When it comes to everyday concealed carry (EDC), few names carry the weight and reputation of Glock. Trusted by civilians, law enforcement, and military units worldwide, Glock pistols have earned their place as a top choice for personal defense.
At 31 M Armory, we’re often asked: What’s the best Glock for concealed carry? What caliber should I choose? Why Glock over other brands?
Let’s break it down.
Why Choose a Glock for Concealed Carry?
Glock has built its reputation on three pillars:
1. Legendary Reliability
Glocks are known for functioning in extreme conditions — heat, cold, dirt, and high round counts. When you carry daily for self-defense, reliability isn’t optional. It’s everything.
2. Simplicity
With a consistent trigger pull and no manual safety lever to manipulate under stress, Glock’s Safe Action® system makes operation straightforward and intuitive.
3. Durability
Polymer frames resist corrosion and wear. The Tenifer/nDLC-treated slides are built to handle sweat, humidity, and daily carry abuse.
4. Massive Aftermarket Support
Holsters, sights, triggers, optics cuts, magazines — Glock arguably has the largest aftermarket ecosystem of any handgun platform. That means you can tailor your EDC exactly how you want it.
Best Glock Models for Concealed Carry
While Glock makes dozens of models, three stand out for everyday carry:
🔹 Glock 19 – The Gold Standard
- Caliber: 9mm
- Capacity: 15+1
- Barrel Length: 4.02”
The Glock 19 strikes the perfect balance between shootability, capacity, and concealability. It’s compact enough to hide under a t-shirt but large enough to shoot comfortably and accurately.
If you want one do-it-all pistol — range, home defense, concealed carry — the Glock 19 is hard to beat.
🔹 Glock 43X – Slim & Comfortable
- Caliber: 9mm
- Capacity: 10+1
- Slimline frame
The Glock 43X is ideal for those who prioritize comfort and a thinner profile. It disappears inside the waistband (IWB) and works exceptionally well for appendix carry.
For smaller-framed shooters or anyone who wants minimal printing, the 43X is a top contender.
🔹 Glock 26 – The “Baby Glock”
- Caliber: 9mm
- Capacity: 10+1
- Subcompact design
The Glock 26 offers subcompact concealability while maintaining compatibility with larger Glock magazines. It’s incredibly versatile and still shoots like a bigger pistol thanks to its double-stack frame.
What’s the Best Caliber for Concealed Carry?
9mm – The Modern Standard
For most people, 9mm is the best concealed carry caliber. Here’s why:
- Manageable recoil
- High magazine capacity
- Proven defensive performance with modern hollow points
- Affordable for practice
- Widely available
Other calibers like .40 S&W, .45 ACP, or .380 ACP still have their place — but advancements in defensive 9mm ammunition have made it the dominant choice for EDC.
For most concealed carriers, 9mm offers the best balance of power, control, and capacity.
Why Glock Makes Sense for Everyday Carry
Consistent Trigger
Every shot feels the same. That consistency builds muscle memory and confidence.
Ease of Maintenance
Glocks are famously easy to field strip and maintain. Fewer parts mean fewer potential failure points.
Trusted Worldwide
From major metropolitan police departments to private citizens, Glock has a decades-long track record of real-world performance.
Optics-Ready Options
MOS (Modular Optic System) variants allow you to mount red dot optics — a growing trend in concealed carry for faster target acquisition and improved accuracy.
What Makes a Great Concealed Carry Pistol?
When choosing your EDC firearm, consider:
- Size vs. Shootability – Smaller isn’t always better. You must shoot it well.
- Capacity – More rounds without sacrificing concealability.
- Comfort – If it’s uncomfortable, you won’t carry it.
- Reliability – Non-negotiable.
- Availability of Holsters & Accessories – Essential for daily carry.
Glock checks every one of these boxes.
Final Thoughts: Which Glock Should You Carry?
If you want the most versatile option: Glock 19
If you want maximum comfort and concealment: Glock 43X
If you want ultra-compact with flexibility: Glock 26
There’s no single “perfect” concealed carry pistol — but Glock consistently delivers models that balance performance, concealability, and reliability better than almost anyone else.
At 31 M Armory, we believe your EDC should inspire confidence every time you holster it. Whether you’re new to concealed carry or upgrading your setup, a Glock in 9mm is one of the smartest choices you can make.
