A long-time 1911 fan, I've never warmed up to the Glock's unique grip. In spite of atypical ergonomics, the gun felt pretty good in my hand. Recoil wasn't a problem. The white-outlined sights quickly caught my eye, making aiming fast and easy. It's easy to see why Glocks are popular with law enforcement professionals.

DeSantis' soft Nemesis holster made the 9mm Kahr an even more effective pocket pistol.

Accuracy and dependability are both highly important if your life is on the line. After a 100-round break-in and follow-up cleaning, all the guns proved reliable, feeding and firing without a hitch.

When you're talking concealable handguns, holsters are the other half of the equation. I've already mentioned the neat little Nemesis pocket holster DeSantis makes for 9mm and .40-caliber Kahrs. I also tried a pair of excellent all-leather, behind-the-waistband holsters Mitch Rosen sent me for the Kahr and Glock pistols. Holsters that anchor to your belt and ride inside the pants are ideal for concealment. Cover the grip with your shirt, and the gun disappears, leaving only a leather belt loop as evidence you might be armed.

Mitch Rosen also supplied a more conventional belt holster for the S&W Model 60. This will be ideal for days I spend afield without worrying about concealment. Regular belt carry is always more comfortable than wearing a gun inside the waistband of your pants.

I also dug out an old Barami Hip Grip I've had for years. This is an ingenious device that replaces the factory grip of the Model 60 with a hard-plastic grip featuring a projecting lip. The lip catches your belt, preventing the revolver from sliding down inside your pants. This is the hands-down lightest, smallest concealed carry "holster" on the market. The device works pretty well, but I wouldn't try running or jumping with this grip in place. Incidentally, the Hip Grip is still available.

Another device worth mentioning is the Crimson Trace LaserGrip designed for the Model 60. I've used LaserGrips on several other guns. They're ideal for fast aiming in defensive situations.

While it doesn't conceal the gun, Mitch Rosen's leather belt holster makes a great companion for the S&W Model 60.

Two other holsters deserve a nod. I've been using a Tactical Elite paddle holster from Fobus USA to carry my Kimber in plain sight. I've also found a unique inside-the-waistband holster from the same company that keeps the Model 36 Glock hidden in surprising comfort. This molded holster fits the curvature of your body and allows easy reholstering without using both hands.

What's my pick for concealed carry? That I couldn't narrow my choice to just one gun should come as no surprise. These models made my short list: The S&W Model 60 remains a concealed carry classic for several good reasons, such as plenty of power in a compact, proven reliable revolver that won't throw your hip out of joint. While it's twice as heavy as the Model 340 AirLight, the extra heft makes it far more controllable.

I'm a huge fan of .45 ACP pistols, and the Glock 36 and Kimber Compact finished in nearly a dead heat. These are both great guns. If I slightly favor the Kimber, it's because I'm more accustomed to its grip.

Finally, the PM9 Kahr is simply too small and cuddly to pass up. Its 9mm ammo lacks .357 Magnum or .45 ACP punch but will do the job in a pinch. The DeSantis Nemesis holster helped sell me on this. Together, this gun and holster make the perfect pocket-pistol combination.