{"id":213716,"date":"2025-03-23T09:24:07","date_gmt":"2025-03-23T14:24:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/?p=213716"},"modified":"2025-12-29T07:59:37","modified_gmt":"2025-12-29T13:59:37","slug":"ccw-guns-in-restricted-states-looking-at-the-current-state-of-ccw-in-california","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/ccw-guns-in-restricted-states-looking-at-the-current-state-of-ccw-in-california\/","title":{"rendered":"California Legal CCW Guns &#8211; Glock vs. SIG. vs S&amp;W"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-yoast-seo-estimated-reading-time yoast-reading-time__wrapper\"><span class=\"yoast-reading-time__icon\"><svg aria-hidden=\"true\" focusable=\"false\" data-icon=\"clock\" width=\"20\" height=\"20\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"currentColor\" style=\"display:inline-block;vertical-align:-0.1em\" role=\"img\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\"><path stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\" stroke-width=\"2\" d=\"M12 8v4l3 3m6-3a9 9 0 11-18 0 9 9 0 0118 0z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span><span class=\"yoast-reading-time__spacer\" style=\"display:inline-block;width:1em\"><\/span><span class=\"yoast-reading-time__descriptive-text\">Estimated reading time: <\/span><span class=\"yoast-reading-time__reading-time\">20<\/span><span class=\"yoast-reading-time__time-unit\"> minutes<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This is an evaluation of several CCW guns available in California.\u00a0 Due to our legal restraints on what guns are allowed to be sold here in the state, I decided to look at a representative group of guns we can get here.\u00a0 The Sig P365 (CA version), <a href=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/search?keyword=P365%20XL\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"ccw-guns-in-restricted-states-looking-at-the-current-state-of-ccw-in-california\" title=\"California Legal CCW Guns - Glock vs. SIG. vs S&amp;W\">P365 XL<\/a> (non-CA version), S&amp;W Shield Plus (CA version), Glock 26 Gen 3, and <a href=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/search?keyword=smith%20wesson%20442\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"ccw-guns-in-restricted-states-looking-at-the-current-state-of-ccw-in-california\" title=\"California Legal CCW Guns - Glock vs. SIG. vs S&amp;W\">S&amp;W 442<\/a> no lock were evaluated for the California CCW holder.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"919\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Image-2-19-25-at-3.35-PM-919x1024.jpg\" alt=\"Handgun firing\" class=\"wp-image-213720\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Concealed Carry opportunities have expanded since the Bruen decision.&nbsp; However, those of us in restrictive states can struggle to find options that are available to those in other states with more reasonable firearms laws.&nbsp; I live in California, one such restricted state.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-yoast-seo-table-of-contents yoast-table-of-contents\"><h2>Table of contents<\/h2><ul><li><a href=\"#h-california-s-state-of-ccw-weapons\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"ccw-guns-in-restricted-states-looking-at-the-current-state-of-ccw-in-california\" title=\"California Legal CCW Guns - Glock vs. SIG. vs S&amp;W\" data-level=\"2\">California&#8217;s State of CCW Weapons<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-the-guns\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"ccw-guns-in-restricted-states-looking-at-the-current-state-of-ccw-in-california\" title=\"California Legal CCW Guns - Glock vs. SIG. vs S&amp;W\" data-level=\"2\">The Guns:<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-recoil\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"ccw-guns-in-restricted-states-looking-at-the-current-state-of-ccw-in-california\" title=\"California Legal CCW Guns - Glock vs. SIG. vs S&amp;W\" data-level=\"2\">Recoil<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-trigger\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"ccw-guns-in-restricted-states-looking-at-the-current-state-of-ccw-in-california\" title=\"California Legal CCW Guns - Glock vs. SIG. vs S&amp;W\" data-level=\"2\">Trigger<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-accuracy\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"ccw-guns-in-restricted-states-looking-at-the-current-state-of-ccw-in-california\" title=\"California Legal CCW Guns - Glock vs. SIG. vs S&amp;W\" data-level=\"2\">Accuracy<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-results\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"ccw-guns-in-restricted-states-looking-at-the-current-state-of-ccw-in-california\" title=\"California Legal CCW Guns - Glock vs. SIG. vs S&amp;W\" data-level=\"2\">Results<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-feel-while-shooting\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"ccw-guns-in-restricted-states-looking-at-the-current-state-of-ccw-in-california\" title=\"California Legal CCW Guns - Glock vs. SIG. vs S&amp;W\" data-level=\"2\">Feel While Shooting<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-surprising-grip\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"ccw-guns-in-restricted-states-looking-at-the-current-state-of-ccw-in-california\" title=\"California Legal CCW Guns - Glock vs. SIG. vs S&amp;W\" data-level=\"2\">Surprising Grip<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-fit-and-finish\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"ccw-guns-in-restricted-states-looking-at-the-current-state-of-ccw-in-california\" title=\"California Legal CCW Guns - Glock vs. SIG. vs S&amp;W\" data-level=\"2\">Fit and Finish<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-solid-ccw-guns\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"ccw-guns-in-restricted-states-looking-at-the-current-state-of-ccw-in-california\" title=\"California Legal CCW Guns - Glock vs. SIG. vs S&amp;W\" data-level=\"2\">Solid CCW Guns<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-ease-of-carry-concealing\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"ccw-guns-in-restricted-states-looking-at-the-current-state-of-ccw-in-california\" title=\"California Legal CCW Guns - Glock vs. SIG. vs S&amp;W\" data-level=\"2\">Ease of Carry \/ Concealing<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-it-s-a-tie\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"ccw-guns-in-restricted-states-looking-at-the-current-state-of-ccw-in-california\" title=\"California Legal CCW Guns - Glock vs. SIG. vs S&amp;W\" data-level=\"2\">It&#8217;s A Tie<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-ccw-guns-different-from-the-rest\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"ccw-guns-in-restricted-states-looking-at-the-current-state-of-ccw-in-california\" title=\"California Legal CCW Guns - Glock vs. SIG. vs S&amp;W\" data-level=\"2\">CCW Guns Different From the Rest<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-final-thoughts\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"ccw-guns-in-restricted-states-looking-at-the-current-state-of-ccw-in-california\" title=\"California Legal CCW Guns - Glock vs. SIG. vs S&amp;W\" data-level=\"2\">Final Thoughts<\/a><ul><li><a href=\"#h-sig-sauer-p365-standard-ca-version-9mm\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"ccw-guns-in-restricted-states-looking-at-the-current-state-of-ccw-in-california\" title=\"California Legal CCW Guns - Glock vs. SIG. vs S&amp;W\" data-level=\"3\">Sig Sauer P365 Standard CA Version (9mm)<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-sig-sauer-p365-xl-9mm\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"ccw-guns-in-restricted-states-looking-at-the-current-state-of-ccw-in-california\" title=\"California Legal CCW Guns - Glock vs. SIG. vs S&amp;W\" data-level=\"3\">Sig Sauer P365 XL (9mm)<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-smith-and-wesson-shield-plus-ca-edition-9mm\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"ccw-guns-in-restricted-states-looking-at-the-current-state-of-ccw-in-california\" title=\"California Legal CCW Guns - Glock vs. SIG. vs S&amp;W\" data-level=\"3\">Smith and Wesson Shield Plus (CA Edition) (9mm)<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-glock-26-gen-3-9mm\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"ccw-guns-in-restricted-states-looking-at-the-current-state-of-ccw-in-california\" title=\"California Legal CCW Guns - Glock vs. SIG. vs S&amp;W\" data-level=\"3\">Glock 26 Gen 3 (9mm)<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-smith-and-wesson-442-no-lock-38-sp-p\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"ccw-guns-in-restricted-states-looking-at-the-current-state-of-ccw-in-california\" title=\"California Legal CCW Guns - Glock vs. SIG. vs S&amp;W\" data-level=\"3\">Smith and Wesson 442-No Lock (.38 Sp +P)<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-stats\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"ccw-guns-in-restricted-states-looking-at-the-current-state-of-ccw-in-california\" title=\"California Legal CCW Guns - Glock vs. SIG. vs S&amp;W\" data-level=\"2\">Stats<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-pros-and-cons-at-a-glance\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"ccw-guns-in-restricted-states-looking-at-the-current-state-of-ccw-in-california\" title=\"California Legal CCW Guns - Glock vs. SIG. vs S&amp;W\" data-level=\"2\">Pros and Cons at a Glance<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-california-s-state-of-ccw-weapons\">California&#8217;s State of CCW Weapons<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Due to our laws, we have a limited selection of what we can buy here in California.&nbsp; Only guns submitted to and certified by our state can be incorporated into our \u201cRoster of Handguns Certified for Sale\u201d and then sold as new.&nbsp; These guns must now include a magazine disconnect safety, some type of manual safety, and a loaded chamber indicator as well as pass a drop test.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It was a far more desolate field between 2013 and 2023, as no new semi-auto guns were added to the list due to a requirement for microstamping systems, even though the technology was not available. Luckily, due to recent court cases the microstamping requirement was overturned and guns are again being added to the roster that include the other requirements.&nbsp; Guns like the P365, Smith Shield Plus, and the Hellcat have now come onto the scene here.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_1782-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"We looked at five concealed carry handguns...\" class=\"wp-image-213721\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">We looked at five ccw guns for restricted states&#8230;<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Additionally, due to Bruen, CCW permits have now become available (although the wait can be excessive).&nbsp; These have opened up the world of CCW guns for people here.&nbsp; A similar scene is playing out now across the USA in places that were completely bereft of CCW permits just a few years ago.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>So, looking at the access we have here in California and possibly similarly in other states, I wanted to evaluate a group of CCW guns.&nbsp; All but one are what we call \u201cOn Roster\u201d guns that comply with the state\u2019s mandates.&nbsp; One gun, a P365XL, was a gun I bought legally second-hand and is similar to the bigger P365\u2019s (X-Macro Comp and P365XL Rose \u2013 both on our roster\u2026). I hope this article will be helpful for those looking at purchasing their first CCW Firearm.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-the-guns\">The Guns:<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>So today, I went to the range to try out a good representation of concealed-carry handguns.&nbsp; I know some will want a compact version, like a Glock 19 size, however this is looking strictly at the Micro Compact size.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I took the following for this test:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>CA Sig P365 with about 1000-1200 rounds through it and one I&#8217;ve carried quite a bit.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>An off roster P365XL with a Romeo X optic and has about 1500 rounds through it. A<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>S&amp;W Shield Plus which is new, and only about 75 rounds through it. I&#8217;ve added a S&amp;W slide without the LCI, an optic cut slide and I added Talon grips.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A Glock 26 with over 600 rounds through it and talon grips.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Finally, a S&amp;W 442-no lock that has an Apex Duty spring kit and Pachmyer Diamond Pro grips. Ammo was 115 gr FMJ from Freedom Munitions for 9mm and Remington 148 gr Wadcutters for the .38 Special&#8230;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Here&#8217;s what I found&#8230;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-recoil\">Recoil<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>When dealing with these smaller guns, the issue of felt recoil is a factor for many. This can be a result of numerous factors, such as the firearm&#8217;s weight, grip size or length, grip angle, and the overall ergonomics of the gun.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The P365 had the most substantial recoil but also one of the best triggers (along with the P365XL). Next was the Shield Plus, by a small margin with just a touch more recoil, followed by the P365XL. The <a href=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/search?keyword=glock%2026\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"ccw-guns-in-restricted-states-looking-at-the-current-state-of-ccw-in-california\" title=\"California Legal CCW Guns - Glock vs. SIG. vs S&amp;W\">Glock 26<\/a> had the least recoil of all the semi-autos, but only marginally.\u00a0 Obviously, this is due to it being a heavier and thicker gun, which helps to reign in the recoil and spread what is there into a wider platform in the wider grip.\u00a0 The worst recoil, which will come as no surprise, was the 442 from Smith.\u00a0 This is a lightweight revolver, and even with 148 grain wadcutters, it was noticeable.\u00a0 Shooting anything over a few rounds in this revolver is punishing for me and my arthritis.\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"742\" height=\"498\" src=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Image-2-20-25-at-6.00-PM.jpeg\" alt=\"Recoil of the 442\" class=\"wp-image-213722\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Image-2-20-25-at-6.00-PM.jpeg 742w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Image-2-20-25-at-6.00-PM-400x268.jpeg 400w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Image-2-20-25-at-6.00-PM-150x101.jpeg 150w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 742px) 100vw, 742px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The S&amp;W 442 Revolver had significant recoil&#8230;<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-trigger\">Trigger<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Triggers on defensive guns can be a matter of debate.  You don&#8217;t want too light a trigger to hold off unintentional discharges, nor do you want one so heavy that it makes shooting accurately impossible.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As stated above, the P365 family has the best of the felt triggers.&nbsp; (They also do not have any \u201ctrigger safety\u201d or \u201cdingus\u201d like the Glock or Smith.) The Shield&#8217;s trigger was not quite as good, but it should break in and improve\u2026how much is still yet to be seen. The Glock 26 was the worst trigger of the four semi-auto&#8217;s. The 442 has a much better trigger pull than the factory one &#8211; after Apex kit went in it is probably around 8-ish pounds and smooth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-accuracy\">Accuracy<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>How accurate is enough? The best answer is the most accurate weapon you can shoot well and safely. If you don&#8217;t feel confident enough in the gun to pass the qualification, we&#8217;d call that a clue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The P365 was amazingly accurate.&nbsp; The sights on the P365 are pretty superior to most other stock sights, and of this group, they were the best in class.&nbsp; The size and setup allow you to get a good sight picture where you can see the front sight clearly with enough light on either side to make sure your aim is solid.&nbsp; At 7 yards I could keep the shots into a fist-sized hole, with the usual flyer that you knew was going to be off\u2026my fault, not the gun.&nbsp; I kept a good deal of them in a 1-inch group in the bullseye. &nbsp;The P365 XL was the only one better.&nbsp; With the optic it allowed for an even better group than the standard P365 \u2013 optics matter.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/DSC_9403-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"CCW Guns on towel\" class=\"wp-image-209039\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The California P365 was an excellent Concealed Carry choice.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The Shield Plus started out rough, with a mediocre group (3\u201d-4\u201d) printing low left, despite the fairly decent trigger.&nbsp; However, once I settled in and really did my part, the gun brought it, with a nice 1.5\u201d-2\u201d group dead center at 7 yards. &nbsp;The iron sights worked great on the optic cut slide I purchased, but they are standard irons with three-dots.&nbsp; <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-results\">Results<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The sights on the original slide (with the large Loaded Chamber Indicator (LCI) are the same.&nbsp; They worked great in light, and OK in lower light.&nbsp; However I had to add red nail polish to the front tight in order to make it stand out better.&nbsp; Night sights would have been a nice addition from the factory, and to be honest, this gun I think will really excel with an optic (which I\u2019m saving for).&nbsp; &nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The Glock 26 was the least accurate of the five guns, with a 5-6 inch group at the 7 yard line.&nbsp; It was also low left, which was a surprise.&nbsp; I\u2019ve shot Glocks for decades, but the sights (Ameriglo Spartans with the red front sight) just seemed to blur too much for my older eyes.&nbsp; Those with better eyesight may have a better experience.&nbsp; This gun has no way to attach an optic without milling the slide or getting a slide aftermarket.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"782\" src=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/DSC_9752-1024x782.jpeg\" alt=\"Glock 26\" class=\"wp-image-213729\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The Glock 26 Gen 3 is still legal in California.  The OG in sub-compact guns is sometimes described as &#8220;short and stubby&#8221; or like holding a 2 x 4.    <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The 442 had normal snubbie\u2013like accuracy.&nbsp; This is a double action-only trigger on a gun with a trough rear sight where I painted the front ramp for better visibility.&nbsp; Results at 7 yards ranged from 2\u2019 \u2013 4\u201d five-shot groups, depending on my efforts. &nbsp;This should not be a surprise or a disappointment with this type of firearm.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-feel-while-shooting\">Feel While Shooting<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The P365, while having the smallest grip, still was very comfortable in the hand.&nbsp; The grip texture is by far the best of all guns tested.&nbsp; The XL model is even a bit more so due to the longer grip frame with allows a better grasp of the gun on the draw and while shooting it.&nbsp; The guns are snappy, but amazingly not as much as you\u2019d expect.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"941\" src=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/DSC_9754-1024x941.jpeg\" alt=\"CCW Guns compared\" class=\"wp-image-213733\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">From Left to Right:  S&amp;W 442, Shield Plus, P365 Standard, P365 XL, Glock 26 Gen 3<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-surprising-grip\">Surprising Grip<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The surprising thing I never expected was the Shield Plus\u2019s grip, which is longer front to back, feels very good in the hand due to this increase.&nbsp; If you have larger hands, you\u2019ll appreciate this.&nbsp; (Especially if the P365 leaves you feeling like the grip is too small for comfort\u2026). &nbsp;The newer grip texture is less abrasive than earlier models of the Shield 2.0, however, it was still more abrasive than the Sigs.&nbsp; It will give you a solid lock in your hand, but it might remove skin or hair if you wear it against your skin\u2026. I cured this with some rubber Talon Grips.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/216B8F4B-0F83-4901-9E17-3F50D3DCFF59_1_201_a-1024x683.jpeg\" alt=\"S&amp;W Shield\" class=\"wp-image-213725\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The S&amp;W Shield was surprisingly pleasant in the hand due to the slightly larger grip front to back.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The Glock 26 still feels like the little stubby Glock \u201cblock\u201d in the hand. However, I am so used to Glocks that this feeling isn\u2019t bad, it\u2019s just familiar.&nbsp; If you have smaller hands, it may not be to your liking.&nbsp; Also, to get a proper 3-finger grip you\u2019ll generally need a mag extension, like those from Pearce Grips or Hyve Technologies.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The 442 has what I consider a comfortable and full feeling in the hand with the Pachmayr Diamond Pro Grips I have on it.&nbsp; These tame recoil and don\u2019t sacrifice too much for me on concealability.&nbsp; The gun is lighter than the others in this evaluation.&nbsp; When drawing, I can bring this one out faster than the others and get a shot on an up-close target\/attacker and not have to worry my grasp is not perfect, because the beauty of a revolver is it\u2019s going to go bang as long as I pull the trigger.&nbsp; &nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-fit-and-finish\">Fit and Finish<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Of the guns in this test, looks are very subjective.&nbsp; I will say the Sig, in my opinion, has the best lines.&nbsp; The finish, even after carrying it a LOT in the last 18 months, is still looking great.&nbsp; When I got the gun, the only issue was a dead front sight that Sig replaced on their dime, and they did it quickly.&nbsp; The P365XL I bought used, and while it also has seen a lot of carry, the finish still looks new.&nbsp; Both guns get carried appendix, and still zero impact such as rust, etc. to the finish.&nbsp; When it comes to manipulation, both feel like well-oiled machines: safeties click on and off responsively, and everything feels solid.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The Smith is still new, and the finish on the original slide had a slightly glossy Melonite finish.&nbsp; The second optic cut slide I bought for the Smith\u2019s finish is slightly duller but very attractive.&nbsp; In my time carrying and shooting it, no wear has been seen thus far.&nbsp; This gun, like the Sigs, feels solid.&nbsp; In fact you might be fooled you\u2019re carrying a bigger pistol based upon the feel of the gun and how it fires.&nbsp; When that slide goes into battery, it feels solid.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-solid-ccw-guns\">Solid CCW Guns<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"961\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/DSC_9747-961x1024.jpeg\" alt=\"California Slide with LCI versus S&amp;W Optic cut slide\" class=\"wp-image-213726\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The California Shield slide to the right with the Loaded Chamber Indicator (LCI) versus a standard slide for the Shield with an optic cut.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The Glock is again very solidly built and came with the usual grey finish we see in the later Gen 3 guns.&nbsp; However, after years of being worn on and off duty it has gotten a few scuffs and scratches from carry, shooting, and the like, but nothing more than the standard from a gun that\u2019s seen some use.&nbsp; No rust has ever decided to show up, even after carrying this at work around the salty southern California Bay I worked in.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The 442 has an attractive black finish that\u2019s already gotten some character marks from carry over the last 9 months or so, but this is standard for these little guns.&nbsp; The finish is nothing like the Melonite or other coatings on other pistols, so this is 100 percent normal.&nbsp; The gun still operates solidly, and the cylinder locks into place with authority.&nbsp; This is a gun that will serve you well with many years of carry and moderate shooting.&nbsp; (That\u2019s not because the gun will shoot apart\u2026but your hand may\u2026)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-ease-of-carry-concealing\">Ease of Carry \/ Concealing<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The P365 was king in this category.&nbsp; The holster makes a huge difference in this, however, so your personal experience will vary.&nbsp; My P365 rides in a Vedder Light Tuck and securely sits in the appendix position.&nbsp; The small size of the gun makes sure the weapon sits tight and hidden on my person.&nbsp; Of all the semi\u2019s, it prints the least, if ever.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The Shield Plus was a close second for the semi-autos, riding in the Harry\u2019s Holsters Shorty.&nbsp; When I talk about the importance of the holster in concealability, this is probably the most important aspect of this particular pistol.&nbsp; The holster is molded in such a way as to create a \u201cwing\u201d that pushes the grip into you, preventing it from printing.&nbsp; Additionally, the edges of the holster are rounded and prevent any \u201chot spots\u201d that dig into you.&nbsp; The twin metal clip-s hold the gun securely.&nbsp; This gun should not carry as well as it does just due to the length of the grip, but this holster makes it happen.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-it-s-a-tie\">It&#8217;s A Tie<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The P365 XL and G26 are kind of a tie.&nbsp; Both have bigger sizes (one width and one grip length) that can make them harder to conceal.&nbsp; I found the back end of the Glock 26\u2019s slide printed more than the other weapons due to the width.&nbsp; However, its shorter slide prevented poking me in the nether regions, unlike the P365 XL which would let me know it was there when I sat down (similar to a Glock 48 or 19).&nbsp; The longer grip of the XL was the bigger struggle for printing.&nbsp; This would likely be solved by a different holster like the Harry\u2019s Infiltrator model or another holster that could pull the grip in.&nbsp; This is the struggle for concealment with any handgun, the longer the grip, the more you have to work to prevent it from printing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_0588-1-1024x768.jpeg\" alt=\"P365XL with Sig Romeo X best CCW Guns out there\" class=\"wp-image-213730\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The Sig Sauer P365 XL offers the best balance of a longer barrel and slimmer profile.  The Sig Romeo X optic makes for an accurate and amazing CCW weapon.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-ccw-guns-different-from-the-rest\">CCW Guns Different From the Rest<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The outlier here is the S&amp;W 442. This gun is thicker and has a substantially longer grip than, say, the P365.&nbsp; However, this gun concealed for me better than all the others.&nbsp; This is due to a few factors.&nbsp; First, mine rides in a Harry\u2019s Icon 2.0, which is an excellent IWB\/AIWB Kydex holster.&nbsp; It is also the lightest of all the guns, being over 1\/3 a pound lighter than even the diminutive P365. &nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The cylinder sits at or below the belt line, which puts the vast majority of the weight of the gun lower than a semi-auto, which carries a lot of its weight in the grip, which sits well above the belt line.&nbsp; This settles the gun into my body better.&nbsp; Finally, the non-linear shape of the revolver breaks up better under clothing and makes any printing less noticeable.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/DSC_9740-1024x683.jpeg\" alt=\"S&amp;W 442 with Harry's Holsters Icon 2.0\" class=\"wp-image-213736\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The S&amp;W 442 riding in the Harry&#8217;s Icon 2.0 was the most concealable and most comfortable to carry.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-final-thoughts\">Final Thoughts<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-sig-sauer-p365-standard-ca-version-9mm\">Sig Sauer P365 Standard CA Version (9mm)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The P365 set the standard for micro-9mm guns for concealment.&nbsp; It isn\u2019t terrible to shoot, but it isn\u2019t the easiest, either.&nbsp; This conceals the best for all the semi-auto in this test and really can just disappear under the shirt.&nbsp; The P365\u2019s have the best stock sights, in my opinion, for all the weapons in this evaluation.&nbsp; The down side to the gun\u2019s small size is drawing takes a little more deliberate action because I want to get a good grasp on the gun\u2019s shorter grip.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In both P365 models the grip is narrower front to back and leaves less real estate for my support hand to make contact with the grip.&nbsp; (I would consider the Springfield Hellcat to be in a similar class as the Sig, but I have never owned or shot one.&nbsp; I would also note the Hellcat does not have the modularity of the P365.). For the money, you get the best bang for your buck with the Sigs\u2026optics ready, best in class sights, and a modular platform.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-sig-sauer-p365-xl-9mm\">Sig Sauer P365 XL (9mm)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The P365 XL is probably the best of this bunch overall.&nbsp; It has a slightly longer grip for drawing with ease and handles recoil better than its smaller sibling.&nbsp; (This is probably why the P365X is so popular.)&nbsp; Sig did an excellent job with this model, but if you struggle with longer barrel handguns in appendix carry, it will be poking you in places you may not want to be poked.&nbsp; The longer grip does make concealment a little more challenging.&nbsp; The optics give a great sight picture and make accurate shots much easier.&nbsp; The California equivalent would be the X-Macro Comp or the<a href=\"https:\/\/www.sigsauer.com\/p365-california-compliant.html\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"ccw-guns-in-restricted-states-looking-at-the-current-state-of-ccw-in-california\" title=\"California Legal CCW Guns - Glock vs. SIG. vs S&amp;W\"> P365 XL Rose<\/a> both of which really bring the best options to the table.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-smith-and-wesson-shield-plus-ca-edition-9mm\">Smith and Wesson Shield Plus (CA Edition) (9mm)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The Shield Plus is a really good alternative for those who really want something a touch bigger than the Sigs, as it handles the recoil a bit better than the P365 standard.&nbsp; The sights are better than the stock ones on the Glock (which doesn\u2019t take much) or the integral ones on the 442, but are not nearly as nice as the P365.&nbsp; While the P365 maybe $150-$200 more expensive, I had to spend another $275 to buy a Smith factory optic cut slide, which still only has plain iron sights\u2026so the P365 may be a better buy for you.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The best attribute the Shield has is the size of the grip.&nbsp; When I draw I can easily get a good grip on the gun and it\u2019s slightly longer front to back, so it fills my hand significantly better and feels better in the hand.&nbsp; It conceals exceptionally well, but not as well as the P365.&nbsp; The gun really needs a good optic to bring the most out of it.&nbsp; That will be something I add eventually down the road.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-glock-26-gen-3-9mm\">Glock 26 Gen 3 (9mm)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The OG of subcompacts.&nbsp; The G26 does have the advantage of a thicker grip, but some will consider it\u2019s like holding a two-by-four.&nbsp; The thickness of the gun makes it slightly harder to conceal depending on how you carry it and your body type.&nbsp; It allows for your larger Glock mags to work in it reliably.&nbsp; It also tames recoil better than the other guns in this test.&nbsp; Built like a tank, it will last a lifetime\u2026 something I don\u2019t know we can say about the other guns in this evaluation (although the Shield has shown some amazing longevity \/ reliability. &nbsp;If you want an optic, you\u2019re going to need to have it milled or buy an after-market slide.&nbsp; The downside is that the G26 is a gun that has been overtaken by newer designs that have the same capacity but are much smaller. &nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-smith-and-wesson-442-no-lock-38-sp-p\">Smith and Wesson 442-No Lock (.38 Sp +P)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The 442 is the gun I carry when I need to be the most discreet.&nbsp; It conceals the best and does so easily.&nbsp; However, it is not a gun I would ever suggest to a newer shooter.&nbsp; Realistically, the J Frame is a gun that is for the experienced shooter.&nbsp; It is not a gun I am confident enough with at range (over 15 yards) so I acknowledge this is an \u201cup close and personal\u201d weapon.&nbsp; These snubbies also may need some work to make them work for you, such as grips, sights, etc.&nbsp; In all other respects, these can be one of the most discreet and reliable handguns you can carry, but I would not choose this gun if the threat I was preparing for was an active shooter.&nbsp; <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>READ MORE: <a href=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/the-sig-p938-sigs-forgotten-gem\/\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"ccw-guns-in-restricted-states-looking-at-the-current-state-of-ccw-in-california\" title=\"California Legal CCW Guns - Glock vs. SIG. vs S&amp;W\">The SIG P938 \u2013 SIG\u2019s Forgotten Gem<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Reloading is far too time-consuming and more difficult to do than a semi-auto.&nbsp; On the plus side, this gun can be drawn quickly and reliably fired from even inside a pocket.&nbsp; One other aspect is that in the current political climate we have for the concealed carry permit holder many states are almost hostile to the armed citizen.&nbsp; In those cases, I would wonder how a 5-shot revolver would be portrayed versus a semi-auto in a defensive shooting.&nbsp; This is total conjecture, but it is food for thought.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>All of these CCW Guns have very real advantages and their own challenges.&nbsp; Hopefully this will give you some tools to consider when considering what you pick for carry.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-stats\">Stats<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><tbody><tr><td>&nbsp;<\/td><td><strong>Weight<\/strong> <strong>(Ounces)<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Width<\/strong> <strong>(Inches)<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Height<\/strong> <strong>(Inches<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Length<\/strong> <strong>(Inches)<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Grip Width (front to back) (Inches)<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Sig P365<\/strong> <strong>CA Version<\/strong><\/td><td>23.7<\/td><td>.91 (slide) .99 (grip)<\/td><td>4.48<\/td><td>5.79<\/td><td>1.69<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Sig P365XL<\/strong> <strong>Off Roster<\/strong><\/td><td>26.2<\/td><td>1.1 (optic) 1.04 (grip)<\/td><td>5.44<\/td><td>5.62<\/td><td>1.69<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>S&amp;W Shield Plus (CA)<\/strong><\/td><td>24.8<\/td><td>1.01 (slide) 1.15 (grip)<\/td><td>4.79 (ext BP) 4.45 (flush)<\/td><td>6.5<\/td><td>2.06<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Glock 26 (Gen 3)<\/strong><\/td><td>27.1<\/td><td>1.22 (grip)<\/td><td>4.49 (ext BP) 4.06 (fush)<\/td><td>6.5<\/td><td>&nbsp;<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>S&amp;W 442<\/strong> <strong>No Lock<\/strong><\/td><td>17.8<\/td><td>1.31 (cylinder)<\/td><td>4.82<\/td><td>6.5<\/td><td>&nbsp;<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-pros-and-cons-at-a-glance\">Pros and Cons at a Glance<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><tbody><tr><td colspan=\"2\"><strong>Some Pros and Cons Notes\u2026<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td colspan=\"2\">&nbsp;<\/td><\/tr><tr><td colspan=\"2\"><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sigsauer.com\/p365-california-compliant.html\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"ccw-guns-in-restricted-states-looking-at-the-current-state-of-ccw-in-california\" title=\"California Legal CCW Guns - Glock vs. SIG. vs S&amp;W\">Sig P365 9mm (CA Edition)<\/a><\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Pros<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Cons<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Smallest of all these pistols<br \/>Best trigger<br \/>Best sights in this class<br \/>Excellent accuracy in test<br \/>Sig modularity<br \/>Comes with most qualities you want out of the box<\/td><td>Harshest recoil of semi\u2019s (though still very good for size)<br \/>Most expensive in this class<br \/>May be difficult for those with big hands as the grip is the smallest<br \/><\/td><\/tr><tr><td colspan=\"2\">&nbsp;<\/td><\/tr><tr><td colspan=\"2\"><strong>Sig P365 XL 9mm<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Pros<\/strong><\/td><td>Cons<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Better recoil control<br \/>Longer barrel = more velocity (40-50 fps based on loads tested)<br \/>Best triggerBest accuracy (using an optic)<br \/>Sig modularity<br \/>Longer grip module gives better shooters grip<\/td><td>Longer barrel can be harder for some in appendix carry<br \/>CA version only has ported slide, shorter barrel<br \/>Slightly harder to conceal due to longer grip<\/td><\/tr><tr><td colspan=\"2\">&nbsp;<\/td><\/tr><tr><td colspan=\"2\"><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.smith-wesson.com\/product\/mp9-shield-plus-ca-compliant\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"ccw-guns-in-restricted-states-looking-at-the-current-state-of-ccw-in-california\" title=\"California Legal CCW Guns - Glock vs. SIG. vs S&amp;W\">S&amp;W Shield Plus 9mm (CA Edition)<\/a><\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Pros<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Cons<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Gun shoots \/ feels like a bigger pistol \u2013 better recoil than P365<br \/>Grip is bigger than P365, may be better for bigger hands<br \/>Potentially more durable. (based upon performance of the earlier version of the Shield)<br \/>Lower cost than Sig<\/td><td>Comes with decent sights, but replacing them is difficult.<br \/>I found grips needed <br \/>Talon grips to make them more comfortable in AIWB<br \/>Comes with LCI, and owner must buy a separate slide to mount an optic<\/td><\/tr><tr><td colspan=\"2\">&nbsp;<\/td><\/tr><tr><td colspan=\"2\"><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/us.glock.com\/en\/pistols\/g26\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"ccw-guns-in-restricted-states-looking-at-the-current-state-of-ccw-in-california\" title=\"California Legal CCW Guns - Glock vs. SIG. vs S&amp;W\">Glock 26 Gen 3 9mm<\/a><\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Pros<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Cons<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Least recoil due to more weight<br \/>Can accept full size Glock magazines<br \/>Most likely the most durable based upon past Glock performance.<\/td><td>Worst accuracy in test <br \/>Thickest semi-auto in the test, some describe the grip as a small brick.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td colspan=\"2\">&nbsp;<\/td><\/tr><tr><td colspan=\"2\"><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.smith-wesson.com\/product\/j-frame-150544\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"ccw-guns-in-restricted-states-looking-at-the-current-state-of-ccw-in-california\" title=\"California Legal CCW Guns - Glock vs. SIG. vs S&amp;W\">S&amp;W 442 .38 Sp<\/a><\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Pros<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Cons<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Lightest of all weapons<br \/>Unusual shape of the revolver aids in concealment<br \/>Lower cost<br \/>Can be shot from inside clothing<br \/>Some believe revolvers are more reliable.<br \/>Loads are made specifically for this size of firearm to get the best results (Speer 135 gr. Gold Dot)<\/td><td>Lowest capacity (5 rounds)<br \/>Recoil is stout based upon round.<br \/>Worst sights and accuracy<br \/>J frames are generally not for new shooters, are harder to handle.<br \/>Much slower reloads<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-left\" style=\"font-size:24px\"><strong><em>*** <a href=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"ccw-guns-in-restricted-states-looking-at-the-current-state-of-ccw-in-california\" title=\"California Legal CCW Guns - Glock vs. SIG. vs S&amp;W\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Buy and Sell on GunsAmerica!<\/a> ***<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Due to our laws, we have a limited selection of what we can buy here in California.\u00a0<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":9,"featured_media":213725,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_specdata_upc":"","_specdata_placement":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[340],"tags":[332,127,102,1976,1108],"featured":[],"hunt365":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-213716","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-columns-ccw-edc","8":"tag-california","9":"tag-concealed-carry","10":"tag-feature-articles","11":"tag-glock-26","12":"tag-p365"},"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v27.3 (Yoast SEO v27.3) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>CCW Guns In Restricted States<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"These CCW Guns are some really great options for concealed carrying in restricted gun states and bring some great advantages.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/ccw-guns-in-restricted-states-looking-at-the-current-state-of-ccw-in-california\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"California Legal CCW Guns - Glock vs. SIG. vs S&amp;W\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Due to our laws, we have a limited selection of what we can buy here in California.\u00a0\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/ccw-guns-in-restricted-states-looking-at-the-current-state-of-ccw-in-california\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Gun Reviews and News | GunsAmerica.com\/Digest\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:publisher\" content=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/gunsamerica\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2025-03-23T14:24:07+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2025-12-29T13:59:37+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/216B8F4B-0F83-4901-9E17-3F50D3DCFF59_1_201_a-e1741307065675.jpeg\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"1000\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"667\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/jpeg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"Brian Jensen\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:creator\" content=\"@gunsamerica\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:site\" content=\"@gunsamerica\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"Brian Jensen\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"20 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\\\/\\\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"Article\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/gunsamerica.com\\\/digest\\\/ccw-guns-in-restricted-states-looking-at-the-current-state-of-ccw-in-california\\\/#article\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/gunsamerica.com\\\/digest\\\/ccw-guns-in-restricted-states-looking-at-the-current-state-of-ccw-in-california\\\/\"},\"author\":{\"name\":\"Brian Jensen\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/gunsamerica.com\\\/digest\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/person\\\/0fe493abd8af3d2da7b86174c34f05e7\"},\"headline\":\"California Legal CCW Guns &#8211; Glock vs. SIG. vs S&amp;W\",\"datePublished\":\"2025-03-23T14:24:07+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2025-12-29T13:59:37+00:00\",\"mainEntityOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/gunsamerica.com\\\/digest\\\/ccw-guns-in-restricted-states-looking-at-the-current-state-of-ccw-in-california\\\/\"},\"wordCount\":4184,\"commentCount\":4,\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/gunsamerica.com\\\/digest\\\/#organization\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/gunsamerica.com\\\/digest\\\/ccw-guns-in-restricted-states-looking-at-the-current-state-of-ccw-in-california\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/gunsamerica.com\\\/digest\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/03\\\/216B8F4B-0F83-4901-9E17-3F50D3DCFF59_1_201_a-e1741307065675.jpeg\",\"keywords\":[\"California\",\"Concealed Carry\",\"Feature Articles\",\"Glock 26\",\"P365\"],\"articleSection\":[\"Concealed Carry\\\/EDC\"],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"CommentAction\",\"name\":\"Comment\",\"target\":[\"https:\\\/\\\/gunsamerica.com\\\/digest\\\/ccw-guns-in-restricted-states-looking-at-the-current-state-of-ccw-in-california\\\/#respond\"]}],\"accessibilityFeature\":[\"tableOfContents\"]},{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/gunsamerica.com\\\/digest\\\/ccw-guns-in-restricted-states-looking-at-the-current-state-of-ccw-in-california\\\/\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/gunsamerica.com\\\/digest\\\/ccw-guns-in-restricted-states-looking-at-the-current-state-of-ccw-in-california\\\/\",\"name\":\"CCW Guns In Restricted States\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/gunsamerica.com\\\/digest\\\/#website\"},\"primaryImageOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/gunsamerica.com\\\/digest\\\/ccw-guns-in-restricted-states-looking-at-the-current-state-of-ccw-in-california\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/gunsamerica.com\\\/digest\\\/ccw-guns-in-restricted-states-looking-at-the-current-state-of-ccw-in-california\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/gunsamerica.com\\\/digest\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/03\\\/216B8F4B-0F83-4901-9E17-3F50D3DCFF59_1_201_a-e1741307065675.jpeg\",\"datePublished\":\"2025-03-23T14:24:07+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2025-12-29T13:59:37+00:00\",\"description\":\"These CCW Guns are some really great options for concealed carrying in restricted gun states and bring some great advantages.\",\"breadcrumb\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/gunsamerica.com\\\/digest\\\/ccw-guns-in-restricted-states-looking-at-the-current-state-of-ccw-in-california\\\/#breadcrumb\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"ReadAction\",\"target\":[\"https:\\\/\\\/gunsamerica.com\\\/digest\\\/ccw-guns-in-restricted-states-looking-at-the-current-state-of-ccw-in-california\\\/\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/gunsamerica.com\\\/digest\\\/ccw-guns-in-restricted-states-looking-at-the-current-state-of-ccw-in-california\\\/#primaryimage\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/gunsamerica.com\\\/digest\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/03\\\/216B8F4B-0F83-4901-9E17-3F50D3DCFF59_1_201_a-e1741307065675.jpeg\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/gunsamerica.com\\\/digest\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/03\\\/216B8F4B-0F83-4901-9E17-3F50D3DCFF59_1_201_a-e1741307065675.jpeg\",\"width\":1000,\"height\":667,\"caption\":\"The S&W Shield was surprising pleasant in the hand due to the slightly larger grip front to back.\"},{\"@type\":\"BreadcrumbList\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/gunsamerica.com\\\/digest\\\/ccw-guns-in-restricted-states-looking-at-the-current-state-of-ccw-in-california\\\/#breadcrumb\",\"itemListElement\":[{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":1,\"name\":\"Home\",\"item\":\"https:\\\/\\\/gunsamerica.com\\\/digest\\\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":2,\"name\":\"California Legal CCW Guns &#8211; Glock vs. SIG. vs S&amp;W\"}]},{\"@type\":\"WebSite\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/gunsamerica.com\\\/digest\\\/#website\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/gunsamerica.com\\\/digest\\\/\",\"name\":\"Gun Reviews and News | GunsAmerica.com\\\/Digest\",\"description\":\"Gun Reviews, Industry News, and Product Reviews for Rifles, Pistols, Revolvers, Shotguns, Optics, and Ammunition. Looking to purchase a firearm online? Look no further than GunsAmerica.com, America&#039;s premier destination for buying and selling firearms.\",\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/gunsamerica.com\\\/digest\\\/#organization\"},\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"SearchAction\",\"target\":{\"@type\":\"EntryPoint\",\"urlTemplate\":\"https:\\\/\\\/gunsamerica.com\\\/digest\\\/?s={search_term_string}\"},\"query-input\":{\"@type\":\"PropertyValueSpecification\",\"valueRequired\":true,\"valueName\":\"search_term_string\"}}],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/gunsamerica.com\\\/digest\\\/#organization\",\"name\":\"GunsAmerica\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/gunsamerica.com\\\/digest\\\/\",\"logo\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/gunsamerica.com\\\/digest\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/logo\\\/image\\\/\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/gunsamerica.com\\\/digest\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2026\\\/01\\\/image-3.png\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/gunsamerica.com\\\/digest\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2026\\\/01\\\/image-3.png\",\"width\":286,\"height\":156,\"caption\":\"GunsAmerica\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/gunsamerica.com\\\/digest\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/logo\\\/image\\\/\"},\"sameAs\":[\"https:\\\/\\\/www.facebook.com\\\/gunsamerica\",\"https:\\\/\\\/x.com\\\/gunsamerica\",\"https:\\\/\\\/instagram.com\\\/gunsamerica_official\\\/\",\"https:\\\/\\\/www.youtube.com\\\/user\\\/GunsAmerica\"]},{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/gunsamerica.com\\\/digest\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/person\\\/0fe493abd8af3d2da7b86174c34f05e7\",\"name\":\"Brian Jensen\",\"image\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/secure.gravatar.com\\\/avatar\\\/8228d8d4946051cf7a79da3dcffd7546c0ab21ad64fb0b4d524de05a1412bbd1?s=96&d=mm&r=g\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/secure.gravatar.com\\\/avatar\\\/8228d8d4946051cf7a79da3dcffd7546c0ab21ad64fb0b4d524de05a1412bbd1?s=96&d=mm&r=g\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/secure.gravatar.com\\\/avatar\\\/8228d8d4946051cf7a79da3dcffd7546c0ab21ad64fb0b4d524de05a1412bbd1?s=96&d=mm&r=g\",\"caption\":\"Brian Jensen\"},\"description\":\"Brian Jensen has been a shooter for over 45 years, and served in law enforcement for over 30 years in Southern California. During that time he served for over 27 years on the Department Range Staff.\u00a0 Brian has written for Guns America and Harris Publications, and currently trains law enforcement trainees in a local police academy as well as civilians for CCW courses. Away from writing Brian does photography and exploring the southern California backcountry. Experience: -45+ years as a shooter -Prior Law Enforcement for over 30 years -27+ years instructing firearms for peace officers -Civilian CCW Instructor\",\"honorificPrefix\":\"Mr.\",\"gender\":\"Male\",\"knowsAbout\":[\"LE Firearms Training\",\"Glock\",\"Sig\"],\"knowsLanguage\":[\"English\"],\"jobTitle\":\"Adjunct Firearms Instructor\",\"worksFor\":\"SDCCD\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/gunsamerica.com\\\/digest\\\/author\\\/brian-jensen\\\/\"}]}<\/script>\n<!-- \/ Yoast SEO Premium plugin. -->","yoast_head_json":{"title":"CCW Guns In Restricted States","description":"These CCW Guns are some really great options for concealed carrying in restricted gun states and bring some great advantages.","robots":{"index":"index","follow":"follow","max-snippet":"max-snippet:-1","max-image-preview":"max-image-preview:large","max-video-preview":"max-video-preview:-1"},"canonical":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/ccw-guns-in-restricted-states-looking-at-the-current-state-of-ccw-in-california\/","og_locale":"en_US","og_type":"article","og_title":"California Legal CCW Guns - Glock vs. SIG. vs S&amp;W","og_description":"Due to our laws, we have a limited selection of what we can buy here in California.\u00a0","og_url":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/ccw-guns-in-restricted-states-looking-at-the-current-state-of-ccw-in-california\/","og_site_name":"Gun Reviews and News | GunsAmerica.com\/Digest","article_publisher":"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/gunsamerica","article_published_time":"2025-03-23T14:24:07+00:00","article_modified_time":"2025-12-29T13:59:37+00:00","og_image":[{"width":1000,"height":667,"url":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/216B8F4B-0F83-4901-9E17-3F50D3DCFF59_1_201_a-e1741307065675.jpeg","type":"image\/jpeg"}],"author":"Brian Jensen","twitter_card":"summary_large_image","twitter_creator":"@gunsamerica","twitter_site":"@gunsamerica","twitter_misc":{"Written by":"Brian Jensen","Est. reading time":"20 minutes"},"schema":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"Article","@id":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/ccw-guns-in-restricted-states-looking-at-the-current-state-of-ccw-in-california\/#article","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/ccw-guns-in-restricted-states-looking-at-the-current-state-of-ccw-in-california\/"},"author":{"name":"Brian Jensen","@id":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/#\/schema\/person\/0fe493abd8af3d2da7b86174c34f05e7"},"headline":"California Legal CCW Guns &#8211; Glock vs. SIG. vs S&amp;W","datePublished":"2025-03-23T14:24:07+00:00","dateModified":"2025-12-29T13:59:37+00:00","mainEntityOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/ccw-guns-in-restricted-states-looking-at-the-current-state-of-ccw-in-california\/"},"wordCount":4184,"commentCount":4,"publisher":{"@id":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/#organization"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/ccw-guns-in-restricted-states-looking-at-the-current-state-of-ccw-in-california\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/216B8F4B-0F83-4901-9E17-3F50D3DCFF59_1_201_a-e1741307065675.jpeg","keywords":["California","Concealed Carry","Feature Articles","Glock 26","P365"],"articleSection":["Concealed Carry\/EDC"],"inLanguage":"en-US","potentialAction":[{"@type":"CommentAction","name":"Comment","target":["https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/ccw-guns-in-restricted-states-looking-at-the-current-state-of-ccw-in-california\/#respond"]}],"accessibilityFeature":["tableOfContents"]},{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/ccw-guns-in-restricted-states-looking-at-the-current-state-of-ccw-in-california\/","url":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/ccw-guns-in-restricted-states-looking-at-the-current-state-of-ccw-in-california\/","name":"CCW Guns In Restricted States","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/#website"},"primaryImageOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/ccw-guns-in-restricted-states-looking-at-the-current-state-of-ccw-in-california\/#primaryimage"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/ccw-guns-in-restricted-states-looking-at-the-current-state-of-ccw-in-california\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/216B8F4B-0F83-4901-9E17-3F50D3DCFF59_1_201_a-e1741307065675.jpeg","datePublished":"2025-03-23T14:24:07+00:00","dateModified":"2025-12-29T13:59:37+00:00","description":"These CCW Guns are some really great options for concealed carrying in restricted gun states and bring some great advantages.","breadcrumb":{"@id":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/ccw-guns-in-restricted-states-looking-at-the-current-state-of-ccw-in-california\/#breadcrumb"},"inLanguage":"en-US","potentialAction":[{"@type":"ReadAction","target":["https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/ccw-guns-in-restricted-states-looking-at-the-current-state-of-ccw-in-california\/"]}]},{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/ccw-guns-in-restricted-states-looking-at-the-current-state-of-ccw-in-california\/#primaryimage","url":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/216B8F4B-0F83-4901-9E17-3F50D3DCFF59_1_201_a-e1741307065675.jpeg","contentUrl":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/216B8F4B-0F83-4901-9E17-3F50D3DCFF59_1_201_a-e1741307065675.jpeg","width":1000,"height":667,"caption":"The S&W Shield was surprising pleasant in the hand due to the slightly larger grip front to back."},{"@type":"BreadcrumbList","@id":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/ccw-guns-in-restricted-states-looking-at-the-current-state-of-ccw-in-california\/#breadcrumb","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Home","item":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"California Legal CCW Guns &#8211; Glock vs. SIG. vs S&amp;W"}]},{"@type":"WebSite","@id":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/#website","url":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/","name":"Gun Reviews and News | GunsAmerica.com\/Digest","description":"Gun Reviews, Industry News, and Product Reviews for Rifles, Pistols, Revolvers, Shotguns, Optics, and Ammunition. Looking to purchase a firearm online? Look no further than GunsAmerica.com, America&#039;s premier destination for buying and selling firearms.","publisher":{"@id":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/#organization"},"potentialAction":[{"@type":"SearchAction","target":{"@type":"EntryPoint","urlTemplate":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/?s={search_term_string}"},"query-input":{"@type":"PropertyValueSpecification","valueRequired":true,"valueName":"search_term_string"}}],"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/#organization","name":"GunsAmerica","url":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/","url":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/image-3.png","contentUrl":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/image-3.png","width":286,"height":156,"caption":"GunsAmerica"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/"},"sameAs":["https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/gunsamerica","https:\/\/x.com\/gunsamerica","https:\/\/instagram.com\/gunsamerica_official\/","https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/user\/GunsAmerica"]},{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/#\/schema\/person\/0fe493abd8af3d2da7b86174c34f05e7","name":"Brian Jensen","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/8228d8d4946051cf7a79da3dcffd7546c0ab21ad64fb0b4d524de05a1412bbd1?s=96&d=mm&r=g","url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/8228d8d4946051cf7a79da3dcffd7546c0ab21ad64fb0b4d524de05a1412bbd1?s=96&d=mm&r=g","contentUrl":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/8228d8d4946051cf7a79da3dcffd7546c0ab21ad64fb0b4d524de05a1412bbd1?s=96&d=mm&r=g","caption":"Brian Jensen"},"description":"Brian Jensen has been a shooter for over 45 years, and served in law enforcement for over 30 years in Southern California. During that time he served for over 27 years on the Department Range Staff.\u00a0 Brian has written for Guns America and Harris Publications, and currently trains law enforcement trainees in a local police academy as well as civilians for CCW courses. Away from writing Brian does photography and exploring the southern California backcountry. Experience: -45+ years as a shooter -Prior Law Enforcement for over 30 years -27+ years instructing firearms for peace officers -Civilian CCW Instructor","honorificPrefix":"Mr.","gender":"Male","knowsAbout":["LE Firearms Training","Glock","Sig"],"knowsLanguage":["English"],"jobTitle":"Adjunct Firearms Instructor","worksFor":"SDCCD","url":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/author\/brian-jensen\/"}]}},"featured_image_src":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/216B8F4B-0F83-4901-9E17-3F50D3DCFF59_1_201_a-150x100.jpeg","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/213716","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/9"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=213716"}],"version-history":[{"count":10,"href":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/213716\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":227332,"href":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/213716\/revisions\/227332"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/213725"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=213716"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=213716"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=213716"},{"taxonomy":"featured","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/featured?post=213716"},{"taxonomy":"hunt365","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/hunt365?post=213716"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}