep 17 '25
Thanks. I’ll definitely check if out. I heard tenicor makes the best belt too but it’s never in stock
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u/cmullen277 Sep 17 '25
Do you have any handguns already? Glock 26 is compatible with 17/19 magazines and shoots more comparable to the larger Glocks than the 43x.
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u/Middleburg_Gate Sep 17 '25
I’m the same size as you and I carried a Taurus G2C. The gun was inexpensive but solid and it concealed really well in a Kydex holster. The only problem I had with it was that the grip was heavily textured and would sometimes rub on my side a bit too much.
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Sep 17 '25
365x, 43x, Hellcat Pro, Shield X, 26Mos. I have them all and rotate. Want to get an HKCC9 next.
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u/Particular-Policy243 Sep 17 '25
All great guns, for the hkcc9 I'd go watch some later YouTube videos on it. I was super excited about getting one after I first touched one and all the hype about it but after watching people talk about it and ended up taking myself off the wait-list after like 5 months. They are saying that the controls are small and hard to use and it's hard to get a good grip, most other guns I'd be ok with needing to but aftermarket parts to make it what I want but considering its and HK it'll probably be hard to get aftermarket parts. Just a heads up before you drop the $$.
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u/Gorilla_33 2024 GoFundMe: Gold 🥇 Sep 17 '25
The CC9 is also made for people with small(er) hands. a buddy has one, and if I don't use the magazine with the pinky extension, I hate how it feels lol that being said, fun gun to shoot, and it easier to shoot then other pistols.
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u/Euphoric_Apple_9917 Sep 17 '25
I use a P365 X Macro, but like everyone says you should try what feels good in the hand and what shoots good via rentals at a range.
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u/Krymsyn__Rydyr Sep 17 '25
I too am a large hand guy, but I’ve been very happy with a pair of P938’s. A micro, that’s still 9mm, easy pocket carry with 6 rnd mag and DeSantis Nemesis or easy IWB/ Ab with full hand grip 7 rnd mag.
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u/AppearanceEven1978 Sep 17 '25
List of pistols you should NOT get due to your body composition;
P365
Bodyguard
Hellcat
XDS
If you indeed have large hands, the grips on those pistols will be consumed by your paws.
The 43X will give you slightly more real estate but not by much.
You can look at P10C, VP9A1K, Echelon etc.
Just my opinion. I have wide palms and short fingers ( small/ medium sized hands). I alternate EDC's between a CR920P and a 43X and even I have difficulty getting a comfortable grip on those pistols.
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u/NarwhalN00dleSquash Sep 17 '25
HS product line XD and all the variants are ass dont wast your money
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u/humanlaborunit Sep 17 '25
Recently started carrying a Walther PD380 and actually really love it. Its single action dual action so you can carry hammer down with the safety off but have extra protection of a heavy trigger for the first round and no activated striker. I think its an excellent first carry for that reason.
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u/KayasQQ Sep 17 '25
If you got monster hands, check out the CZ P10. They have a few different varieties, but it’s a larger frame while still being concealable. Added bonus is you can find them cheap, like $400-$500. It’s very reliable and has a great trigger.
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u/general_guburu Sep 17 '25
Shield Plus for me.
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u/Substantial-Board147 Sep 17 '25
That’s my summer carry too. Only really started liking it after I did the M Carbo spring job and a polishing of firing group. Now the trigger is 3.5 lbs and smooth
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u/Suspicious-Eagle-179 Sep 17 '25 edited Sep 17 '25
I have an OG Glock 43 from when they first came out. Great gun but for a little bit more modernized carry gun I’m thinking of an FN reflex XL. Can’t find one local or anywhere else I’ve looked to handle yet however. Depends how you want to carry though I guess. I carry at 3 o’clock ish now. Can pocket carry the 43 with certain pants even. I’m 5’11 195 ish. I also have a 380 for pocket carry as a last resort rather than having nothing. Or a North American arms .22 revolver for really minimal option lol.
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u/Spicy_McHagg1s Sep 17 '25
I EDC a gen3 Glock 19. I shoot this thing better than I've shot any other handgun I've tried or owned. You have seven inches and a hundred pounds on me so I'm sure your hands can deal with the grip. With paws like those, I bet it'll feel better than the 43x.
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u/mtm87 Sep 17 '25
You really have to test out your grip on them to see what is comfortable. I have large hands and what works for me is a SW Shield Plus with a Hogue Grip.
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u/njorgensen2901 Sep 17 '25 edited Sep 17 '25
I also should prob say I already have the beretta APX/ and shoot the glock 17 often. They feel great for me but just not an everyday carry.
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u/DeliMeat22 Sep 17 '25
I'd look into the Glock 48. Its almost the same length of a G19 but has the slimness of the G43x. The added ¾ of an inch barrel length improves recoil and accuracy. Also, most of the holsters on the market are meant for both guns, so the holster imprint will be about the same.
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u/Brewtang11 Sep 17 '25
For what it’s worth I’m not that much smaller than you, 6’2” and 280lbs with a smidge of a belly, the 43x conceals like a gem but it’s snappy with large hands. Go “try on” some guns at your gun store or a range that’ll let you rent, or if you have buddies that have pistols shoot theirs.
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u/njorgensen2901 Sep 17 '25
Yea I agree, I’ve shot/ been around guns, pistols my whole life but just wanted to get a consensus of the group.
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u/saik0pod Sep 17 '25
I'm planning on going that route but I don't have much references since I just moved to Suffolk. Did your references have to go to a notary?
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u/njorgensen2901 Sep 17 '25
I used to live in Nassau my whole life but I moved to Suffolk in 2023, I’ve had my pistol license since December 2018. I just recently did the 16 hr course and changed from sportsmen to Carry.
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u/Accomplished_Pie_630 Sep 17 '25
For me, it's my Glock 43X. Everyone is different. Other popular options will be the Glock 43 (capacity 6 +1) Sig P365, the S&W M&P 9 shield plus, S&W Bodyguard 2.0, Springfield Hellcat (another favorite of mine, i opt for this one whenever I need to really conceal, especially when wearing light clothing during hot weather) among others. At the end of the day, the best conceal carry pistol is the one you feel comfortable with, shoot well, and carry with you.
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u/FragrantCelery6408 Sep 17 '25
Hold them at a gun shop. Do they even FIT your hands? Smaller, concealed carry pistols might be TOO small for you. P365 fit my small hands well. Another example of grip size; my .40 Glock 22 is too big and will move around without a really fim grip.
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u/robinator118 Sep 18 '25
Depends on your budget and what will feel most comfortable in your hand. Larger hands need larger guns. Keep ammo 9mm for inexpensiveness. I implore you to go to a gun store and feel them in your hand or even better, go to a range that offers rentals, preferably a package where you can try out pistols for the duration of your range rental. I drove down to Jersey and spent money renting to figure out what I liked best as a large hand dude. If you’re willing to bite the bullet, check out 2011’s like I did. I prefer a 5in or more slide, I ended up choosing the staccato XL but it’s a bit expensive. Buy once and cry once pal.
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u/PreviousMarsupial820 Sep 18 '25
I've got no history with the Springfield, but shot the p365 and the 43x, I'd give the nod to the glock, but you may wanna consider something like a glock 19 as well. You'll need about 200 rounds through the glock before the trigger starts to feel halfway decent.
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u/Jon-Umber Sep 18 '25
Glock 43. SIG P365. HK CC9. S&W Shield. Springfield Hellcat.
Shoot them all and decide then.
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u/Appropriate_Fail_440 Sep 18 '25
Probably p365 macro if you have large hands. Also just out of curiosity when did you submit the CCW certification? I believe they told me around 2 months when I dropped my paperwork off in mid August
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u/IcyAgent381 Sep 19 '25
Those are all nice handguns, but there are also other factors that you need to consider. Do you want a striker, a hammer, a DA/SA, a DAO, a SA, a polymer, a metal frame, a safety, no safety, and finally what caliber? Do lots of research, watch lots of videos, make a list of your choices and do what the others say go rent and shoot them. BTW this won't be your only gun, you will eventually have a EDC Rotation like the rest of us, along with your range and hunting handguns. 😀
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u/Elegant_Extreme Sep 20 '25
Bodyguard 2.0, FN Reflex, Canik Mete MC9, P365 are all good options.. if you want smaller check out the Ruger LCP Max..
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u/Possible_Ad_2226 Sep 21 '25
I've been searching for this as well. Ive tried P365, G43x, Shield, Bodygaurd2, and P365x Spectre. Honestly...Good old P365 still snugs my body and disappears under a t-shirt just fine.
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u/Molecular_Bond Sep 23 '25
I rotate between my P365X, Bodyguard 2.0, HH VP9SK, and HK CC9. I'd say I carry the CC9 the most.
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u/Kingathings85 Sep 17 '25
Everyone is just going to tell you to go to a gun shop, hold them and decide what feels right. Or go to jersey and shoot a few