Pros – more compact and generally good quality, lighter weight, usually chambered in more effective self-defense calibers. These are by most experts the minimum reliable defensive handguns for EDC.

Cons – like the category above, some of these options difficult to manipulate with smaller hands or those with hand strength issues, some versions have limited magazine capacity, recoil, sight distance, muzzle flash are still greater in general than compact and service size handguns.

Examples:

• Glock 42,43,43X 380, 9mm Para
• Ruger Max-9, EC9, Security 380
• Taurus THC G3C, GX4 9mm Para
• Springfield Armory Hellcat series
• FN 503 9mm Para
• Smith & Wesson Shield series 9mm Para, 40 S&W, 45ACP
• Sig Sauer P365, 9mm Para
• Kahr Arms has various series with different sizes weight and chamberings offered primarily 380ACP, 9mm Para
• Keltec P15, 9mm Para
• Walther PP,PPK,PPK/S, CCP, PPS, 32ACP, 380ACP,l9mm Para

Pros – Reliable operations, safe design, generally good caliber options for self-defense, no magazines, can be loaded quickly with speed loaders or strips.

Cons – Generally less capacity than similar sized semi-autos, double action trigger pull can be a challenge for some, somewhat harder to conceal due to the cylinder bulge being wider than most semi-autos.

Examples:

• Smith & Wesson “J” Frame revolvers, 38 Special, 357 Magnum
• Colt small frame revolvers, Cobra 38/357
• Taurus Small Compact Revolvers Series 605, 856, 905, 942 and older versions such as Model 85 series
• Charter Arms, various series and chamberings 22LR up to 45ACP
• Rock Island Armory (RIA) 200 series
• EAA revolvers

*Used or older out of production handguns in general can be quite serviceable and many cases less expensive options. The condition and proper function of the handgun are key things to keep in mind. A neglected firearm of any kind or one that has been messed with is usually something to avoid.  Revolvers are generally reliable and are often chambered in effective calibers for self-defense but, although revolvers are very reliable and simple to operate, they are very complex in design and expensive to repair.

Please use caution and seek out someone knowledgeable in revolver condition before purchasing a used revolver.

Compact Service size handguns:

This is an expansive category, and the options are nearly limitless. This category does have a significant advantage in allowing for more than one use due to the greater flexibility these handguns (both semi-auto and revolver) provide in terms of self-defense for in-home or business, vehicle or boat, hunting (caliber appropriate) target shooting and even competition shooting.

I’m not going to list all of them out since most people will not EDC a full size handgun unless they have special situations normally the correct carry method (we will cover carry methods and holsters in a future blog post) and the occupation or situation allows the correct attire to conceal a full size handgun under a sport  or suit coat in a belt, inside the pants, or shoulder rig. 

A very select few examples are available from all the major manufactures such as Glock, Sig Sauer, Smith & Wesson, Springfield Armory, FN, Taurus, Ruger, Kimber, and many smaller companies. This is another area where the used market may be an option.