re: Best Concealed Carry Weapon????

C,
No need to be in a rush to buy your cc gun. Take some time to not only research the gun and how you'll carry it, but also the caliber; take a lot of time actually handling and shooting your short list of contenders.

Although I have a 380 ACP, I only carry it when circumstances prevent me from carrying something else. Personally, I prefer the 9mm as a starting point for self defense. I'd suggest the same for you if possible. I recommend you start your search by looking at "single stack" 9 mm's as they're thinner, easier to conceal and more comfortable to carry than are "double stack" 9's.

When clothing allows it, I pocket carry a Kel-Tec PF9. Lots of debate about KT's, but mine has been a good one. Since I bought my KT, the market has exploded for single stack 9mm's. Other similar 9mm's that can be pocket carried w/ the right pants/holster include the Kahr PM9/CM9 and probably CW9, Ruger LC9, Kimber Solo, Beretta Nano, Taurus Slim and Diamondback DB9. I think the new Bersa 9mm, S&W Shield and Walther PPS aren't as well suited for pocket carry. The Glock 26 is too big for most people to carry in most pockets.

If you think the 380 ACP is the best direction for you to go, there are a number of those available. For a 380, I'd suggest pocket carry. If someone's going to belt carry a 380, they could just as easily belt carry a 9mm. In addition to the S&W Ruger 380 you mentioned, I'd also consider the Kahr and Ruger. I've got a Kel-Tec in 380 that's been good, although not everyone's had the same experience. Hellcat IO Inc and Diamond Back seem to have a lot of QC problems. Taurus and Sig also make pocket sized 380's. The Sig 238 seems to be well liked, but I don't like the idea of pocket carrying a gun w/ an exposed hammer that's cocked and locked as it seems like an invitation for the hammer to snag. Also consider different traits amongst the guns, i.e. external safety lever or not, magazine disconnect safety or not, loaded chamber indicator or not, external hammer or not, etc.

For concealed carry, you'll not only want a gun that feels well in your hand and naturally points well for you, but can also be comfortably carried, possibly all day. For me, a single stack gun is much more comfortable to carry than double stacks like the Glocks, all S&W M&P's (except the Shield), Ruger SR and Springfield XD, to name a few.

Regarding what caliber of gun to get, 9mm, 357 Mag, 40 S&W and 45 ACP are all excellent guns, as long as appropriate self defense loads are used. 9mm is the cheapest of the lot for practice ammo.