Choosing a concealed carry gun is a deeply personal decision, heavily influenced by individual factors like hand size, shooting experience, and comfort level. For ambidextrous shooters, finding a pistol that caters to both hands equally presents a unique challenge. This guide dives deep into the crucial considerations and highlights some of the best ambidextrous concealed carry guns on the market.
What Makes a Gun Ambidextrous for Concealed Carry?
Ambidextrous features in a handgun aren't just about symmetrical aesthetics. True ambidextrous functionality ensures equal ease of use and manipulation regardless of which hand is dominant. Key features to look for include:
- Ambidextrous Safety: A safety lever or switch easily accessible and operable by both the left and right hand. This is critical for safe and quick access to the firearm.
- Ambidextrous Slide Release: The slide release lever should be positioned to allow smooth operation with either thumb. This is crucial for quickly clearing malfunctions or reloading.
- Ambidextrous Magazine Release: Similar to the slide release, an ambidextrous magazine release allows for quick magazine changes without shifting your grip.
- Symmetrical Design: While not strictly necessary for functionality, a more symmetrical design often improves comfort and handling for both hands.
Top Contenders for Best Ambidextrous Concealed Carry Gun
Several handguns stand out for their excellent ambidextrous features and suitability for concealed carry. Note that "best" is subjective, so consider your individual needs and preferences. This list is not exhaustive but represents some popular and well-regarded choices:
1. Sig Sauer P320: Versatility and Customization
The Sig Sauer P320 is incredibly popular for its modularity and ambidextrous controls. It offers a wide range of sizes and calibers, allowing you to choose a configuration that perfectly fits your hand and carry needs. Its easily swappable parts mean you can tailor it further to your preferences.
Pros: Highly customizable, readily available, ambidextrous controls, various calibers and sizes. Cons: Can be expensive depending on configuration.
2. Glock 19/19X/45: Reliability and Proven Track Record
Glock pistols, particularly the 19, 19X, and 45, are renowned for their reliability and ease of use. While not inherently ambidextrous in design, aftermarket parts are readily available to add ambidextrous slide releases and magazine releases, making them a viable option for many ambidextrous shooters.
Pros: Reliable, durable, widely available, affordable aftermarket parts for ambidextrous conversion. Cons: Requires aftermarket parts for full ambidextrous functionality. The standard Glock trigger can be stiff for some shooters.
3. Smith & Wesson M&P 2.0: Ergonomic Design and Ambidextrous Features
The Smith & Wesson M&P 2.0 series boasts a comfortable grip and ambidextrous controls right out of the box. Its relatively lightweight and compact size makes it suitable for concealed carry.
Pros: Comfortable grip, ambidextrous controls, variety of sizes and calibers. Cons: Some users might find the trigger a bit heavy.
4. Springfield XD-S MOD.2: Slim Profile for Concealed Carry
The XD-S MOD.2 is a very slim and lightweight pistol designed specifically for concealed carry. It features an ambidextrous slide stop lever, making it a contender for ambidextrous shooters.
Pros: Slim profile, lightweight, ambidextrous slide stop. Cons: Limited capacity, may not be ideal for larger hands.
Beyond the Hardware: Training and Practice
Regardless of which gun you choose, proper training is paramount for safe and effective concealed carry. Ambidextrous shooting requires dedicated practice to develop equal proficiency with both hands. Seek professional training from qualified instructors to hone your skills and build confidence.
Conclusion: Finding the Right Fit
Selecting the best ambidextrous concealed carry gun is a highly personal process. Consider factors like your hand size, shooting style, budget, and desired level of customization. Thoroughly research the options listed above, and consider handling several models before making your final decision. Remember, safety and proper training are always the top priorities.
