Concealed carrying is not like it used to be. Back in the day, in a compact pistol, you might get ten rounds if you were lucky, and if you wanted more than that, then you had to go up in size with your magazines. Or add extended baseplates. 

Either way, it always resulted in you printing far more than you would like to. The whole idea of carrying concealed is to not broadcast the fact that you’re carrying a gun.

carrying concealed

Adding that much length to your magazine makes a bit more difficult to conceal!

Nowadays, that’s easy, as you can find many pistols with a solid capacity that are also easy to conceal. Flush-fit magazines are often the way to go when it comes to concealed carry, and we’re going to dive into the best ones, both OEM and aftermarket. Plus, we’ll add a few magazines that add some capacity without bumping you into the “extended” footprint. 

But remember that when it comes to magazines or any other gear you’ll be relying on, you should test them extensively before you bet your life on them. 

Glock 43X

Glock 43X

If only it held more than ten rounds.

Factory magazines are consistently the most reliable option. And when you’re carrying for protection, reliability is what you need most. This single-stack 10-round magazine is what you get from the factory, which I consider to be the best option for your 43X. 

Ten rounds are not a lot nowadays, especially when you consider every other pistol on this list comes with more than 10 rounds from the factory. But, it’ll do the trick, as 9mm has enough power to get the job done with less. 

Glock 43x 10 round magazine
Glock 43X, 48 9mm 10 Round Gen 5 Magazine
194 reviews
$26.99
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So, unless you’re going up against multiple targets, then this will do you just fine, especially in the summer when your attacker is wearing fewer clothes. 

If you want a few more rounds, within the smae footprint, consider the Shield Arms S15 magazine. They are easily are the most common aftermarket magazines you’ll find with a Glock 43X. Instead of the single-stack magazine that comes from the factory, this one staggers the rounds similar to a double-stack mag, making room for five extra rounds.

Shield Arms S15

From left to right: Shield Arms S15 with a 5-round extension, standard S15, 10-round OEM.

But like every aftermarket magazine, there have been issues. Particularly with the feed ramp trajectory on the 43X being too extreme for the S15 magazines to feed reliably. It’s hit or miss, too, and some never have issues with them while others cannot use the magazine with their Glock at all. 

SALE shield arms s15 magazine
Shield Arms S15 Gen 3 9mm 15 Round Magazine for Glock 43X, 48 Pistols
234 reviews
Original price was: $42.99.Current price is: $29.99.
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This is why we test every magazine before trusting it. They are great magazines; this is more of a Glock issue. 

Sig Sauer P365

Sig Sauer P365

It adds just enough space without adding bulk. Source

Capacity is one key area where Sig has Glock beat. While this 12-round magazine may be slightly extended, it’s still extremely easy to conceal, and it gives you room for your pinky to rest so the poor thing isn’t floating in the wind.

The two extra rounds are a treat. Pistols this small typically limit themselves to 10 rounds, which just sounds horrible, although it is perfectly fine as long as you know what you’re doing. 

We’ll just call the two extra rounds an insurance policy. 

Sig P365 12 round magazine
Sig Sauer P365, P365XL 9mm 12 Round Magazine
196 reviews
$46.99
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The issue with magazines is that some of us live in states with restrictions. For example, I live in Washington, which does not allow for the purchase of any magazine with more than 10 rounds. You can OWN them, and carry them, just not buy them. 

Many shooters cannot obtain a firm purchase with the flush-fit 10-round magazine and need the extra space for their pinky finger. Enter the 10-round mag with finger rest.

Sig Sauer P365 9mm 10 RD EXT Magazine
Sig Sauer P365 9mm 10 Round Magazine with Finger Rest
31 reviews
$46.99
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If you can, I’d still opt for the 12-round magazine. Having two extra rounds is just enough to give you some peace of mind. But, if you live in a state that does not allow you to do so, these will do the trick. 

Just train with it. Ten good rounds are better than 20 poorly placed rounds.

Sig Sauer P365 9mm 10 Round Magazine
Sig Sauer P365 9mm 10 Round Magazine
24 reviews
$46.99
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This is the factory magazine you’ll get with your P365. Two of them, to be exact. These are the most concealable because they don’t add any extra size to your firearm. 

If you need to be extra careful with the size of your magazines, this is the way to go. Those who wear suits to work or size small t-shirts that they outgrew 10 years ago, this is also for you. Either way, if you’re after ultimate concealment, here you go. 

Springfield Hellcat Pro 

Springfield Hellcat Pro

The 15-round magazine below, with the 17-round magazine up top.

Completely leaving the first to pistols on the list in the dust, we have the Hellcat Pro with its 15-round flush magazine. For those who enjoy the peace of mind with having those extra rounds. This one is for you. 

SALE Springfield Hellcat Pro 9mm 15 Round Magazine
Springfield Hellcat Pro 9mm 15 Round Magazine
52 reviews
Original price was: $42.99.Current price is: $24.99.
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Oddly enough, the difference between the 43X and Hellcat Pro is fractions of an inch, with the Pro being slightly smaller. This means you get 50% more capacity in a similarly sized package. 

For a bit more size, you can get 17 rounds in a tight and compact package. These extend slightly past the base and are just as easy to conceal as the flush-fit magazine. It does not significantly add to the size.

hellcat pro 17 round magazine
Springfield Hellcat Pro 9mm 17 Round Extended Magazine
115 reviews
$34.99
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And what’s really nice about these is that they act as a small extension, giving your hands extra space. It may not be necessary since the Hellcat Pro already has a generous amount of space, but if you prefer to have as much space as possible, this is it. 

Smith & Wesson Shield Plus 

Smith & Wesson Shield Plus

13 rounds in such a small package is respectable.

A 10-round magazine and 13-round magazine comes standard with every Shield Plus. The former sits flush with the base and is the best magazine option if concealment is your top priority. 

For these, especially when new, I recommend a speed loader, as loading the last round can be tough. That’s typically every magazine, but I’ve noticed S&W magazines are a bit tougher. 

SALE shield plus 10 round magazine
Smith & Wesson M&P Shield Plus, Equalizer 9mm 10 Round Magazine
134 reviews
Original price was: $41.00.Current price is: $36.99.
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The 13-round magazine is also easy to conceal, but it does give you more real estate for your hands and three extra rounds. All without adding too much space. None that you couldn’t conceal, anyway. 

SALE shield plus 13 round magazine
Smith & Wesson M&P Shield Plus, Equalizer 9mm 13 Round Magazine
450 reviews
Original price was: $41.00.Current price is: $36.99.
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Glock 19

Glock 19

What else could you ask for?

 

The Glock 19 is one of the most carried pistols and boasts 15 rounds of 9mm in a flush magazine. It is the perfect amount of ammo for concealed carry. Well, unless you don’t mind carrying a spare magazine. Which I always recommend. 

The 15-round magazine will come standard with your Glock 19. Three of them, to be exact. And it makes the Gen 5 Glock the perfect gun for concealed carry.

glock 19 magazines
Glock 19 9mm 15 Round Gen 5 Magazine
384 reviews
$26.99
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Walther PDP Compact

Walther PDP Compact

More of a surgical tool than a hammer. Source

The PDP is one of the best firearms on the market right now. It has an amazing trigger (compared to most striker fired pistols) and is ready for the task out of the box. The 15 round magazine is similar to the Glock, which is perfect for concealed carry. 

SALE Walther PDP/PPQ M2 9mm 15 Round Magazine
Walther PDP Compact, PPQ M2 9mm 15 Round Magazine
215 reviews
Original price was: $49.00.Current price is: $34.99.
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Not too heavy that it will make your pants look funny, and still enough to handle tasks involving multiple threats. The steel construction helps balance the pistol in a way that makes it super easy to shoot. 

H&K VP9K 

H&K VP9K

Now that is a good looking pistol! Source

If there’s one thing for sure, the Germans know how to make a firearm. The VP9K is, and I say this with all the confidence in the world, one of the best concealed carry firearms on the market. Period. 

Just like the previous two pistols, you’ll get a 15-round magazine standard. They are more costly than others, but that’s the price for premium. It’s the tie on the bespoke suit. A beautiful piece.

HK VP9K A1 9mm 15 Round Magazine
HK VP9K A1 9mm 15 Round Magazine
7 reviews
$44.99
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Conclusion

Carrying concealed can be easy with the right gear, clothing, and attitude. While these magazines are easy to conceal, you still don’t want to wear super restrictive clothing, as that will potentially cause you to print and make this whole read a waste of your time. 

None of these magazines will cause you to print on their own, though. Heck, I carry a Glock 19X and I don’t print, even with the 19-round magazines, but that’s because I wear the proper clothing. Loose, especially around the waist area, is crucial to concealing your firearm successfully. 

Keep this in mind if you ever wonder why you’re printing or having a tough time concealing your firearm. 

Be good and take care. 

Brian Zerbian
Brian is a USMC Veteran and avid gun enthusiast from New Jersey who loves to spend his time shooting, writing, listening to classic rock, and learning new things.
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