The video opens with Kyle and Eliza explaining that they are comparing their separate top five concealed carry handgun lists for 2025. They stress that the discussion is unsponsored, based on their training experience and personal preferences rather than paid promotion. Eliza’s number five pick is the Walther PDPF series. She notes that it is a bit chunky and boxy, which can make deep concealment more challenging, but highlights its long sight radius, excellent Walther trigger, and aggressive yet comfortable grip texture. She especially praises the easy-to-use slide stop, pointing out that shooters who struggle with stiff slides on many Glocks and SIGs may find the PDPF much easier to manipulate. Kyle’s number five pick is the FN Reflex, a relatively new, small pistol with 11+1 capacity and extended magazines available. He describes its good ergonomics for smaller hands, internal hammer design that produces a crisp trigger, and FN’s reputation for reliability, while acknowledging that the Reflex is on the pricier side.
The discussion moves to very small .380 ACP pistols, including the Smith & Wesson Bodyguard 2.0. The hosts describe a tiny, lightweight .380 with a slim profile, 12+1 capacity, flat-face trigger, and surprisingly good sights. This type of pistol is extremely easy to conceal and generally affordable, making it attractive for new or recoil-sensitive shooters. However, they caution that shooters with larger hands or a high grip may experience slide bite and even reliability issues because there is so little frame to hold onto. Comparing this to the Bodyguard 2.0, they note that it is frequently recommended to women, but that recommendation can be misguided for taller shooters or those with bigger hands who may struggle with control and comfort. The segment emphasizes that while small .380s are convenient to carry, they can be harder to shoot well, and users must balance concealability against shootability and hand fit.
Attention turns to the Sig P365 lineup as an alternative to ultra-small .380s. The hosts highlight the P365 in .380, the P365 XL, the P365 Macro, and the upscale Sig Lux variant. They praise these pistols for minimal recoil relative to their size, strong factory night sights, and good triggers, making them easier to shoot accurately than many micro .380s. The P365 series is credited with reshaping the concealed carry market by proving that a very compact pistol could still offer serious capacity and performance. The hosts explain that before the P365, many people carried larger compacts like the Glock 19 and M&P Compact. After the P365’s success, the industry overcorrected toward ultra-micro pistols that were extremely small but often difficult to control. Now, manufacturers and shooters are gravitating back toward a “sweet spot” of mid-sized concealed carry guns that balance concealability with shootability, capacity, and better gun-handling characteristics.
The conversation broadens to modern expectations for concealed carry pistols, including higher capacities and optional external safeties. The hosts mention 17-round magazines and 12+1 configurations becoming common in compact guns, giving carriers more rounds without moving to full-size pistols. They then spotlight the Springfield Hellcat Pro, praising its 17-round capacity in a relatively compact package. The Hellcat Pro earns compliments for its clean trigger break and controllable recoil impulse, which help shooters maintain accuracy during rapid fire. Factory dot-capable sights and an optics-ready slide are highlighted as major advantages for those wanting red dots. The pistol’s Picatinny rail supports weapon lights, and the long, well-stippled grip provides positive control, especially for shooters with larger hands. Throughout this segment, the hosts stress that modern carry guns can now offer duty-like capacity and features while remaining concealable, changing what many people expect from an everyday carry pistol.
After emphasizing firearm safety and explaining that all guns on set have been repeatedly cleared off-camera, the hosts introduce the Ruger RXM as a budget-friendly, Glock 19–sized option. They describe the RXM as a modular pistol with a chassis system, allowing the serialized fire control unit to be swapped into different grip modules. With a 15+1 capacity, it sits in the classic compact category but adds modern touches like good factory sights and an optic cut for mounting red dots. Front and rear slide serrations aid manipulation, and a built-in gas pedal-style area on the frame helps manage recoil and muzzle rise. The hosts note that the RXM’s street price is reportedly in the high $300s to low $400s, positioning it as an attractive alternative to the widely carried Glock 19 for shooters who want similar size and performance with more modularity and a lower entry cost.
The Glock 43X appears as a strong contender near the top of the list. The hosts point out that its factory 10-round capacity is a drawback compared to newer competitors, but Shield Arms 15-round magazines dramatically increase capacity while keeping the slim profile. This makes the 43X far more appealing than the smaller Glock 43 models for everyday carry. A customized 43X from Taran Tactical Innovations is shown, equipped with a SIG optic and a TLR-7 Sub light, illustrating how Glocks tend to run reliably whether stock or heavily modified. The M&P Shield X is presented as another number two pick, praised for its front slide serrations, excellent sights, and crisp trigger. Its slim profile aids concealment, while 13- or 15-round magazine options provide competitive capacity. The hosts note that the Shield X slide can feel slightly sticky until broken in. They compare its 15-round capacity to similarly sized pistols like the Hellcat Pro and Glock 43X, observing that some comparable or even smaller guns now offer 17 rounds.
Before revealing the top pick, the hosts revisit the Smith & Wesson Bodyguard 2.0 as an honorable mention. They emphasize that, despite its limitations for larger-handed shooters, it is an excellent option for women and those with smaller hands who prioritize easy concealment and minimal recoil. Chambered in .380 ACP, it offers manageable recoil in a very compact package, making it less intimidating for new shooters while still providing defensive capability. Another honorable mention is the HK VP9 CC, a concealed carry variant of the VP9 that is not available in the United States but was seen at the IWA show. The hosts praise HK’s reputation for reliability and rigorous German testing standards, suggesting that European viewers consider the VP9 CC if it is available in their markets. These honorable mentions underscore that the best concealed carry choice depends heavily on hand size, recoil tolerance, and regional availability.
The SIG Sauer P365 XL is presented as a primary number one pick. The hosts describe it as an excellent concealed carry pistol that extends the original P365 concept with a longer grip and slide. The extended grip suits larger hands and improves control, while the flat trigger contributes to a consistent, predictable pull. Front slide serrations aid press checks and manipulations, and the optic-ready cut allows easy mounting of red dot sights. The P365 XL’s sights are praised for effective low-light performance, and the grip stippling offers a secure hold without being overly abrasive. However, the hosts caution that SIG pistols, including the P365 XL, are known for a somewhat snappier recoil impulse compared to competitors like the M&P Shield series and the Springfield Hellcat Pro. They recommend that potential buyers, especially women or recoil-sensitive shooters, test-fire the P365 XL before committing to ensure the recoil characteristics are comfortable.
The final segment revisits the P365 XL’s recoil, again noting that it feels snappier than the M&P Shield and Springfield Hellcat Pro. The hosts then discuss practical concealed carry methods, highlighting options like fanny packs and the Sofia bag by Zindira. These methods are presented as aesthetically appealing and functional solutions, particularly for women who may not always wear clothing that supports traditional belt holsters. The primary host ultimately names the Springfield Hellcat Pro as the overall number one choice. The Hellcat Pro’s longer slide and grip, 17-round magazine capacity, optics cut, solid factory sights, and good trigger are all praised. Its Picatinny rail supports weapon lights, and the overall balance makes it easy to shoot well. The host recalls a comparison with James Reeves where the Hellcat Pro proved easier to shoot than the SIG P365. The video closes by stressing that handgun selection is subjective, mentioning alternating carry between a Hellcat Pro and a P365 AXG, and inviting viewers to share their own preferences.
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