A New Firearm Buyer’s Guide to Choosing an EDC Pistol

Choosing an EDC firearm is a very personal choice. Some people take it upon themselves to protect their own life and their family’s life, while others think the government and dialing 911 will save them. However, more and more Americans are interested in choosing an EDC pistol for self-defense, if not merely to have it at home in the event someone tries to break in.

In 2022, there were over 16.4 million firearms sold to Americans. Overall, the United States has around 352 million firearms in circulation. It was found that 45% of households in America have at least one firearm. Pistols are the most commonly purchased firearm and account for 43.4% of the guns produced by manufacturers, with rifles coming in second with 28%.

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With all this being said, you probably came to this article because you’re considering taking the next step in choosing an EDC pistol. EDC stands for “Everyday Carry.” As a first-time firearm buyer, having many questions before you walk into your local gun shop or retailer to pick out your first firearm is normal.

With so many options available, choosing the right EDC pistol can seem overwhelming. But fear not because I’ve got you covered with this new firearm buyer’s guide to choosing an EDC pistol. Whether you’re looking for a compact and lightweight pistol for daily concealed carry or a high-capacity option for home defense, this article will help you navigate the options and find the perfect EDC pistol to fit your needs.

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Let’s dive into choosing an EDC pistol that will give you confidence and peace of mind while also answering many of the common questions new firearm buyers typically ask.

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Disclaimer: This article contains information about choosing an EDC pistol and making a legal purchase through an FFL. At any given moment, laws can change, making it important to confirm with your state and local laws to ensure you can legally make a purchase.

What are Your Needs When Choosing an EDC Pistol?
What Size EDC Pistol Should You Carry?
What Brands Should You Consider When Choosing an EDC Pistol?
How Much Can You Expect to Pay for a Quality EDC Pistol?
What Accessories Should You Consider Buying for Your EDC Pistol?

What are Your Needs When Choosing an EDC Pistol?

An EDC pistol is a firearm specifically designed for carrying on a person for self-defense purposes. That said, not every EDC pistol is ideal for each individual. For instance, not everyone is going to be able to carry something full-size like a Glock 17. Not only would it print through your clothing (printing is where you can see the firearm silhouetted through your clothing), but it may be incredibly uncomfortable.

The first thing you need to consider is your needs when choosing an EDC pistol. There are several reasons why someone may want to buy an EDC pistol. The following are some of the most common reasons:

1. Personal Safety

Carrying an EDC pistol can provide a sense of security and help individuals feel more prepared to defend themselves in a potentially dangerous situation.

2. Protection of Loved Ones

Having an EDC pistol on your person can provide a means of protection for loved ones, such as a spouse or children, in the event a deadly threat arises.

3. Responsiveness

An EDC pistol is typically small and lightweight, making it easy to carry and access quickly in case of an emergency. This is important as a larger firearm or even rifle is not easily accessible when outside the home.

4. Concealment

The main purpose of an EDC pistol is to be easily concealed, allowing individuals to carry them discreetly and without drawing attention. This can either be on a person (preferred) or off-body in a purse or bag (not ideal, but better than leaving home without a firearm).

5. Training and Preparedness

Owning and carrying an EDC pistol requires training and practice, which can increase an individual’s level of preparedness and confidence in their ability to handle a dangerous situation. While it’s not required prior to or even after choosing an EDC pistol, it’s your responsibility to understand how to proficiently use and manipulate your firearm with precision and accuracy. In my eyes and the eyes of firearms professionals and trainers, this is a non-negotiable.

Related Article: Active Shooter Training: 3 Split-Second Lifesaving Options

What Size EDC Pistol Should You Carry?

The size of an EDC pistol that someone should consider carrying depends on several factors, including their physical size, clothing choices, and personal preferences.

A significant concern is hand size. A full-size or compact EDC pistol isn’t ideal if you have a small hand. Likewise, if you have hands that resemble that of a giant, a tiny micro or even subcompact may not be the best choice. You should really go to a firearms dealer and handle them to ensure you know the size to even consider comparing the various brands and their offerings.

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EDC pistols generally have four size categories: full-size, compact, subcompact, and micro.

Full-Size EDC Pistol

Full-size pistols are handguns with a longer barrel, longer slide, and larger frame than a compact or subcompact pistol. It is designed to be easier to aim and control due to its larger size, making it a popular choice for target shooting and law enforcement/military applications. Full-size pistols typically have a magazine capacity of at least 15 rounds and are chambered in popular calibers such as 9mm, .40 S&W, and .45 ACP. While not the most common size to carry, depending on your frame and how you dress around your EDC pistol, it can be concealed and worn as an EDC pistol.

Compact EDC Pistol

Compact pistols are larger and heavier than a subcompact and micro pistols, but they are still small enough to be easily carried daily. They generally have a larger capacity and longer barrel length than smaller pistols, which can improve accuracy and make them easier to shoot. However, they may be more difficult to conceal and less comfortable to carry for extended periods.

Subcompact EDC Pistol

Subcompact pistols are smaller and lighter than compact pistols, making them easier to conceal and carry for extended periods. However, they typically have a shorter barrel length and a lower capacity, which can make them harder to shoot accurately and may require reloading if you fire anywhere from 6-10 shots.

Micro EDC Pistol

Micro pistols are the smallest category of EDC pistols and are designed for maximum concealment and minimal weight. They are typically the easiest to conceal and carry, but they may be more challenging to shoot accurately due to their small size and short barrel length. Additionally, they often have a lower capacity and may be harder to manipulate and reload as they tend only to hold 5-7 rounds.

Which Size of the Above is the Right Choice?

The benefits of carrying a smaller EDC pistol include ease of concealment and comfort, while the drawbacks may include reduced accuracy and capacity. The benefits of carrying a larger EDC pistol include improved accuracy and capacity, but the drawbacks may include increased weight and reduced concealability.

Ultimately, the size of an EDC pistol you should carry is a personal decision that depends on your individual needs and preferences. It is crucial to choose a pistol that is comfortable to carry and shoot while also being effective for self-defense purposes. And in terms of capacity, more is always better, but you don’t want a gun so large that it’s impossible to conceal on your frame. The fact of the matter is, no one that has ever been in an actual gunfight has said they had too many bullets in their gun and they wished they had less.

Personally, I would recommend choosing an EDC pistol with the most capacity possible while still being easy to conceal on your frame.

What Brands Should You Consider When Choosing an EDC Pistol?

There are many excellent pistol brands available, and what makes them the best can depend on a number of factors, including build quality, reliability, accuracy, and customer service.

It is recommended that you visit an indoor shooting range that allows you to rent or try various firearms. This will allow you to see how different brands shoot and how to manipulate them. Choosing an EDC pistol can be complicated if you’re a new shooter and a new firearm buyer. The professionals at the shooting range should be able to point you in the right direction based on your needs to help provide you with some solid options when choosing an EDC pistol.

Below are some of the best pistol brands in no particular order:

Glock

Glock is a widely recognized brand of polymer-framed pistols known for their reliability and simplicity. They are used by law enforcement agencies worldwide and have a reputation for durability and accuracy. Their most popular EDC pistol is the Glock 19, but those who want something smaller tend to lean towards their Glock 26, 42, 43, or 48.

Sig Sauer

Sig Sauer is a high-end brand that produces a wide range of pistols, including their popular P320 series as well as their smaller P365 models. They are known for their exceptional build quality, reliability, and accuracy, and are often used by law enforcement and military personnel.

Smith & Wesson

Smith & Wesson produces a variety of pistols, including their popular M&P series. They are known for their accuracy and reliability, and have a reputation for being some of the best handguns on the market.

Everything you want to know about concealed carry

Beretta

Beretta is a well-known brand that produces a wide range of pistols, including their popular 92 series. They are known for their accuracy, durability, and high-quality construction, and have been used by military and law enforcement agencies around the world. While not the most commonly used as an EDC pistol, some enjoy carrying a 92.

CZ-USA

CZ-USA produces a variety of high-quality pistols, including their popular CZ 75 series. They are known for their accuracy, reliability, and excellent customer service, and they are often considered some of the best pistols on the market.

How Much Can You Expect to Pay for a Quality EDC Pistol?

The cost of an EDC pistol can vary widely depending on several factors, such as the brand, model, caliber, and features. In general, you can expect to pay anywhere from a few hundred dollars up to several thousand dollars for a high-end, custom-built EDC pistol like some of the 2011 variants that are out there with all the bells and whistles.

A basic, entry-level EDC pistol from a reputable brand can typically be purchased for around $400-$600. These pistols generally have fewer features and a simpler design but will still be reliable and effective for self-defense or home-defense purposes.

Mid-range EDC pistols can cost anywhere from $600 to $1,000. These pistols often have additional features, such as better sights or improved ergonomics, and may be made from higher-quality materials.

High-end EDC pistols can cost upwards of $1,000 or more and may be custom-built to the individual shooter’s specifications. These pistols will often have a high level of craftsmanship and attention to detail, and may include features such as custom grips, specialized coatings, or precision triggers.

It is important to note that the cost of an EDC pistol is just one factor to consider when making a purchase. It is essential to choose a pistol that is reliable, accurate, and comfortable to shoot, and to invest in quality training and practice to ensure that you are able to use the pistol effectively in a self-defense situation.

Another investment you need to make after you buy your first handgun is a safe. If you plan on using this firearm as your home defense gun or nightstand gun, you need to purchase a small but high-quality safe.

What Accessories Should You Consider Buying for Your EDC Pistol?

When purchasing a new pistol, there are several accessories that you may want to consider buying to enhance your shooting experience and improve your ability to use the pistol effectively for self-defense.

Here are a few of the most common accessories to consider:

1. Training

I’m just going to tell it like it is — this is the most important thing to focus on. To me, there is no other option or better use of your money. You can have all the cool-guy accessories, but your EDC pistol is worthless if you can’t shoot the broad side of a barn. Hands down, the most important accessory is training. Investing in quality training and practicing regularly is essential to ensure you can use your EDC pistol effectively in self-defense.

Some great choices of instructors/trainers/companies are listed below. You can also find classes in your area through the Bulletn website. You can also read my interview with Tremis Dynamics owner Garry Marr on firearm training.

Tremis Dynamics
Sheepdog Defense
Tactical Response
Fieldcraft Survival
Tactical Hyve
Iron Forge Consulting Group
Definitive Training Solutions
Ascending Variable
Forward Training Concepts
Praelectus
Ashigaru Defensive
First In
Patriot Training
OnSight Firearms Training

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2. Holster

A holster is essential for safely and comfortably carrying your EDC pistol daily. Choosing a holster that fits your pistol properly and is comfortable to wear is vital. There are many holster manufacturers out there. Many standard holsters these days are made of kydex but some people prefer the feel of leather. Do some research on various holsters, materials, and brands to compile a list of holsters to consider. It should be noted that you may purchase a few different holsters before you find the one that works before for your body type.

Here are some articles on holsters I’ve reviewed and published:

3. Magazine Carrier

A magazine carrier is a convenient way to carry extra magazines for your EDC pistol. This can be especially important in a self-defense situation where you may need to reload quickly. With so many brands out there selling mag carriers, you’ll need to do some research to find one that suits your needs. To get you started, check out the article I wrote about the Snake Eater Tactical IWB Mag Pouch. If you’re carrying concealed, you also want a mag carrier that conceals inside the waistband or securely in a pocket.

4. Sights

Upgrading your pistol’s sights can improve your accuracy and make it easier to shoot accurately in a variety of lighting conditions. We’ll use Glock as an example to better illustrate the purpose of quality sights. They make fantastic firearms, but their sites are complete garbage. They’re plastic, if you use the sight to rack the slide in an emergency, they can break off, and overall, they’re trash. A quality set of night sights would be ideal for your EDC pistol.

5. Cleaning Kit

A basic cleaning kit is essential for maintaining your pistol’s reliability and function over time. You should know how to disassemble your EDC pistol, how to clean it properly, and where to oil and lube. Cleaning kits are essential to keep your EDC pistol up and running over the long term and to prevent malfunctions due to carbon and other gunk being built up over time from range sessions and training. A very basic and starter-level cleaning kit could be something like the Otis Cleanin g Kit.

If you found value in this article, please consider sharing it on social media (and tagging people who need to read it) or linking to it on your blog or website. We must ensure the TRUTH is out there when owning and buying a firearm and not allow anti-2A campaigns to create a false narrative. If you honor and want to protect your right to bear arms, please get this in front of as many people as possible to help new firearm buyers know what to look for when choosing an EDC pistol.

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