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Lower temperatures bring out more layers and more opportunities to conceal larger firearms without printing. Here are our picks for the ten best cool-weather EDC guns you can buy in 2025!
Fall is our favorite season at Classic Firearms, because it provides the perfect excuse to bust out our favorite full-size EDC handguns. Flannels, hoodies, and winter coats offer enhanced concealment for larger pistols and revolvers that most shooters tend to shy away from during the warmer months.
The best cool-weather concealed carry guns strike a balance between shootability and firepower (capacity plus ballistic potency). Of course, the operative word in concealed carry is still "concealed," so models like the Magnum Research Desert Eagle and the Smith & Wesson 500 will not be eligible for this list because they are simply too difficult for the average person to conceal effectively.
Instead, we'll be focusing on handguns with a barrel length of 4-6" and solid capacity relative to the round the handgun is chambered in. While not strictly necessary, additional consideration will be given for models that can accept a weapon-mounted light and / or a red dot optic.
Each handgun on this list has been carefully selected by the Classic Firearms team based on our experience handling (and in some cases, even carrying) these firearms. If you're looking to upgrade your everyday carry for the fall / winter season, any of these pistols or revolvers will serve you well.
The Sig Sauer P220 Elite in .45 ACP is a must-have for fans of classic double / single action pistols. With an optics cut and a Picatinny accessory rail, the Elite model is ready to go right out of the box. It ships with an 8-round flush fit magazine, but 10-round extended mags are available for purchase separately.
Like Sig's other metal-frame guns, the P220 Elite has incredible ergonomics and a smooth, crisp trigger pull. The recoil impulse is soft and flat, allowing for rapid follow-up shots. Best of all, the wraparound E2 grips reduce the profile of the grip frame so that the gun conceals well under a light jacket.
Featuring a capacity of 15+1, the Glock 20 combines rugged reliability with the stopping power of 10mm. These attributes make the Glock 20 an excellent choice for any outdoor enthusiasts who want to carry something with a little more "oomph" while camping or hiking in the wilderness.
The 10mm cartridge is becoming increasingly popular due to its impressive terminal ballistics, so there are many self defense loads to choose from. Whether you're at home or out in nature, the Glock 20 is a great all-around defensive handgun to carry during the cooler months.
It's tough to beat a full-size revolver chambered for the hard-hitting .357 Magnum. Ruger's GP100 is an absolute workhorse, providing shooters with a supremely reliable handgun that won't break the bank. The 6" variant makes the most of the .357 Magnum's ballistic potential and is plenty accurate to boot.
This model also ships with fiber-optic sights, which allow for rapid target acquisition even in low-light settings. With 7 rounds of .357 Magnum, the GP100 is a solid wheel gun for your fall and winter EDC.
One of our favorite striker-fired pistols in recent years, the Smith & Wesson Performance Center 2.0 Metal Carry Comp is an all-metal, integrally compensated variant of the immensely popular M&P 2.0. It features class-leading ergonomics and a phenomenal trigger, as well as an optics-ready slide.
The compensated barrel and slide vent propellant gasses outward, significantly reducing felt recoil. This makes for an incredibly soft-shooting pistol that allows for fast and accurate shots whether you're at the range or engaged in a self-defense scenario. With 17+1 rounds on tap, what more could you ask for?
The PDP Pro represents the best of Walther's duty-oriented handgun offerings, sporting a 4.6" threaded barrel and a flared competition-style magwell from the factory. Just throw on your favorite red dot, weapon-mounted light, and suppressor for one of the best tactical pistol setups you can run in 2025.
This is a gun we never get tired of shooting, on or off camera. The trigger breaks like glass and has consistently been ranked as one of the best on the market, plus the Pro model is an excellent suppressor host and can pull double duty as your home defense gun. Seriously, you owe it to yourself to try a Walther.
Part of Colt's iconic Snake Gun series, the Anaconda is a behemoth of a handgun. This large-frame revolver holds 6 rounds of .44 Magnum and is available in a variety of barrel lengths, including the popular 6" model. It is well-suited for target shooting, self defense, and even hunting.
Overmolded rubber grips provide a secure purchase on the firearm and help absorb recoil. Best of all, the target sights make it easy to hit what you're aiming at. If you live in bear country or enjoy hiking in the woods, then the Colt Anaconda is the gun for you.
The Glock 17 is perhaps the most logical step up from your warm-weather concealed carry, especially if you already EDC a compact Glock or Glock clone. Due to robust aftermarket support, Glocks are highly customizable and can be configured to suit your individual preferences.
Moreover, the Glock 17 can be purchased used for much less than a new model. This means that you can spend the money you saved on ammo, spare mags, and upgrades. And unlike the Glock 20, you won't have to diversify calibers if, like most shooters, you tend to carry guns chambered in 9mm.
In our opinion, the FNX-45 Tactical is everything a double stack .45 ACP pistol should be: accurate, reliable, and extremely shootable. It's also an excellent choice for those who prefer a traditional DA / SA handgun with modern tactical features like an optics cut, threaded barrel, and suppressor-height sights.
With double the capacity of the Sig Sauer P220, the FNX-45 Tactical holds 15+1 rounds of .45 ACP in the magazine. This allows the shooter to put more rounds on target with fewer reloads, which is nice because this pistol is a pleasure to shoot.
Do you feel lucky? Well if you don't, you certainly will once you pick up a Model 29. Made famous by Clint Eastwood's Dirty Harry, the Smith & Wesson Model 29 was once touted as the most powerful handgun in the world. While that may not hold true today, 6 rounds of .44 Magnum is still nothing to sneeze at.
This is one of the revolvers that pretty much every gun guy (or gal) wants to have in their collection. It's an iconic design that still works in 2025, with great features and impressive stopping power. Whether you're looking for a trusty hiking companion or a classy concealed carry, the Model 29 is a must-have.
Speaking of timeless handguns, we had to put a 1911 on our list. The Springfield 1911 Operator AOS is the ultimate tactical single stack .45 ACP pistol, shipping with an optics-ready slide and threaded barrel with suppressor-height sights from the factory. Like the TRP series, the Operator AOS is renowned for its exceptional fit and finish compared to other production 1911s and even some custom-shop models.
This is the pistol for those who want to carry a 1911 without compromising on features and personalization. The Springfield Operator AOS is a phenomenal value and bridges the gap between entry-level 1911s and more expensive models that some shooters may hesitate to throw in their EDC rotation.
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Full size pistols and revolvers have several advantages over smaller concealed carry guns. First and foremost, a larger firearm generally holds more rounds than most compact variants. This means that you can put more rounds on target, giving you a greater chance of stopping a deadly threat.
Moreover, a longer sight radius translates to more consistent shot placement and better accuracy overall. Many shooters find full size handguns easier to shoot well, which informs the decision to carry one for self defense when cool weather permits additional concealment layers.
Larger handguns are naturally a bit heavier, but that additional weight mitigates muzzle flip and reduces felt recoil. With the proper belt / holster combination, you can carry comfortably and enjoy the many benefits of a full size handgun for your fall EDC.
The aforementioned benefits also make a full size handgun an excellent choice for SHTF scenarios, no matter the time of year. A reliable, supremely shootable pistol or revolver is an essential part of preparing for the worst eventuality. However, since concealment is less of a concern in such settings, there are a few different considerations you should be aware of when making a purchase.
To learn more about how to select the right SHTF pistol for your loadout, watch our video below!
