Over the past decade or so, 9mm pistols have grown greatly in popularity. Part of this comes from the realization that the 9mm chambering works well in compact, and even subcompact, guns.
Additionally, ammunition technology has jumped to make 9mm self-defense ammunition extremely effective. Some still believe the only good self-defense round starts with a four and ends with a five, but even some of them have started looking at 9mm pistols. The reason for this is concealment and capacity.
Most subcompact 9mm pistols hold between seven and 10 rounds, with compact 9mms holding a few more. Also, the average shooter can fire a 9mm much more accurately than calibers that start with a four. Accuracy is way more important than power. So, we decided to highlight 10 of the best concealed carry 9mm pistols available in 2019, and maybe just a little sooner.
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Beretta APX Carry
When Beretta brought out its APX line, shooters took notice. The company designed this striker-fired pistol for military and police. As such, this pistol is easily modified for both people and applications. Beretta followed this gun with the Compact and finally the Carry. This subcompact pistol comes only in 9mm; the larger guns also come in .40 S&W. However, that’s part of its beauty; it’s compact and powerful. When designing this gun, the company focused on ergonomics and controllability. It features a low-bore axis, easily manipulated slide catch, reversible magazine release, aggressive slide serration and a smooth DAO trigger. It also comes with three magazines; flush and pinky extension (6+1) and an extended (8+1).
MSRP: $450. For more information, visit beretta.com.
FN 509 Midsize
Not quite a subcompact, but still easily carried, the FN 509 Midsize is the smaller version of the company’s entry to the Army’s modular handgun system. To make this gun more easily concealed, FN shortened the handle. However, it still features a 4-inch barrel for accuracy. It comes with two 15-round magazines (10-round mags are available), but the gun is also compatible with larger magazines using magazine sleeves. It uses drift-adjustable three-dot luminescent sights, and comes with front and rear serrations, as well as an accessory rail. The controls are full ambidextrous, and it comes with two interchangeable backstraps to adjust grip size. As such, this pistol provides full-size performance in a concealed carry package.
MSRP: $649. For more information, visit fnamerica.com.
Glock 43X
There is very little middle ground when it comes to Glocks. Most shooters either love them or hate them. Still, the Glock 43X is an interesting pistol. Glock basically took a G48 grip, a single stack version of a G19, and mated it to a G43 slide. This hybridization provides a concealable pistol with four additional 9mm rounds over the G43. The larger grip also provides additional purchase whether shooting at the range or on the street. The G43X measures just over 5 inches in height and a little over an inch in width. This pistol also comes with Glock’s tradition dot front and U rear sights, as well as its reliability. All this provides a pistol that is small enough to conceal every single day. And it even comes with a silver slide.
MSRP: $538. For more information, visit us.glock.com.
Kimber EVO SP
Best known for its 1911 pistols, Kimber recently brought out a striker-fired pistol in 9mm. However, the company didn’t go the normal route; it used steel instead of polymer. The EVO SP pistol features a grip system that eliminates hardware on the grip surface. Additionally, its magazine release can be configured for right- or left-handed shooters, and it comes with tritium night sights. However, one of the more interesting features is its striker indicator; it provides shooters both a visual and tactile confirmation the gun is cocked. Kimber produces the EVO SP in four configurations— the CS, CDP, TLE and the Two-Tone. The CS stands for custom shop and comes with with Stiplex front and rear cocking serrations, Stiplex front strap checkering and G10 inspired black and gray grips and backstrap.
MSRP: Starts at $856 for the two-tone model. For more information, visit kimberamerica.com.
Mossberg MC1
Many don’t realize that Mossberg’s first gun was a pistol. Of course, the company is best known for its shotguns. That’s why many shooters were surprised when Mossberg brought out the MC1 as part of it 100th anniversary; most just don’t put Mossberg together with pistols. This subcompact pistol features a matte black polymer frame, white three-dot sights and a 3.4-inch barrel that the company button rifled. It also comes with a flat-profile trigger that breaks between 5 and 6 pounds. This pistol is extremely compact for everyday carry, weighing a mere 22 ounces loaded, shows that Mossberg can play in any market.
MSRP: $425. For more information, visit mossberg.com.
Ruger Security-9 Compact
It can be difficult to improve on a great gun, but it is not impossible. In fact, Ruger just might have done it with the Security-9 Compact. This subcompact pistol measures 6.52 inches long and 4.35 inches high, but still carries 11 rounds of 9mm ammunition. Its hard-anodized aluminum chassis features full-length guide rails, and it combines the smooth trigger pull of the LCP with the crisp feel and reset of a single action. It also comes with black, drift-adjustable rear sights and an accessory rail. And Ruger produces all this for a price under $400.
MSRP: $379. For more information, visit ruger.com.
SIG Sauer P365
Ever since SIG brought out the P365, few have found anything bad to say. To start, SIG figured out how to put 10+1 rounds in a slim subcompact pistol. However, the company didn’t stop there. Not only did SIG undercut the trigger guard for more control and include grip feel similar to the P320, the company added a trigger many consider the best in its category. SIG also added XRAY3 sights, front and rear serrations, and an accessory rail. Just recently, the company added a manual safety version for shooters who prefer that feature.
MSRP: $599. For more information, visit sigsauer.com.
Smith & Wesson Performance Center 4-inch M&P Shield M2.0
Smith & Wesson wasn’t the first to bring out a subcompact 9mm pistol, but the company brought out one of the best with the M&P Shield, followed by the Shield M2.0. Then, the Performance Center got involved and added even more features shooters want. This includes a tuned action, fiber-optic sights, a 4-inch barrel and front cocking serrations. The company then added a ported version and an optics-ready version, which includes a 4-moa red dot sight. The Performance Center even produces these pistols in both .40 S&W and .45 ACP.
MSRP: Starts at $532. For more information, visit smith-wesson.com.
Springfield 911
Those interesting in a 9mm concealed carry gun that blends in a daily routine should consider the Springfield 911. This extremely compact pistol measures only 5.9 inches long and 3.9 inches high. It also weighs a mere 15.3 ounces. So, this pistol is very easy to conceal and carry all day. Other features include a Pro-Glo tritium/luminescent front sight and a white-outlined tritium rear sight. The more basic models feature either G10 or Hogue grips, but for a bit more shooters can add a Viridian Green Grip laser.
MSRP: Starts at $639. For more information, visits springfield-armory.com.
Taurus G2S
Taurus pushed some boundaries with the G2S. This subcompact actually comes with features typically reserved for larger pistols, with a robust grip and excellent ergonomics. In fact, the grip allows shooters of different hand sizes to obtain good purchase in all situations. The G2S measures 1.1 inches wide and 4.8 inches high, meaning this pistol practically disappears under a cover garment. It also features white, three-dot sights, rear adjustable, and an accessory rail for attaching lights or lasers. The G2S is an excellent, yet affordable, concealed carry pistol.
MSRP: $316.89. For more information, visit taurususa.com.
