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Top Summer Carry Pistols of 2025
The hottest weather of the year is upon us, which means it’s growing increasingly more difficult to carry those full-size handguns because you’ve transitioned from jeans and a hoodie or jacket to cargo shorts and a t-shirt. While it’s still doable, sometimes you might just want to grab a sub-compact or micro-compact on your way out the door for an extra comfortable carry!
The Glock 43X MOS with a couple of extra rounds makes for a great carry.
There is no “perfect” gun for everyone, but there are a few things you should consider to help you find the perfect gun for you. Today, we’ll discuss them and recommend several of our favorite pistols, which are very easy to carry without compromising your protection.
Summer Carry Considerations
One thing is for sure: regardless of your attire, you should find a way to carry. Whether that’s through the use of a different holster, a different carry position, or switching to a smaller pistol.
Many choose the last option, hence why we wrote this article. Here are some things to think about before pulling the trigger on a new carry setup.
The Four Cs
I call these the “four Cs”: capacity, caliber, customizability, and concealability.
You should be able to check all of these boxes with any gun you plan to carry, but it becomes more difficult the smaller your pistol gets. From a concealability standpoint, the smaller, the better! However, that translates to reduced capacity and a reduced number of accessories (customizability) that can fit.
That said, I always recommend going with a pistol chambered in at least 9mm, offering at least double-digit capacity, and preferably able to host a light and optic.
Our Top Picks
Glock 43X MOS
It should come as no surprise that the Glock 43X MOS made the cut. If you’re looking for a tried-and-true pistol, this Glock will not disappoint…well, no Glock really will—that’s why the term “Glock reliability” is famous.
At least it’s double-digit capacity, although a standard five more rounds would be appreciated.
If you like the G43X, make sure to go with the MOS (Modular Optic System) model. That way, you can add an optic, the rail allows for a light, and you can grab a Shield Arms S15 15-round magazine to finish off a really nice carry setup. It even comes with a match-grade Glock Marsman Barrel. There’s not much else to ask for.
SALE 
Shield Arms S15 Gen 3 9mm 15 Round Magazine for Glock 43X, 48 Pistols
232 reviews
Original price was: $42.99.$29.99Current price is: $29.99.
Glock arguably has the best aftermarket support of any handgun platform, so you can have a field day customizing your pistol to exactly what you need or want.
Smith & Wesson M&P Shield Plus (Optics Ready)
The small but mighty M&P Shield Plus is one of my go-to carries in the summer. It has most of what anyone could ask for, such as a crisp flat-face trigger, an optics-ready slide, and some models even come with night sights.
There seems to be a Streamlight for almost every gun.
A 10- and 13-round magazine is included, but you can purchase a 15-rounder to boost your defensive capabilities, which I highly recommend.
SALE 
Smith & Wesson M&P Shield Plus, Equalizer 9mm 13 Round Magazine
447 reviews
Original price was: $41.00.$36.99Current price is: $36.99.
There are a plethora of holsters and aftermarket parts out there, but only a few lights and lasers are compatible due to the lack of an accessory rail. Don’t worry, though—there are still some quality options, like the Streamlight TLR-6.
Sig Sauer P365 (Optics Ready)
The P365 is one of those pistols people either love or hate; it seems not many fall in the middle. There are a ton of P365 models, but for the sake of the article, we’ll stick with the standard optic-ready model.
What else do you get aside from the optic-ready slide, you ask? Well, you get a modular grip module, night sights, and up to a 12+1 capacity. One of its larger selling features is its aftermarket support. You should have no problem finding accessories and parts or the exact holster you want.
A non-optic-ready model riding shotgun…please don’t actually drive with your gun on the passenger seat. Source
Springfield Armory Hellcat Pro Comp
While the Hellcat Pro isn’t the smallest on the list by any means, it does mean more room for extra rounds! It has everything you need, such as an accessory rail, an optics-ready slide, and a clean trigger. If you don’t want to add an optic, you’re still covered with a solid U-notch rear sight and front tritium sight.
A Hellcat Pro Comp with a 17-round magazine above and a 15-round magazine below.
With a flush-fitting 15-round magazine and the new 17-round extended magazines available, you can easily carry 30+ rounds with just one spare.
This gun has been nothing short of reliable and accurate for me, to the point where I carry it quite often. The new integral compensator is just icing on the cake!
Smith & Wesson Bodyguard 2.0
Yes, it’s a .380 ACP pistol so the stopping power is a bit lower, but many people have had great things to say about this little gun that could!
It comes with a 10+1 and 12+1 capacity, a flat-faced trigger, and an aggressively serrated slide for easy racking. You can also order it with night sights, but there is no optic-cut version.
The Smith & Wesson Bodyguard 2.0’s magazine with extended baseplate is inserted while the standard is on the left.
Thanks to its larger grip, it’s said to be rather ergonomic for its size, even if you have medium to large-sized hands.
Final Thoughts
Of course, these aren’t the only strong contenders out there on the market to fill your summer carry needs, but they are a great place to start.
Remember, regardless of which caliber you choose, you want to strike a good balance between capacity, customizability, and concealability. This way, you’ll be prepared to defend yourself and your family in almost any scenario.
Take your time deciding and it never hurts to see if your local range has a few of your final options available to rent. Training is most important, so you’ll want to enjoy shooting whichever gun you choose.
As always, stay safe, train hard, and have fun.
