Budget Concealed Carry Handguns $300 or Less
October 4, 2024 | by richardjrod@gmail.com
Hunting for a $300 budget concealed carry gun used to be an exercise in buyer’s remorse.
With the past 5 years of innovation in concealed carry pistol design, low-cost pistols offer higher performance and comfort than ever before.
In the renaissance of handgun manufacturing, all shooters can now afford to get in the door with a $300 CCW pistol in 9mm or .380 that provides both capability and quality.
Choose Your Size and Model
Compact
- Lower Recoil
- Standard Capacity
- Moderate Concealability
- Best Ergonomics
- Beginner Friendly
$300 Compact CCW Pistols
Subcompact
- Moderate Recoil
- Great Concealability
- Good Capacity
- Ergonomics Vary
$300 Subcompact CCW Pistols
Micro
- Higher Recoil – ‘Snappy’
- Max Concealability, Slim Design
- Lower capacity…or not!
- Ergonomics Vary
- Less Forgiving Experience
$300 Micro CCW Pistols
SD 9 2.0
Smith & Wesson SD9 2.0
- Minimal Recoil
- Flat-Face Trigger, Crisp Break, Medium Reset
- Improved Slide Serrations and Texturing
- SD9VE and SW9VE Mag Compatibility
- 10 and 16-round Capacity
Take a dependable pawn shop find and pack it with all the upgrades a shooter could want, and you get the best CCW handgun trigger for $300: the Smith & Wesson SD9 2.0. Looking nearly identical to the revered SD9VE and SW9VE, the latest update to this family of classic 9mm compacts is not to be confused with its older brothers.
Outfitted with the same flat-face trigger that Smith & Wesson is putting in its M&P pistols, this retro gem is upgraded right out of the box. Keeping the features that used gun buyers loved about its predecessors like ambidextrous memory pads and a stainless steel slide, this SD9 stays true to form where it counts: It’s fully compatible with SD9VE and SW9VE magazines.
With made-in-USA build quality and Smith & Wesson reliability, the SD9 2.0 is an easy choice for shooters of all levels. For a highly available and well-featured $300 defensive handgun, this SD9 gives you more out of the box than ever, and it’s a great option for anyone who doesn’t want to shop around.
Security 9 / 380
Ruger Security Series
Ruger Security-9
- Mild Recoil
- Smooth-Operating Controls
- Slim 1.02″ frame
- Thumb Safety
- 10, 15 and 17-round Capacity
Ruger Security-9 Compact
- Minimal Recoil
- Smooth-Operating Controls
- Smallest Compact
- Comfortable No-Frills Ergonomics
- Thumb Safety
- 10 and 15-round Capacity
Ruger Security-380
- Super-Low-Recoil
- Easy-to-Rack Slide
- Smallest Compact
- Fiber-Optic Front Sight
- Thumb Safety
- 10 and 15-round Capacity
New-shooter-friendly $300 CCW pistols in 9mm and now .380, the Security series of handguns will fit any shooter and any use case. Each easy-to-learn offering has a smooth-racking slide and accessible controls, plus Ruger’s Secure Action system that utilizes an internal hammer and secondary hammer catch.
The most versatile $300 handgun series on the market, Ruger takes a three-size-fits-all approach that gives you continuity between pistols and gives you more caliber options than any other pistol brand. With an easy-to-hit thumb safety and a great middle-of-the-road CCW trigger, the Security series is a go-to for gun owners who want a user-friendly experience with just enough options to choose from and the best customer service in the industry.
Security-9 / Security-9 Compact
One of the easiest-to-rack 9mm handguns for $300, the Security-9 is a decent handling pistol in two sizes with Glock sights and a streamlined 1.02″ frame.
The Security-9 is a true compact that gives any other $300 budget pistol a run for its money. With its more accessible trigger reach and narrower grip for a variety of hand sizes this pistol is immediately comfortable to a variety of shooters. Light in recoil with full-capacity magazine options, this is one of the best affordable alternatives to the Glock 19.
The Security-9 Compact is comparable to a Glock 26 in size, with the same capacity and a slimmer form factor at almost half the price. Closer to a subcompact despite its name, the Security-9 Compact is highly concealable with average recoil for its size.
Security-380
Cutting-edge and new-shooter-friendly, the Security-380 has been well-received in every corner of the gun community, proving there’s still more to love about the Security platform.
The second model outfitted with Ruger’s ingenious Lite Rack technology, this hot new addition to the lineup brings ease of operation to shooters who have difficulty chambering and clearing handguns due to lower grip strength or dexterity. The secret is the ultra-lightweight recoil spring made possible by the lower-pressure .380 round. Add the easy-to-grab cocking ears and lightening cuts to the slide, and you have a buttery-smooth racking system.
One of few .380s with 10 and 15-round magazines, this pistol has impressive capacity, and the adequate-sized frame gives you one of the softest recoil impulses in a viable defensive caliber. The Security-380’s easy manipulation, lower-weight trigger pull, and other quality-of-life improvements make for a highly refined experience – a gun that’s truly a pleasure to shoot.
CCP
Walther CCP M2
- Super-Low Recoil: Piston System
- Easy-to-Rack Slide
- Curved Trigger, Rolling Break, Long Reset
- Most Comfortable Ergonomics
- Thumb Safety
- Magazine Disconnect Safety
- 8-round Capacity
Available in .380 or 9mm, this German-made $300 concealed carry pistol has been a secret among Walther fans who want the best-shooting gun rather than the smallest thing on the shelf. Utilizing a delayed blowback system with a piston under the barrel similar to the HK P7, the single-stack Walther CCP M2 is hard to beat for those in pursuit of low felt recoil.
While far from the best trigger in the world, the 5-pound double-action is very shootable under recoil and practical for defensive use. It offers light take-up and enough travel to be a milder alternative to many double-action triggers out there.
Sporting a contoured grip with Walther ergonomics like a PPQ or PDP, the CCP M2 fits hands of all sizes better than any competitor at this price and feels molded to the shooter. Like the Ruger Security series, this comfort-focused gun offers a shorter distance from the grip to the slide stop, making it much easier to reach for shooters with smaller hands.
With a slide that’s effortless to rack, the CCP M2 is neck-and-neck with the Security-380 and Smith & Wesson M&P Shield EZ for the title of easiest-to-manipulate handgun ever made.
MC2C
Mossberg MC Series
MC2C
- Manageable Recoil
- Slimmest Compact: 1.1″ wide
- Flat-Face Trigger, Rolling Break, Short Reset
- Optics Ready Models Available
- 10, 13, 14 and 16-round Capacity
MC1SC
- Snappy but Controllable Recoil
- Slim 1.03″ Micro Frame
- Flat-Face Trigger, Rolling Break, Medium Reset
- Glock 43 Mag Compatibility
- Great Ergonomics
- 6 and 7-round Capacity
Excellent ergonomics and easy to dig into for recoil control, this slim and grippy Glock-inspired handgun family is comfortable to shoot, highly concealable, and made in USA.
Sporting a DLC finish and a quick-access striker channel, the Mossberg MC models are the most rust-proof $300 pistols and easiest to clean $300 pistols, bar none. While the more expensive MC2SC is arguably Mossberg’s most impressive pistol yet, it has yet to come down in price like these have.
MC2C
The budget Glock 48 killer and the best-handling slim pistol for $300, the Mossberg MC2c has a longer barrel than most of its competitors and much-improved capacity. The recoil impulse is pleasant for a slimline gun thanks to its low bore axis, substantial frame size, and up-to-date ergonomics. With the high grip this pistol naturally provides, the felt recoil of a slimmer frame is a non-issue. Slightly improving the trigger of the MC1SC, this model has a shorter reset.
MC1SC
A Glock 43 lover’s dream! The first Mossberg handgun ever made, the MC1SC hit the market in 2019 after Sig Sauer had already redefined the CCW pistol with the P365.
Avoiding the max-capacity micro handgun craze, Mossberg put out a small $300 single-stack concealed carry pistol that found appreciation over time as the big players released higher-capacity offerings with expensive proprietary magazines. Five years later, the MC1SC’s full compatibility with OEM Glock 43 mags has still not been matched by any other maker of slim, tuckable handguns.
If capacity isn’t your first concern, this Mossberg is a thoughtful update to the usual single-stack design. While the MC1SC trigger doesn’t beat the Glock 43, it’s well-suited to concealed carry and great for anyone who likes the rolling break of a Sig or HK.
STR-9C
Stoeger STR-9 Series
STR-9C
- Minimal Recoil
- Flat-Face Trigger, Crisp Break, Short Reset
- Superior Ergonomics and Grip Texturing
- Mag Compatibility with Larger STR-9 Models
- Optics Ready Models Available
- 10, 13, 15, 16, 17 and 20-round Capacity
STR-9SC
- Well-Balanced Recoil for Size
- Standard 1.22″ wide Subcompact Frame
- Flat-Face Trigger, Crisp Break, Short Reset
- Mag Compatibility with Larger STR-9 Models
- Optics Ready Models Available
- 10 and 13-round Capacity
STR-9MC
- Snappy but Controllable Recoil
- Smallest $300 Micro 9mm: 1.08″ wide
- Best Size-to-Capacity Ratio
- Flat-Face Trigger, Crisp Break, Short Reset
- Mag Compatibility with Larger STR-9 Models
- Optics Ready Models Available
- 10, 11, and 13-round Capacity
Flexing some of the best size-to-capacity ratios on this list and a trigger that beats many offerings over $500, Stoeger STR-9 pistols punch above their price point with features you would never expect from $300 9mm handguns. These feature-rich pistols are a must-see for anyone who wants a more understated Canik at a lower price.
Acquired by Beretta’s parent company in 2000, Stoeger takes influence from the storied Italian pistol and shotgun maker’s designs and even manufactures its guns with some of the same Beretta tooling. If brands like Alien Gear making custom holsters for these pistols is any indication, the industry is taking notice.
STR-9C
The STR-9C fills a gap in the market as it bumps up the Glock 48 footprint to 13+1 capacity, adding a slight increase in width in exchange for a slightly lower height and length. Just as concealable in the real world, that’s 3 extra rounds, no aftermarket mags required.
STR-9SC
Beating the Glock 26 at its own game at half the price, the STR-9SC is a concealable $300 subcompact pistol that handles like a compact. Very enjoyable to shoot for how small it is, this little pistol conceals easily without a huge increase in felt recoil.
STR-9MC
Smaller than any other $300 9mm micro double-stack pistol, the STR-9MC delivers 11 and 13-round capacity in the same size as the Canik Mete MC9 or Smith & Wesson M&P Shield Plus. Yet it still provides magazine compatibility with all six larger STR-9 pistols that you don’t get with any alternative. Handling better than the Springfield Hellcat in the same footprint at half the price, this is a nicer flavor of ‘snappy’ recoil than what similar pistols offer.
PSA DAGGER
Palmetto State Armory Dagger Series
Dagger Compact
- Glock 19 and 17 OEM Mag Compatibility
- Curved Trigger, Firm Break, Medium Reset
- Glock Aftermarket Parts Compatibility
- Updated Glock 19 Ergonomics
- Optics Ready Models Available
- 15-round Capacity, Higher Capacity with Glock OEM Mags
Dagger Micro
- Snappy but Controllable Recoil
- Glock 43X OEM Mag Compatibility
- Curved Trigger, Firm Break, Medium Reset
- Glock Aftermarket Parts Compatibility
- Updated Glock 43X Ergonomics
- Optics Ready
- 15-round Capacity
Shaking up the Glock aftermarket with unparalleled modularity and capacity, the Palmetto State Armory Dagger platform is still ahead of its time as other manufacturers still can’t come close to its feature-per-dollar value. While these $300 Glock-compatible handguns are best-suited for enthusiasts who test them well to detect any potential quality control issues, PSA Daggers are the state of the art in any budget pistol roundup.
Dagger Compact
While it may not replace the Glock 19, the PSA Dagger Compact gives Glock fans a whole new side of the aftermarket to tinker with for an affordable price, and it just might give the Glock haters the ergonomics they’ve secretly been craving. The Dagger’s trigger doesn’t beat a nice broken-in Glock trigger, but it is similar to one despite its curved and two-piece hinge design. Buy the complete pistol or just the frame and customize to your heart’s content with aftermarket Glock slides, Apex triggers, and springs.
Dagger Micro
Innovating more in one year than Glock has in a decade, PSA released the Dagger Micro and continues to make new upgrades and parts available as it listens to its customers unlike any other manufacturer. Boosting capacity to a proper 15 rounds with a flush-fit, double-stack design that works with the factory magazine catch, PSA is supporting the 43X and 48 more than Glock maybe ever will. With a similar snappy recoil impulse to the 43X and ultimate upgradability down the road, the Dagger Micro is an easy choice for modders who want a $300 CCW handgun build they can have their way.
Bersa BP9CC / BP380CC
- Slimmest Grip: 0.94″ wide
- Manageable Recoil
- *Light 3.1 lb. Curved Trigger, Crisp Break, Short Reset
- Magazine Disconnect Safety
- 8-round Capacity
Some of the slimmest grip $300 pistols in production, the Bersa BP9CC and BP380CC are underrated choices that have proven reliable. Coming in at 0.94 inches wide with its razor-thin grip like a Glock 43X on a diet, the BP models are streamlined CCW handguns that still give ample real estate for all hand sizes.
An unexpected win for the trigger snobs, the BP models offer the lightest pulls of any striker-fired pistols under $500, making them the fastest shooting platforms on this list. For those who are comfortable learning a lighter pull and developing good trigger discipline, this micro-compact $300 pistol falls into a niche that makes it a unique shooting experience.
For shooters with smaller hands, this model offers a shorter trigger reach than most, as well as a smooth-racking slide and nice memory pads. The grip texturing is smooth and non-aggressive for those weary of skin irritation. Easier to conceal than its double-stack competitors while still packing 8+1, this is one of the lowest-profile guns you can carry without compromising on recoil management and firing grip. Choose the 9mm model for a snappy but controllable recoil impulse, or go with the .380 version for a flat-shooting $300 carry piece.
End
Handgun Bargain Hunters Are In Good Shape
Spoiling us with new $300 budget concealed carry handguns every few months, today’s firearms industry has never been more value-driven or beginner-friendly.
From $300 double-stack 9mm micro pistols for deep concealment to low-recoil .380 handguns for ease of use, this roundup is loaded with smart buys for gun owners of all sizes and proficiencies. If you haven’t been wowed by at least one pistol mentioned here, you might be on a mission to spend more than you have to.
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