What is the best Springfield Armory for concealed carry?

Written by Mark Buff , GunZee founder and CEO.

Springfield Armory is known for producing high-quality handguns well-suited for everyday concealed carry. The best concealed carry pistols are both comfortable and powerful—offering takedown capability and concealability.

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Let’s go through the best concealed carry Springfield Armory guns in different calibers and find the right one for your CCW needs!

Add an extra level of comfort to your everyday carry with GunZee’s memory foam holster pad! It is so comfy, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it.

Springfield Armory Hellcat

Springfield Armory Hellcat.

Image source: https://www.springfield-armory.com/hellcat-series-handguns/hellcat-3-micro-compact-handguns/

Features	Details
Caliber	9mm
Capacity	11+1
Barrel length	3”
Overall length	6”
Width	1”
Weight (unloaded)	18.3 oz

The Hellcat is the highest-capacity micro-compact 9mm handgun in the world. With an 11-round flush or 13-round extended magazine, it's an easily concealable, high-firepower pistol.

The Hellcat pistol comes with patented dual rear springs to reduce felt recoil and provide faster follow-up shots. The textured modular polymer grip adapts to different hand sizes for comfort and retention, while up front, the snag-free adaptive grip texture enables a solid purchase for control.

High visibility Tritium/Luminescence sights offer fast sight acquisition in all lighting conditions. Front and rear slide serrations provide ample traction for easy manipulation.

The pre-tensioned flat trigger delivers a clean 5.5 lb pull for precision on every shot. A loaded chamber indicator provides both tactile and visual confirmation of the Hellcat’s readiness. It also has a reversible mag release that allows left or right-handed activation.

“Feels great in the hand and have gone through hundreds of cycles with no fails yet,” says this Hellcat owner about his gun.

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Springfield Armory XD-S Mod.2

XD-S MOD.2® OSP™ 3.3″ SINGLE STACK 9MM HANDGUN W

Image source: https://www.springfield-armory.com/xd-series-handguns/xd-s-mod-2-osp-handguns/xd-s-mod-2-osp-33-single-stack-9mm-handgun-crimson-trace-red-dot/

Features	Details
Caliber	9mm, .40 S&W, .45 ACP
Capacity	7+1
Barrel length	3.3”
Overall length	6.3”
Width	0.975”
Weight (unloaded)	21 oz

An improved CCW pistol, the Springfield Armory XD-S Mod.2 maintains a slim single-stack profile for easy concealment. The higher grip position promotes weapon retention while allowing extended carry comfort. Enhanced texture on the polymer frame provides a positive hold.

On the front end, a precisely rifled hammer-forged barrel delivers pinpoint accuracy, while a height-adjustable tritium front sight allows fast sight acquisition day or night. A standard Picatinny accessory rail on the dust cover accepts lights and lasers for enhanced versatility.

The XD-S Modd.2 comes in 9mm, .40 S&W, and .45 ACP calibers to match your carry preference. The system leverages a passive grip safety, internal striker block, and trigger safety lever. The foolproof loaded chamber indicator located atop the slide is easily accessed both visually and by feel.

“The XD-S is one of the firearms you should consider if you are seeking a single stack, subcompact pistol. Based on the testing I have done, the gun is reliable, accurate, and won’t beat you up during a range session.” —Richard Johnson, Ammo Man

Springfield Armory 911

Springfield Armory 911.

Image source: https://www.springfield-armory.com/911-series-handguns/911-handguns/

Features	Details
Caliber	.380 ACP
Capacity	6+1
Barrel length	2.7”
Overall length	5.5”
Width	1”
Weight (unloaded)	12.6 oz

The 911 packs serious firepower in a compact .380 ACP package. The Hogue G10 trigger provides crisp single action with a short tactile reset. A steel-loaded chamber indicator declares readiness through sight and touch.

Low-profile tritium night sights allow fast target acquisition even in darkness. Octo-Grip texturing helps secure purchase while Hogue G10 grips promote weapon retention.

Precision machined broached barrel delivers surprising accuracy from the sub-compact barrel. Weighing just 12.6 oz, this 1911-style pistol disappears against the body for effective concealed carry aided by smooth contours and snag-free sights.

You can choose between 9mm and .380ACP calibers, and it comes with a 6+1 flush-fitting magazine plus an extended 7+1 that locks in the pinky for full grip comfort. It enhances control while allowing for deep concealment.

This YouTube commenter has both .380 ACP and 9mm 911s. “The .380 is outstanding and shoots great as well as feels good in the hand,” he noted.

Springfield Armory XD-E

Features	Details
Caliber	9mm
Capacity	8+1
Barrel length	3.3”
Overall length	6.75”
Width	1”
Weight (unloaded)	24.8 oz

The XD-E pistol combines a traditional double-action/single-action ignition system with modern feature advancements tailored for concealed carry. Ambi thumb safety and magazine release provide superior ergonomics for a comfortable carry experience.

Ambidextrous controls, slim 1” grip, and 3.3” hammer-forged barrel optimize ergonomics and concealability. Dual captive recoil springs and 9+1 extended capacity magazines enhance shooting comfort and capabilities.

Accurate sighting comes via fiber optic front and white dot rear notch sights. The steel slide and polymer frame balance durable performance with lighter weight for comfortable carry.

“The sleek frame of the XD-E fit comfortably in my hands. Springfield’s textured GripZone® offers my hand a nice purchase on the gun – all aiding in less muzzle flip and increased stability. Women will like this gun because of the ease in racking, ergonomics and choice of different conditions to carry it in. This gun will be the perfect addition – the hammer – to your personal protection tool box.” —Michelle Cerino, The WON

Springfield Armory XD-M Elite

Features	Details
Caliber	9mm
Capacity	20+1
Barrel length	4.5”
Overall length	7.6”
Width	1.2”
Weight (unloaded)	29 oz

The XD-M Elite has an enhanced match trigger assembly that promotes accuracy through a clean, crisp trigger press. The pistol utilizes a 4.5" hammer-forged match-grade barrel for precise shooting.

The XD-M Elite comes equipped with a flared short magwell that enables swift reload actions. Magazine capacity is an impressive 20+1 rounds thanks to this magwell design. The slide has ambidextrous slide stops and aggressive slide serrations for easy manipulation.

Sights consist of a readily visible fiber optic front sight paired with a tactical rack U-dot rear sight driving fast target acquisition. A dual captive recoil spring assembly mitigates perceived recoil impulse for faster follow-up shots.

Keep your XD-M Elite pistol in optimal condition with our quality handgun cleaning kit—a comprehensive solution for all your cleaning and maintenance needs.

Springfield Armory XD-M Elite OSP

Features	Details
Caliber	10mm
Capacity	16+1
Barrel length	4.5”
Overall length	7.6”
Width	1.2”
Weight (unloaded)	31 oz

The XD-M Elite OSP (optical sight pistol) combines 10mm power with optimized components for the Elite series. It features a pre-milled slide designed to seamlessly integrate your preferred red dot sight, allowing unprecedented visibility and accuracy.

The short, flared magwell aids smooth 16+1 reloads. An upgraded match-enhanced trigger delivers an exceptional feel and a clean, crisp break, promoting precision shot placement.

Ambidextrous controls—extended slide stop and angled slide serrations—enable easy manipulation from any shooting position. The bright fiber optic front sight and tactical rack rear sight allow quick target acquisition and smooth aiming when alternating between the red dot optic and iron sights.

Transport your Springfield firearm and gear to the range securely and in style with our durable, spacious black range bag.

How do I choose the right Springfield Armory for concealed carry?

To choose the right Springfield Armory concealed carry pistol you need to carefully consider your needs and local laws. Keep the following key factors in mind:

Size and weight. Look for a slim, lightweight model that can be comfortably carried for extended periods without printing against clothing. Compact and subcompact options tend to work best.
Caliber. Common concealed carry calibers are 9mm, .380 ACP, and .38 Special. Assess stopping power versus recoil and ammunition cost.
Capacity. Balance thinness with having enough rounds for self-defense between reloads. Typical capacities run 6+1 to 15+1 rounds in compact to full-size models.
Controls. Ambidextrous safety levers, slide releases, and magazine buttons allow smooth operation for left or right-handed shooters.
Features. Sights, grips, and finishes optimized for concealed carry differ from duty-style pistols meant for open carry.
Local laws. Research state and municipal regulations that can restrict the magazine capacity, ammo type, or trigger pull weight.

Springfield Armory FAQ

Is Springfield XD good for concealed carry?

The Springfield XD is a good choice for concealed carry. The Springfield XD 4” Service Model 9mm, for instance, is large enough for uniformed police and security yet light enough for concealed carry. It offers benefits such as a full grip, highly visible sights, modest recoil, and an accessory rail. The trigger safety is designed to prevent accidental discharges, and the comfort of the safety is excellent. The XD Service Model is also affordable, making it a good choice for those on a tight budget

What is the most reliable handgun in the US?

Glock pistols are widely considered the most reliable handguns across law enforcement and civilian concealed carry segments in the US. Glock’s simple internal functionality, durable polymer frame construction, and rigorous reliability testing have built an unmatched reputation over decades of real-world service.

Which Springfield Armory is the best single-stack pistol?

The Springfield Armory XD-S Mod.2 is their best single-stack pistol. It offers 7+1 and 9+1 capacity in an eminently concealable subcompact package, with features tailored for deep, comfortable concealed carry.

Why are gun owners upset with Springfield Armory?

Gun owners were upset with Springfield Armory due to a perceived betrayal involving the Illinois Firearms Manufacturers Association (IFMA). The gun community felt that Springfield Armory had initially supported a bill that they later opposed, leading to accusations of flip-flopping.

What is the difference between Springfield XD and XD-M?

The XD-M is the upgraded version of the original XD model. Upgrades include an interchangeable backstrap system to customize grip fit. The XD-M also features a match-grade barrel for enhanced accuracy, more ergonomic slide serrations and grip texturing, an upgraded trigger for a cleaner break, and other refinements like recoil assembly changes.

What caliber gun is the best concealed carry?

The 9mm caliber offers the best balance of power, capacity, accuracy, controllability, and reduced risk of overpenetration. Modern bullet designs like Federal HST and Speer Gold Dot enable 9mm to stop threats effectively while its milder recoil facilitates faster follow-up shots in high-stress real-world defensive situations.

Is the Hellcat Pro better than the Glock 19?

While not decisively “better” given the Glock 19’s established reputation, the Springfield Hellcat Pro meets concealed carry needs with 11+1 or 13+1 9mm capacity in a shorter, narrower package without sacrificing ergonomics. Impressive features such as the adaptive grip texturing and red dot sight make the Hellcat Pro a great pistol.

Is the Hellcat Pro hard to conceal?

Concealing the Hellcat Pro proves easy for most body types and carry positions. It has an ergonomic grip shape and texture that allows for excellent comfort and reliable performance. It is crafted specifically for comfortable concealed everyday carry. The standard model hides even more effortlessly.

About the Author

Mark Buff is the founder and CEO of GunZee. He is an ardent firearms enthusiast and has been carrying concealed for more than 15 years. He created GunZee to solve his own problem: that of uncomfortable KYDEX holsters. His patented GunZee memory foam holster pad makes inside-the-waistband carry super comfortable.

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