How to pick the right EDC pistol for your needs (budget, hand size, skill, holster & carry location)

How to pick the right EDC pistol for your needs (budget, hand size, skill, holster & carry location)

Below is a practical, step-by-step guide that walks you through everything you need to know about EDC pistols before you buy one.

1) Start with your “why”, define your carry use case

Before you look at pistol models, answer this:

  • Primary purpose: daily concealed carry for personal defense, off-duty LE, range/competition, or backup?
  • Typical environment: urban (tight spaces), suburban, rural, or travel?
  • Clothing & dress: suit, T-shirt, shorts, or uniform?
  • Tolerance for printing and size: how small/flat do you need it to be to actually wear it daily?

A small pocket pistol is easy to carry but harder to shoot accurately; a full-size service pistol is easier to shoot but harder to conceal. If you need further clarification on this, go get a Desert Eagle .50 and appendix-carry it.

2) Budget: set a realistic range and account for extras

  • Entry level ($300–$500): Good for a basic carry gun. Expect plastic frames, mushy/heavy pull triggers, and higher accessory costs later.
  • Mid range ($500–$900): Best balance of reliability, ergonomics, and features. Many proven carry pistols fall here, such as the Glock 19.
  • Premium ($900+): Factory optics-ready, better triggers, tighter tolerances. Great if you value refinement and longevity, or if you just want to make your friends jealous.

Don’t forget extras: holster, mag pouches, extra mags, range fees, ammo for training, and basic maintenance. These often equal or exceed the gun’s cost in year one.

3) Fit your hand: comfort + control = accuracy

  • Grip size: index finger should fall naturally on the trigger; you should be able to wrap all fingers with a firm grip (or at least a solid 2–3 finger grip on micro pistols).
  • Grip circumference & reach: test pistols in person. If the trigger is too far, you’ll jab and miss; too close and you’ll pull shots.
  • Backstrap & modular grips: many modern pistols offer interchangeable backstraps, which is great for dialing in fit.

Pro tip: If you can’t feel confident with proper control at 7 to 10 yards on the range, the pistol is the wrong fit.

4) Pistol quality & reliability

  • Proven platform > shiny novelty. Choose a pistol with a track record of reliability in the real world.
  • Simplicity helps: fewer moving parts and a robust extractor/feed system reduce malfunctions.
  • Serviceability: easy to disassemble and clean; spare parts and mags available.
  • Optics & aftermarket: Decide if you want an optics-ready slide (faster target acquisition) and whether the model supports suppressor height sights or threaded barrels if that’s in your plan.

5) Caliber: balance stopping power vs. your ability to handle recoil

  • 9mm: best mix of capacity, recoil manageability, and ammo availability for most EDC users.
  • .40 S&W / .45 ACP / 10mm: more energy, more recoil and larger frames; consider only if you can shoot them accurately and train with them.
  • .380 ACP / .22 LR: pocketable and low recoil, but reduced terminal performance; fine as backup or for recoil-sensitive shooters.

Practical rule: choose your caliber, then train with it regularly. In a self-defense situation, you need to be able to stop the threat while avoiding collateral damage

6) Holster type & carry location

  • Appendix Inside Waistband: favors compact, flat guns with rounded edges and a short slide. Retention and safety are key.
  • Strong-side IWB (3–5 o’clock): good balance for many, and can usually accept a slightly larger pistol.
  • Outside the Waistband (OWB): comfy for range and open carry; larger guns ok.
  • Pocket carry: stupid, requires a dedicated pocket holster and a very compact gun.
  • Ankle carry: niche; reserve for backup pistols. Makes you feel like a 1980’s cop movie detective.

7) Shooting knowledge & training requirements

  • Beginner: practice the fundamentals of pistol shooting (grip, stance, breathing, trigger pull, sight picture). More training will massively expand what you can handle.
  • Intermediate/Advanced: you can exploit smaller, snappier pistols or higher-capacity platforms because you’ve trained to control them.
  • Training plan: at least 300-500 rounds in the first year while practicing draw and reloads. The gun you train with is the gun you carry.

8) Magazine capacity & spare mags

  • Carry at least one spare magazine (two is better).
  • Higher capacity helps, but it’s less useful if it makes the gun uncomfortable to carry.
  • Check mag availability and cost. Some models have proprietary, pricey mags.

9) Ergonomics, controls & safety features

  • Slide serrations, manual safety, mag release, slide stop: test your reach and operation with your support hand and weak hand.
  • If you wear gloves during colder months or work, ensure controls are accessible.
  • Trigger type: striker vs. hammer, and trigger safety designs, choose what you can use safely under stress.

10) Final checklist before you buy

  1. I can rack the slide with my support hand.
  2. I can index my hands for a proper grip.
  3. My finger reaches the trigger without breaking wrist alignment.
  4. I can draw smoothly from my chosen holster.
  5. The holster holds the pistol securely and covers the trigger.
  6. Spare mags and parts are available and reasonably priced.
  7. I’m comfortable with the recoil impulse for sustained practice.
  8. The pistol fits my wardrobe and carry style (it won’t sit in the closet).

If you check at least 6/8, you’ve probably found a good EDC fit.

Quick “best pick” scenarios

  • Tight budget + new shooter: reliable, mid-size 9mm with good aftermarket support and a basic IWB holster. Glock 19 or Sig P365 Fuse
  • Small hands / pocket carry: compact single-stack or micro 9/.380 with comfortable grip profile. Glock G43 or Ruger LCP/LCR
  • Tall rich people: FNX 45 Tactical
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