Our Top Picks
Best Overall
Smith & Wesson CSX
This low-profile pistol is lightweight but shoots very accurately.
- Reliability: 9/10
- Accuracy: 9/10
- Cost: 8/10
Best Value
CZ P-07
Affordable and handy – perfect for everday carry.
- Reliability: 8/10
- Accuracy: 7/10
- Cost: 9/10
Best Capacity
Walther PDP Compact
Its SuperTerrain slide serrations that offer a more positive feel and smoother operation.
- Reliability: 9/10
- Accuracy: 8/10
- Cost: 8/10
If you’re in the market for an efficient but compact hammer-fired pistol, you’ve come to the right place. Hammer-fired pistols are known for their classic mechanism and trusted reliability, making them a top choice for concealed carry. But with so many options out there, how do you pick the best one? In this article, we’ll review the best hammer-fired concealed carry pistols and help you choose one. Let’s get right to it!
Table of Contents
- Our Top Picks
- How to Choose the Best Hammer-Fired Concealed Carry Pistol
- Best Hammer-Fired Concealed Carry Pistols
- Best Overall Hammer-Fired Concealed Carry Pistol: Smith & Wesson CSX
- Best Value: CZ P-07
- Best Capacity: Walther PDP Compact
- Beretta PX4 Storm Subcompact
- CZ 75 Compact
- Heckler and Koch P30SK
- FAQs
- Final Thoughts: Best Hammer-Fired Concealed Carry Pistols
How to Choose the Best Hammer-Fired Concealed Carry Pistol
Size and Weight
Think of size and weight – it must be easy to carry and not too heavy. A good concealed carry gun should be compact enough to hide easily but not so small that it’s hard to handle. It’s all about finding that sweet spot between size and comfort.
Capacity
Capacity is like your backpack for a day out – you want just enough space but not too much to weigh you down. A higher capacity means more bullets, which could be crucial in a self-defense scenario. However, remember, more bullets usually mean a larger size. So, balance is key.
Controls
Controls on a pistol should be easy to use and intuitive. Look for a concealed carry gun with controls that are simple to operate. This includes the safety, the magazine release, and the slide stop. The smoother the controls, the faster you can react in any situation.
Price
We know you don’t want to overspend, but you also want good value. Don’t just go for the cheapest option. Consider the pistol’s reliability, brand reputation, and the features it offers. Sometimes, spending a bit more means better quality and peace of mind.
Best Hammer-Fired Concealed Carry Pistols
Best Overall Hammer-Fired Concealed Carry Pistol: Smith & Wesson CSX
The Smith & Wesson CSX ticks all the boxes in our concealed carry checklist. This low-profile pistol is lightweight but shoots very accurately. Some of our favorite features are its ambidextrous manual thumb safety, elongated slide stop, glare reducing slide serrations, aluminum alloy frame, and textured back straps that can be interchanged. You can also choose between a 10-round and a 12-round magazine. But if you want easier concealability, we recommend the former.
- Frame Material: Aluminum Alloy
- Dimensions (LxWxH): 6.1” x 1.12” x 4.6”
Pros
- Micro compact
- 3.1” barrel
- Lightweight (19.5 oz)
- Glare reducing slide serrations
- Very accurate
- Ambidextrous controls
Cons
- Limited aftermarket
- Small mag capacity
What Customers Say
i’ve owned mine for a long while and love it , use 12 rnd mag with 10 rd in it easy to carry with out pulling your pants down from weight the ladies love it from recoil and easy carry and ease of slide loading . only drawback i found everyone see’s it and wants to shoot it.
Robert P.
Best Value: CZ P-07
Unlike the 2009 release, the latest version of the CZ P-07 is now better and handier for everyday carry. It features smoother edges, interchangeable backstraps, and forward cocking serrations. And let’s not forget the fiber-reinforced polymer frame, metal sights, plus the upgraded trigger and hammer. It also has a 15-round capacity – more bullets but also more weight.
- Frame Material: Polymer
- Dimensions (LxWxH): 7.2” x 1.46” x 5.3”
Pros
- Affordable
- 3.75” barrel
- 15-round mag capacity
- Clean trigger pull
- Ambidextrous controls
Cons
- Heavy (27.7 oz)
What Customers Say
Quality build, low bore axis, I like that it has the option for decocker or safety.
Ed C.
Best Capacity: Walther PDP Compact
The Walther PDP Compact takes pride in its SuperTerrain slide serrations that offer a more positive feel and smoother operation. This modular pistol offers a choice between two unique frame sizes and three various slide lengths, enabling customization to suit your needs. We appreciate how this design allows any slide length to fit on any frame, regardless of whether it’s a standard factory model or not. Whether you prefer a longer slide with a shorter dust cover, or vice versa, configuring it to your preference is straightforward.
- Frame Material: Polymer
- Dimensions (LxWxH): 7.5” x 1.34” x 5.4”
Pros
- Excellent ergonomics
- 15+1 capacity
- Modular
- Ergonomic grip
- Red dot ready
- Average weight (24.4 oz)
Cons
- Longer barrel length (4”)
What Customers Say
I like the PDP for its accuracy, reliability, and controllability, though i did have some minor issues with the trigger pull and optic mounting system. Overall, the Walther PDP is a well-designed pistol with features that make it a good choice for self-defense and other applications.
Jayweth
Beretta PX4 Storm Subcompact
The Beretta PX4 Storm Subcompact may be small but it is reliable in reducing recoil and muzzle jump. How? It features a tilt-breech system that was engineered to work with the rest of the frame to eliminate the muzzle rise during every shot as well as the kick in the web of the shooting hand. The manufacturer made sure that most of the parts were made from surface-treated steel for better longevity – thank you, Beretta!
It only has a 13-round mag capacity, though. And it’s a bit heavier than our other picks.
- Frame Material: Fiber-Glass Reinforced Polymer
- Dimensions (LxWxH): 6.22” x 1.42” x 4.8”
Pros
- 3” barrel
- Soft-shooting
- Ambidextrous controls
- Easy disassembly
Cons
- 13-round capacity
- Weighs more than other compact pistols (26.1 oz)
What Customers Say
This handles like a full-size pistol and yet excellent for concealed carry.
Sootch00
CZ 75 Compact
Our list won’t be complete without the CZ 75 Compact. It is renowned for its precision in shooting, thanks to its short recoil and low bore axis, which enhance control and accuracy, particularly during rapid fire.
Its ergonomic grip ensures comfortable handling over extended periods, preventing hand fatigue. The grip’s checkered panels also aid in maintaining a firm hold, even in moist conditions. This pistol features a high-capacity magazine, capable of holding up to 14 rounds of 9mm ammo, offering enough firepower for self-defense or home defense scenarios. The CZ 75 Compact’s robust frame and slide are built from cold hammer-forged steel, ensuring longevity and durability against wear and harsh conditions.
- Frame Material: Steel
- Dimensions (LxWxH): 7.24” x 1.38” x 5.03”
Pros
- 3.75” barrel
- 14-round mag capacity
- Short recoil
- Ergonomic checkered grip
Cons
- Heavy (32.8 oz)
- Pricey
What Customers Say
This is a great gun. Some people say it’s too large or heavy for carry, but I strongly disagree. The weight is perfect, and with the right appendix holster you can carry this comfortably, like any other compac. It’s a really good gun, buy it, you won’t regret it.
Michael C.
Heckler and Koch P30SK
To complete our list is another subcompact pistol that shoots like a compact one. Like its full-sized big bro, the P30, the P30SK also features lateral grip panels and interchangeable backstraps (three different sizes). It also comes in multiple trigger firing modes. So you can also easily customize it according to your needs.
Both the slide release and magazine release are ambidextrous. It would have been nicer, however, if the decocker was also duplicated on both sides of the pistol (for left-handed shooters, at least).
- Frame Material: Polymer
- Dimensions (LxWxH): 6.42” x 1.37” x 4.57”
Pros
- Great trigger
- Ambidextrous controls
- Short recoil
- Modular grip
- Comes with lifetime warranty (original owner)
- Lightweight (23.99 oz)
Cons
- 10+1 capacity
- Expensive
What Customers Say
I bought this firearm 2 years ago and since then I have shot thousands of round, carried it daily, and have fallen in love with the P30sk. If I could only own one firearm, this would be it.
Ian B.
FAQs
Which is better, hammer-fired or striker-fired pistol?
Both hammer-fired and striker-fired pistols have their pros and cons, and the ‘better’ choice really depends on your personal preferences and needs.
Hammer-Fired Pistols: They have a traditional design and a physical hammer that strikes the firing pin. Many shooters appreciate the tactile feedback and the ability to physically see if the hammer is cocked. They’re often considered to have a smoother trigger pull, which can be a plus for accuracy.
Striker-Fired Pistols: They tend to have fewer moving parts, making them simpler and often more reliable in dirty conditions. They offer a consistent trigger pull, which is great for beginners. Plus, they’re usually lighter and thinner.
Are hammer-fired pistols safer?
Safety is a key concern, and it’s often thought that hammer-fired pistols have an edge in this area. The visible hammer can give an immediate indication of whether the gun is cocked. Additionally, many hammer-fired pistols have decocking mechanisms, allowing you to safely lower the hammer without discharging the firearm. However, remember that safety largely depends on the user’s training and adherence to safe handling practices. Both hammer-fired and striker-fired pistols have built-in safety features and are equally safe when handled correctly.
Why do people like hammer-fired pistols?
People are drawn to hammer-fired pistols for a variety of reasons:
Traditional Aesthetic and Feel: There’s a certain classic appeal to hammer-fired pistols that many gun enthusiasts appreciate. The physical hammer adds to the overall experience of shooting.
Trigger Feel: Hammer-fired pistols are often praised for their trigger pull characteristics. The initial take-up followed by a clean break can be more satisfying and predictable for experienced shooters.
Manual Safety Features: Many hammer-fired models come with manual safeties and decockers, which some shooters prefer for an added sense of control and safety.
Versatility in Firing Modes: Some hammer-fired pistols offer the option of shooting in single-action (SA) or double-action (DA), which can be appealing for those who want the flexibility.
Final Thoughts: Best Hammer-Fired Concealed Carry Pistols
Choosing the best hammer-fired concealed carry pistol is a mix of personal preference and practicality. Consider what you value most – is it the size, weight, capacity, controls, or price? There’s no one-size-fits-all solution. Your lifestyle, hand size, experience level, and the situations you anticipate facing all play a role in what will work best for you.
If it doesn’t feel comfortable or if you find it difficult to grip, it’s not the right fit for you. In a high-pressure situation, comfort can make a significant difference in your performance. A reliable pistol from a reputable brand might cost more, but it’s an investment in your safety.
Remember, whichever pistol you choose, practice is crucial. Familiarize yourself with its workings, practice drawing and firing, and get to know its quirks and features. The more comfortable you are with your pistol, the more effectively you can use it if the need arises.
Stay safe, and happy shooting!
