One and Done EDC handgun - looking for advice

[TN2shot07]

I put carry in two categories.

If you want the most shootable with compact size/conceal-ability the 43 or plain 365 are hard to beat. I do not particularly enjoy shooting either one (snappy)

The 48 or 365 macro are easier for me to shoot and only slightly harder to carry size wise. If you like to mess with stuff go Glock, if you want something out of the box get the sig.

I’d go through a few holsters and find what you like, people often underestimate the right one and a solid belt.

 

[BLJ]

I was looking at that and the new shield X

I recently traded my 365 for a Shield X.
I’m almost to 300 rounds so far with no issues.

B

Thread 'S&W Shield X?'

Aug 8, 2025

Any experience?

Looked at one today and liked it. Felt good in my hand and well balanced.
Maybe a replacement for the 365.

• BLJ
• Replies: 3
• Forum: Firearms

• 

 

[Rock’N Tacos]

Dang - I have never heard of them and that thing is sexy as hell! I need to do some more research and read some reviews…

 

[ShooterGrade]

You can get slide milled on one of the pistols you have and get optic of your choice put on it.

I second just getting your slide milled for a direct mount with your optic instead of an MOS plate or something like that. You'll get a much better fit.

I carry an M&P 2.0 compact with an Apex trigger in it + TLR-7A. Will be getting the slide milled for an RMR by Jagerwerks sooner than later. I got it over a Glock 19 because I really like how rough the stippling is (I get sweaty hands when I shoot), but I would have no problem running a Glock either. I carry AIWB in a sidecar style holster, so some people may not like how rough the grip is against your skin, but I don't mind it. The stock M&P trigger was awful for me though.

I'd say go with what you shoot best and what will be comfortable enough for you to actually carry. Go to a range where you can rent them and try them out if you don't know anyone that owns one. I personally hate the grip on the Sig, I feel like I can't get my hand high enough into the grip, like the beavertail isn't aggressive enough if that makes sense. And as others have said, a good belt will make a lot of guns comfortable to carry.

I wouldn't worry too much about printing, most of society is too oblivious to their surroundings to notice.

 

[MTMeatHunter]

Eh. Everything people have already mentioned works. I’m kind of obsessed with carry guns, and I’ve owned pretty much everything listed.

It’s the wizard, not the wand.

They are all mostly the same. Pick one and do what almost no one does: become proficient with it by shooting it, and whatever you choose will work fine.

 

[rileybassman]

The 365 AXG Legion was almost my most recent carry gun - it really is a great blend of size, capacity, and performance. About as small as I'd want to go for a fighting handgun, or as big as I'd go for EDC in really light/minimal clothing. The main reason I personally decided against it is that I was just so fed up with striker-fired mediocrity in triggers, and wanted to get back to SAOs. Gave a lot of consideration to the Staccato C and the Dan Wesson DWX Compact, and ended up going with the DWXc after handling both quite a bit. Don't think I'd change that decision, but there have been a couple of hiccups with it that I wouldn't have had with a Staccato C. But I definitely second your Staccato C recommend, if OP is inclined to a G19 size/weight. It really is just about optimal as a "one and done" all-around handgun.

I also have a DWX compact and it's a great shooter as well! Mine has been solid mechanically tho the coating seems a little fragile. Good taste! I've always enjoyed CZ and have a S2 Carry as well. Push comes to shove with all those options and I'm still gonna grab the Staccato tho as it's just the complete package.

The 365 AXG trigger is not the best, but I also find that whenever I run it, I don't really think about it... so to me, that's good enough. It's very accurate and controllable and makes a great CC.

 

[Flyjunky]

Well since your not stuck on striker fires. Check this one out. Really small and really fast firing. Amazing carry, but it will cost you.
ULTRALIGHT PRO | Bul Armory USA https://share.google/1oifx8JUysZtiWCKT


You can just search it on YouTube. Man is it fast.

BA makes some sweet pistols.

 

[BigNate]

This is a very subjective thing to get an answer to.
We all have different ideas of probable issues, don't know your build, experience, tolerance for weight, size, etc. Concealability is very different for different body types. Can you dress how you want? How likely are you to be in a gunfight vs. Deter a crime?

I carry a G19 with a TLR7a and a Steiner MPS. The MPS was a gift, but may not be ideal. I carry at least one mag. My choices now are different than a couple years ago. I used to carry a P938 and pocket a spare mag.

You have to pick what's going to be acceptable for you. If you knew you were heading into a gunfight you'd pick much differently than a what if... in a low crime area.
Holsters is a whole different level of struggle to find what works in your situation. Not every gun is popular enough to get every holster option.

 

[idig4au]

Sig P365 Spectre Comp

 

[zdc1775]

My standard answer for anyone taking one of my pistol classes and looking for a smaller CCW is to buy a Sig P365XL or Macro and swap the grips if you think it's either too big or too small with a focus of using the largest grip size that you will actually carry everyday.

If the person is either totally against buying a Sig, I will recommend either the Glock 43/43x/48 or Springfield Hellcat/Hellcat Pro, again whichever size is the largest one you will actually carry (that's the primary reason why I prefer and recommend the 365 over the Glock, you can make it larger or smaller for fairly cheap).

I don't have much first hand experience with the newer S&W Shields to have formed an opinion one way or the other, and virtually no experience with the smaller Rugers, Caniks, and so ons so I would not recommend or warn people away from them.

Regardless of what they/you pick, I do always stress the importance of a good carry belt and holster. My picks for that are Kore Essential or Nexbelt for a belt and Tier1Concealed or Tenicor for holsters.