Carry Pistol & Holster Recommendations
A starting point for students choosing an everyday concealed-carry setup.
← My Student PortalThe “best” carry pistol is the one you can operate safely, shoot accurately and comfortably conceal. Hand size, recoil tolerance, clothing and carry position matter.
Five Carry Pistols to Consider
1Glock 43X MOS
USAVFT TOP PICKSlim 9mm, optic-ready MOS slide, simple controls and strong aftermarket support. Factory magazine capacity: 10 rounds.
2SIG Sauer P365
Very compact 9mm platform with a 10-round flush-fit magazine, good concealability and a large family of configurations.
3Springfield Armory Hellcat OSP
Micro-compact platform known for concealability and an optic-ready OSP configuration. Students should compare the 9mm and newer .380 options based on recoil and comfort.
4Smith & Wesson M&P9 Shield Plus
Proven slim carry platform with a flat-faced trigger and 10- or 13-round factory magazines, depending on configuration.
5Ruger MAX-9
Compact 9mm option with a slim profile and practical everyday-carry dimensions. A strong value-oriented choice to test alongside the others.
Four Carry Setups to Compare
⭐ Alien Gear ShapeShift OWB Slide
JOE'S PREFERRED STYLEOutside-the-waistband (OWB), close-to-body slide design. Comfortable and simple for students who dress around the firearm. Verify compatibility with your exact pistol/MOS/optic configuration.
Vedder LightTuck — IWB
Inside-the-waistband style for strong-side or other IWB positions; adjustable ride/cant depending on configuration.
Tier 1 Concealed — AIWB
Appendix-inside-the-waistband style for students who prefer front-of-waist concealment. Use a holster designed specifically for appendix carry.
CrossBreed — Hybrid IWB
Hybrid inside-the-waistband style combining a molded shell with a broader backing for comfort and weight distribution.
Holster safety: Choose a model made for your exact firearm that securely retains the pistol and completely covers the trigger guard. /
Shield Arms S15 Magazine
The Shield Arms S15 is an aftermarket 15-round magazine made for the Glock 43X/48 platform. Shield Arms also provides compatibility guidance for its S15 magazine catch. Students interested in this setup should contact Shield Arms directly and confirm the current manufacturer requirements for their exact pistol before making changes.
Current Illinois law defines a handgun “large capacity ammunition feeding device” as one capable of accepting more than 15 rounds. Illinois State Police guidance states that a standard 15-round handgun magazine without an extension kit is legal under that definition. Laws can change; always verify current Illinois law before purchasing or carrying magazines.
Instructor Recommendations — Not a Guarantee
These are educational recommendations based on concealability, ergonomics, commonly available configurations and current carry-market performance. USAVFT does not guarantee that any firearm or holster is right for every student. Rent or test-fire when possible, obtain professional fitting/training, follow the manufacturer's instructions, and comply with all applicable laws.