6 Best Compact Concealed Carry Pistols in 9mm

By Col Ben Findley
It was very difficult for me to narrow down my original list of 21 compact 9mm carry guns to six of the best compact concealed carry pistols.

It was very difficult for me to narrow down my original list of 21 compact 9mm carry guns, but I want to briefly give you my criteria, considerations, on six of the best compact concealed carry pistols to help you make your own choice.
It was very difficult for me to narrow down my original list of 21 compact 9mm carry guns, but I want to briefly give you my criteria, considerations, on six of the best compact concealed carry pistols to help you make your own choice.
AmmoLand Gun News
AmmoLand Gun News

USA-(Ammoland.com)- There are many very good, top-rated 9mm compact pistols available now for concealed carry, so I want to help you narrow your decision by giving you just a few of my opinions here. Of course, picking the best compact concealed carry pistols is a very individual decision for you based on your personal preferences, criteria, and a lot of considerations.

It was very difficult for me to narrow down my original list of 21 9mm carry guns, but I want to briefly give you my criteria, considerations, on the final six best compact concealed carry pistols. I hope the ones here to help you make your own choice. (My previous article for this website and others gives my top 5 subcompact 9mm carry pistols.)

6 Best Compact Concealed Carry Pistols in 9mm

Any one of these six compact guns I present here would make a fine choice for best compact concealed carry pistols. I analyze by categories, compare, and rank all of my top 21 concealed carry guns that I recommend in my book “Concealed Carry & Handgun Essentials.” It was difficult to narrow the options down to 6 CCW compacts, so consider all the features, specs, and your personal preferences and criteria for the best selection for yourself.

Set your own requirements and make your own tradeoffs, since there is NOT a perfect compact gun for all folks. Then decide if you want a single action only, double action only, or a striker-fired gun or something else, a 5 or 7 pound press, an external manual safety or not, night sights, etc. These compact pistols range in capacity from 10 to 17 rounds, from a 3.50″ to a 4.01″ barrel length, with a trigger press of between 5.0 to 6.5 pounds roughly, and from 21 to 31 ounces unloaded weight, with suggested retail prices from about $569 to $1179.

Remember, you can shop around and often pay less than retail prices. Certainly, price alone is not a major criterion for those who recognize that this decision is about a life-or-death tool, but it is one factor.

Maybe the solution is to own all 6 of these fine guns. I do own all of them, but I get strong hints from someone in my house to limit the inventory. Here, I give you my top 10 criteria you may want to use to save you some time in your selection process. Also, I show below comparative specifications for just these 6 of the many compact carry pistol models on the market now. You may want to add or subtract from my criteria and modify them to include what’s important to you.

Above all, rent or borrow and try the gun before you buy it to save you from buyer regret and cognitive dissonance.

I used my criteria to analyze, compare factors, evaluate, and field-test shoot all of these guns. I review them individually and in depth in various gun review articles. In my book, I compare and evaluate various concealed carry guns and rank them in several categories, like rankings by weight loaded, standard capacity, width, trigger press, price, etc.

Best Compact Concealed Carry Pistols : My Criteria

Here are just 10 of my criteria and factors I use for evaluating any handgun. In addition to my criteria, there are other subjective features that may be appealing for some, like a certain style, mag release location, action, caliber, appearance, number of mags included, type of sights/modifications, bore axis, rail, grip angle, non-porting or porting, included extras like a holster and pouch, customer service, etc. So, I combined these into my last Miscellaneous criterion. I must admit that ALL gun-choice decisions involve tradeoffs, but I really want ALL of my criteria to be met. Remember to not focus on just ONE criterion (e.g. only price or only trigger press), since for overall effectiveness several, if not most or all, factors must be met. I assigned a total possible point score of 10 points for each of my 10 criteria for a total possible score of 100 points. You can certainly add your own additional criteria and preferences or subtract any of mine. Here are mine:

  1. Accuracy and Reliability- Performs well without recurring malfunctions and stoppages and results in consistent, accurate target hits with a 3″ inch hit group or so at 5-15 yards for concealed carry;
  2. Trigger Press maximum of about 5.5-6.5 pounds – lessens force applied for less movement & better accuracy- and press that is crisp and identifiable (TRAIN to be Trigger Safe);
  3. Trigger with short travel distance (a short travel distance increases the speed the trigger can be fired) and easily identifiable and short reset point; Trigger with a smooth consistent press for every shot (less need to transition between presses & make adjustments);
  4. Barrel length of 3.0″-4.5″ (primarily for concealed carry); for compacts- length of 3.5″-4.1″ or so;
  5. Sights that are basic & simple (easy to use & see–I like Fiber Optic fronts); fast target acquisition; for my purposes– adjustable for windage; Optional Night Sights for low-light situations;
  6. Proper Gun Weight to minimize recoil (I prefer about 25 oz. or so for carry- but there are tradeoffs);
  7. Caliber match to my needs, characteristics & abilities (consider medical & physical limitations); 9mm is my preference for carry;
  8. Capacity -adequate for use & feature trade offs- usually prefer at least 10 rounds in a compact 9mm magazine for carry (but can carry a spare mag or 2 sometimes);
  9. Ergonomics – Hand Comfort and Grip Fit, controls easy to work and easily accessible; rounded, low-profile;
  10. Miscellaneous – Overall Finish, fit, & quality appearance & workmanship; mag release location; ambidextrous controls; accessory rail as required; grip angle; bore axis; competitive market price; excellent customer service with friendly & helpful representatives; ease of disassembly-assembly; Hard Case; Extras (third mag, holster, pouch, extended & flush mags); warranty length & extent; etc.

Below are my 6 top 9mm concealed carry 9mm COMPACT pistols, based on my criteria, my rankings, priorities, and preferences. Hope my opinions help you decide on your criteria and options, so you can personally select your best carry gun to meet your needs and preferences.

Final Six List of my Best Compact Concealed Carry Pistols (with gun review links)

9mm COMPACTS: SW M&P 9C (top left); Springfield EMP4 (center); Sig 320C; FNS-9C (bottom left); Ruger SR9C; Glock 19
9mm COMPACTS: SW M&P 9C (top left); Springfield EMP4 (center); Sig 320C; FNS-9C (bottom left); Ruger SR9C; Glock 19

Compact Pistols For Concealed Carry Specifications:

Here are the specifications side by side for my choice of six best compact concealed carry pistols in 9mm, for your consideration. Again, remember, to also consider your personal preferences, features, priorities, etc. and to shoot your final guns before your selection.

Here are the specifications for 6 current CC compact 9mm handguns, for your consideration.
Here are the specifications for 6 current CC compact 9mm handguns, for your consideration.

Best Compact Concealed Carry Pistols Range Test

For previous testing and evaluation reviews of the guns individually, I have shot all of them (and frequently do now), shooting at least 500 rounds in each using the drills in my book and my protocols. I have found each of these 6 compact handguns to be accurate and reliable for my use, skills, criteria, and preferences. I rotate among all six compact guns for my concealed carry everyday carry (EDC), as necessary. See my Reviews of all these guns separately on various websites and my rankings and factors in my book. So, safely shoot these guns for yourself to make your own decisions, before you buy.

I have found each of these 6 compact handguns to be accurate and reliable for my use, skills, criteria, and preferences.
I have found each of these 6 compact handguns to be accurate and reliable for my use, skills, criteria, and preferences.

For this brief follow-up range test which supplements my previous range tests and drills, I fired a total of 180 rounds or so of quality Sig Sauer Elite Performance 9mm 115 grain FMJ and V-Crown 115 grain JHP ammo and just a few on hand of the Polycase Sport Utility Ammo 65 grain (1525 fps velocity) 9mm frangible, with no-lead polymer RNP projectile. For each of the 6 guns this time at the range to verify my previous tests, I shot two trials of 5-round groups for each handgun from a standing Modified Isosceles Position, with a two-handed grip, at 5, 10, and 15 yards on IDPA targets. Understand that this brief, supplemental test is just a partial indicator of accuracy and reliability of the guns and ammo, so do your own range test with more ammo and thorough drills for your guns.

For this old codger, the average group sizes for all distances using mostly the Sig Sauer ammo and just a few on hand of the Polycase ammo were:

  • 115 grain JHP: 2.00″
  • 115 grain FMJ: 2.60″
  • 65 grain RNP: 2.80″

Best Compact Concealed Carry Pistols Conclusions

All 6 of these guns meet and exceed MY criteria and are excellent options for compact 9mm CC pistols. For this article, I did not rank them nor did I rate each of the criteria factors individually for each gun, like in my other separate Reviews of the guns. They all are rated very high on each criterion. As you certainly know, there are several characteristics, pros and cons, factors, and criteria to include and consider.

My list of six here may help you narrow your list some. Remember, you must make your own tradeoffs, ratings, and rankings according to your own goal, desired features, preferences for certain factors, specs, etc. We all want all of our criteria to be met for our ONE perfect compact CC pistol, but realistically because of the variation in our personal preferences, maybe only 8 or 9 of our 10 criteria can be met by any one compact gun.

There is not a one perfect best compact concealed carry pistols for ALL of us. Do your own analysis and decide for yourself.

Blend your personal, subjective evaluations with the specifications evaluations. Do the pros outweigh the cons and are the large majority of your criteria met by any one gun? Keep in mind that you can have more than one CC compact gun if the house “rules” and budget permit. So, you can use one compact 9mm for competition shooting, a different one for concealed carry, another for home defense, one for casual recreational plinking and range fun, and maybe one for hunting, etc.

I hope this article has helped you gain some information you did not previously have about some possible CC compact 9mm handgun options for CC. Consider that this is just my point of view, my opinions, with my live-range fire and shooting the guns myself. Again, as always, I recommend that you shoot any handgun yourself before you purchase it. Decide on your criteria, how you will primarily use the gun, and what features are important to you and that you are willing to pay for ahead of your range time. Then critically evaluate the gun YOURSELF per your criteria and purpose, with standard drills (several mentioned in my book), with various ammo types and brands, over an extended break-in period of about 500 rounds. Remember, Safety First Always.

Continued success and Be SAFE!

**Photos by author and manufacturer.

* This personal opinion article is meant for general information & educational purposes only and the author strongly recommends that you seek counsel from an attorney for legal advice and your own personal certified weapons trainer for proper guidance about shooting & using YOUR firearms, self-defense and concealed carry. It should not be relied upon as accurate for all shooters & the author assumes no responsibility for anyone’s use of the information and shall not be liable for any improper or incorrect use of the information or any damages or injuries incurred whatsoever.

© 2016 Col Benjamin Findley. All Rights Reserved. This article may not be reprinted or reproduced in whole or in part by mechanical means, photocopying, electronic reproduction, scanning, or any other means without prior written permission. For copyright information, contact Col Ben Findley at [email protected].

About Col Ben Findley

Col Benjamin Findley
Col Benjamin Findley

“Col Ben” is retired with 30 years service in the U.S. Air Force, with joint services Special Ops duty and training, and is Air Force qualified as “Expert” in small arms.

He is a Vietnam-era Veteran. Ben is an experienced NRA-Certified Pistol Instructor, NRA Range Safety Officer, and FL Concealed Carry License Instructor.

Ben recently wrote the book “Concealed Carry and Handgun Essentials for Personal Protection” (second printing 2016) with 57 comprehensive Chapters about concealed carry and handgun principles, techniques, and tips for both experienced and new shooters.

His reference book is endorsed by several organizations and is available on his website at www.FloridaHandgunsTraining.com.

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bennie31

“Ben is an experienced NRA-Certified Pistol Instructor, NRA Range Safety Officer, and FL Concealed Carry License Instructor”
I disagree. Read
https://www.cottonandcurls.com/2013/07/10445/
Bennie

Howard

In order to aide my wife to pick the best pistol for her needs we have both watched all the videos out there on compact and subcompact reviews. Wish I had just read Col Ben’s book. Everything concealed carriers should know. We got her a HK VP9SK for adjustable back strap and side panels for her small hands and is ambi for her left handedness. And I got the full size VP9 and love it,

Wild Bill

@Howard, Limiting yourself to “the best pistol” is like limiting one’s self to “the best golf club”.

9mm Handgun

Great guns. I gave the Wife a S&W Mod 640-1 which is the .357mg version in all stainless steel. I have a Mod. 340PD which is a titanium/alloy hybrid in the .357mg. Very lite and a hand full shooting the magnums. I bought oversize Pachmayr grips to help tame the recoil.
https://www.virginiaccwonline.com/compact-9mm-handgun-500/

Biggus Dickus

You forgot the best one, the Walther PPS M2 LE. Comes with 3 mags and Walther has $100 rebate going now.

Dan Jacobson

For me size and weight is the leading consideration in choosing a CC gun. My choice is the Kel Tec pf-9 9mm. It’s small and light weight. The gun itself shoots good and is trustworthy. …and If I don’t want to wear a holster I can just slip this gun into my pocket where it’s easily concealable and comfortable.

MeNotYou

Ex-Girlfriend Walked into Bank being Robbed last month He was on other side of counter and she walked up to teller window. Guy Told her to get on the ground. It didn’t register as she was like what? Bank employees later said thought she was being smart ass but she wasnt She got on ground. She often carries Glock (42 or 43 forgot which) on her but was in purse. While he did her thing she quietly unzipped purse. Got Glock out. No Safety. So she carries uncocked. She cocks its. Which she knew he would here. He vaults over… Read more »

Biggus Dickus

It’s 2 in the chest, NOT 1,…AND 1 in the head. Either train her right (YOUR FAULT), Yeah, I said your fault, or get a smarter GF.

Dano

First of all great job on her part, and I always carry 2 15 round mags with mixed ammo in both just because of that reason and I say one chest shot next one head shot if they move.

Viscount

How many times has Ammoland run this article?

Biggus Dickus

Why? Are you the editor? Do you own Ammoland?Do you get to tell them how many times they can run an article you FKNG troll?

Viscount

Yes. Yes I am. Yes I do. Yes, I’m not a troll. Happy Fourth of July and love to all ten of the Constitution’s first amendment.
Ok, I’m a troll.

Biggus Dickus

LOL, my nigga

DeWayne E Blair SSG Retired

Carry a Beretta FS 92 17 round clip, don’t load all 17 in clip, 1 in chamber 16 in clip, not to overload the spring in the clip, carry 2 clips with 16 rounds, 2nd 380 FIE 10 round clip + 1 in chamber, with 2 clips 10 rounds each. The Beretta, some may say its a hog iron, but I carried it in Iraq and I put 150 – 175 rounds once a month 9mm and 100 rounds a mouth with the 380, I like to try to shot point of aim, 4 areas of the arteries, make that… Read more »

Marko

They are magazines not “clips” Clips are used to load magazines, ever heard of stripper clip?

ERIC

I’m a lefty and kind of partial hammer guns. Looking at CC guns more recently, this list has a few new contenders to add. Beretta now has a PX4 Storm Carry, the Grand Power P11, and Honor Defense are checking all the boxes, especially with ambi controls. In the striker fired area, checking out the new CZ P10 C since I love CZ.

Bob

Why no Beretta Nano or PX4 Storm???

TxBroke

My favorite carry was and still is SR1911 45 commander. I quit using it and went to S&W SD9, 16 rnd mag, I carry 2 spare mags. I live in a southwest border town, it is a common occurence for citizens across the border to come here, commit crimes and quickly return to Mexico. I am considering going to a 2 gun carry, they call it a “New York Reload”, I can pull another weapon faster than I can swap mags.

Biggus Dickus

You live in Texas and you don’t already carry 2 guns? Shame on your daddy for not teaching you right. 1 goes in the 4 o’clock IWB, 1 is in the 1 o’clock Urban Carry G2 holster, and a Glock 26 or HK VP9SK for your ankle.

Viscount

Why don’t both of you move to Minnesota?

Wild Bill

@Viscount, Why Minnesota?

Biggus Dickus

Too many Muslims in Minnesota.

John

I really dislike ‘favorite gun’ columns. One reason is that I have several favorites. But more on point is that as someone who has been present at a half dozen armed robberies and who personally has been accosted at three other times, any loaded accessible gun is a comfort. Assaults and armed robberies are seldom announced. They are fast and violent in ways not imagined. And then they are over. Except for the nightmares. Any window of opportunity for a defensive response is very brief if it occurs at all. These experiences have convinced me that ‘favorite gun’ columns while… Read more »

Biggus Dickus

STOP living in Compton.

Sivispace

I just received a Walther PPS M1 .40 as compensation for my work as the president of a gun company. I’m a full-time Tribal prosecutor out west and it will be a perfect companion once I put some Trijicons on it. I owned the 9mm version previously and it was a tack driver and shot like a much larger pistol. I can’t wait to send some rounds down range!

Viscount

Don’t forget to declare the value of that Walter as income on your taxes since you received it as compensation for services rendered.

Biggus Dickus

What’s a WALTER? Jeff Dunham’s grouchy old man doll?

Kelios Kolotroethis

Well since the P320c i there why not the smaller P250SC in dao?

Wayne Clark

Update the list. This post was last year. Get some new stories!

Viscount

Be careful. I wrote that and Bigus Dickus called ME a troll. I’m a Viscount for pete’s sake.

Biggus Dickus

A Legend in his own mind.

Wild Bill

@Viscount, I’m sorry to tell you this, there are no titles of nobility in the U.S.

Ron Parks

I was glad to see the Sig P320c on the list. I carry it in .40 cal but have the exchange kit to change it to 9mm in about two minutes. I was always a hammer guy before but this gun won my heart and I am shooting much tighter groups as a result. Most people need to find a CC gun that fits the way they dress… but as a retiree, I dress to fit the gun. I carry a back-up 5 shot .38 special revolver on my ankle as well… not, so much, because I need two guns,… Read more »

Michael Brosch

I recently had a stroke that made all the difference as far as what sort of “carry gun” I could handle. Now I shoot one handed, have to reload with one hand and is an auto loading gun I also have to rack the slide.
I carry a Sig 938 because, as a gimp, I can operate it.

Wild Bill

@Mike B, My hat is off to you. It takes great courage to carry on after that kind of injury. I look forward to reading more of your comments should you choose to share what you learn with us. What you are going through, we all face, even young people. A stroke could happen to anyone.

Biggus Dickus

Sig makes a P250 for hammer guys.

Roy F. Wilt

My Opinion! There are no good 9MM’s! That Muslim that got shot 5 times in Paris the other week? Yes it was a 9mm! A 45 acp and he would not be surviving!

Ron Parks

I carry .40 (and sometimes .45) caliber myself but the type of ammo you shoot can make as big a difference as the caliber… and the biggest difference is the knowledge of where to place your shots and the ability to do so. While larger calibers make bigger holes, they have more recoil which can translate to less accurate and/or slower follow-up shots. Like I said, I carry larger calibers myself but I know that I have to practice much more to be as accurate as someone with a 9mm. I also know that I am trading bullet diameter for… Read more »

Greg

Not an intelligent remark.

Greg

Above comment was misplaced here by mistake. Sorry. I agree totally with Ron Parks’ comment here.

BigVMan

Personally, I’m not sure I want a trigger pull on a self defense weapon as light as the author has listed in his personal criteria. Mine is around 8 1/2 to 9, and I have another that is a little stiffer than that (both semi auto 9mm). But that’s me.

Ira

Yes, I agree with you on a stiffer trigger pull. I don’t care for these light, go off in a moment triggers. In fact, in my 2 Glocks, I installed the NY 1 triggers for an intentional stiffer trigger pull. And like you, thats just me.

Larry Brickey

For 9mm I like my Taurus PT709s. If we’re actually talking “concealed” that’s the one. I also have a sticky holster for my Chiappa 2″ 357. It works and conceals just fine.

ROD KLOMP

For me, my carry rotation is Sig P225 a-1 9MM, HK p30 sk 9mm, Kimber K6S revolver 357 mag, Springfield Armory XD MOD 2 9MM, AND 45 ACP, kAHR PM9, AND kAHR K45 45 ACP, I also have all the guns mentioned, I just prefer these for my carry options…

Striker

As a former LEO of one of the top 3 murder cities I now carry a Kahr PM9 black diamond,8 in the mag. 1 in the tube. 9 MM. Man ,if you need more than 9 shots. Get a job guarding the fish at the aquarium at you local zoo. These guy’s that carry full size autos and 1 or 2 extra mags.. You need to sell your firearms and take up golf.. Maybe then you can hit something.

Sivispace

I was disappointed that the Walther PPS was excluded. It is very flat; accurate and controllable. Mine is the .40 and it is all the gun I need in that size group.

burns

After 3 incients with guns in 45 years, you need 15 rounds, FBI stats on their shootings show 50% of all rounds fied , missed. It takes 3-4 rounds to drop someone unless you can hit head shots while you are both moving. So with 15 , it leaves 7-8 hits, and with 2-3 perps, you need every round plus a spare mag, “that’s why we say carry 2 mags plus the one in the gun. This is not targets, targets aren’t shooting at you while knocking over people and objects. 5 round pistoles are useless, after you miss 3… Read more »

El Mac

Care to cite that “FBI stat”?

Thomas Towey

Iv’e read many articles that caution against carrying too many extra mags. After a shooting and you have to appear in court, an over zealous D.A. Will attempt to distort issues by labeling you a menace since you carry more bulletts than needed and also they will try to fry you if you carry an extra hot load. They are just waiting to crucify us gun owners.

Lynn Pridgen

I’ve tried many fire arms but still love to carry the S&W M&P 9. I know, I know it’s full size but with an Apex trigger, it’s very deadly. It’s a tad heavy but recoil is contained fairly well. It holds lots of ammo and that’s a plus. My second choice would be the Glock 19 but after a box of ammo shot thru it, kills my middle finger. I get a “Glock finger” every time.

bobalouski

How did the Beretta Nano not make this list?

ALEX REYES

I HAVE A GLOCK 43 AND I LOVE IT. I DO NOT HAVE A MAGAZINE MORE THAN 6+1, THAT’S ENOUGH FOR MY
PERSONAL PROTECTION. I SLEEP WITH IT UNDER MY PILLOW WITH A SPARE MAGAZINE.

DKP

This article was about the best 9mm in his opinion. Always goes to 45acp or 22 or 380 all guns are up to what you like and what’s best for you.No one can stick to the point this was about the best compact 9mm .Great article lot of information if I was new to shooting new to the NRA I would think we are looking for a argument I think it was helpful if you are looking for a gun

Tom

William, the Sig p938 is ignored for the same strange and unknown reason as the Sig p290. These both offer some of the very best characteristics a CC can offer and they are Sig Sauer. This is the brand I was raised on, trained with throughout my life and I trust my well being and the lives of my family to Sig Sauer. There is some sort of prejudice against Sig and it’s been going on for 25 years more or less.

William

These are nice, but most of the time I carry a S&W SW1911 in 45 ACP it has a 3″ barrel and is about the size of most of the ones shown. If I carry a 9MM I carry a Sig Sauer P938, it also has a 3″ barrel.
For some reason the Sig P938 seems to be over looked by most of the reviewers, haven’t figured out why though

Gary Moelleer

I carry a Kimber Ultra Crimson Carry II daily, usually in a leather positive retention belt holster. It is a 3″ bbl gun in .45 ACP. If I feel I will be in dangerous areas, I will carry the Kimber in a shoulder holster and a S&W M&P .45c in a Serpa CQC holster on my hip, and maybe a Kel-Tec P11 9mm in my pocket. A light vest will conceal these quite well. In all, I carry JHP defensive load ammo. I feel the key to never having to use these to date is situational awareness, which is essential… Read more »

Wayne Clark

Not one mention of a Beretta PX 4 storm compact. Super accurate & a pleasure to shoot. In a N82 holster very comfortable to carry IWB. Not too big for OWB for us bigger guys either. Twelve +1 in 40 mm, fifteen +1 or more depending on mag for 9 mm. Type G for me. My 2 cents & my choice above all.

Don Bailey

The Beretta PX4 Storm is not only a good pistol, it is also reliable. I know what it feels like to find the perfect combination of handgun, comfortable holster, and extra mag. holders. The other side of that conversation is the enjoyment of shooting that pistol and going to the range.

joe

i conceal carry a desert eagle 50 ae and a s&w 500 revolver for back up good friends of mine started training me for hostile shooting situations they would start by stomping on my hands spray me in the face with mace then shoot me with a taser, if the taser knocked me down i would get up draw my de and try to put 15 rounds on a 6″ target at 25 yards in under 20 seconds while one friend was kicking me in the balls and the other hitting me in the back of the head with a… Read more »

Sgt. Rock

Perhaps fair weather friends, but I cannot say for sure. While that sounds like a decent training session and a good place to start for a greenhorn like yourself, you should’ve stuck to it. You coulda been somebody…you coulda been a contender. Now you need to step up your game! Next range session commit to self immolation while quick drawing your derringer from inside the toe of your boot while hog tied. You want to simulate tough real world scenarios, not static 2 dimensional target practice. Now go get some!

JDN

Having read much of what was written here nothing will ever convince me there’s anything better than my full size beretta PX4 in .40 S&W. 17 + 1 plus two extra 17 count mags. Very comfortable carried in my SwapRig holster.

Dahrkheart

I’m going to stand with the Kimber slim 9mm. the gun will not let you down. Ladies will like the grips lite weight & will not let you down..

Chuck M

I personally think the holster dictates the comfort of your cc pistol of choice and there are several guys on here
with several different size and calibers. Now I’m not a leo or officer of any kind and surely not a quick draw artist
so I use a shoulder rig that does not print weather wearing a tee shirt or over coat but I will say I’m a Glock guy
and it carries everyone I own from the smallest model 42 up to my model 21 with all day comfort and is fully
adjustable no matter what you carry.

L.T.D.(lazy TRUCK DRIVER)

A shoulder holster on one side W/ a “” SIG”” 1911 W/ a WILSON 10 +1 .45acp, plus 2 spare 8 Rd mags (total 27rds), “”SIG”” **229** 40 S&W, W/ 14+1 MAG & 2 14rd spare mags (43rds), all together a EVEN 70 rds. I always say; NEVER ENOUGH!!!!, & ONCE IN AWHILE I’LL STRAP A 2″ 357 MAG TO MY ANKLE W/ 2 6rd speed loader’s in my pocket (now that comes to a total of 88rds of ammo on me). I never walk out of my house W/O at least my 2 “”SIG’S””!!! +, CALL me paranoid ???,… Read more »

burns

The hit ratio is under 50%, with the average guy requiring 3-4 hit’s per perp. You better have a 15 round Mag. Or you will be standing there holding your penis.

Christopher Eller

Legal Colorado CCW: Two Taurus PT111 Millenium G2 9mms Two extra 12+1 mags 50 JHP – Magtech Guardian Gold 9mm – 124 Grain rounds Why Two of them? 1. Drawing a second one is faster than reloading. I’m a realist–and I’m not Jerry Miculek. 2. If gun one FTF/FTEs I can grab number two instead of going number two. If I’ve got a handbag, back pack or brief case with me I’ve got four more magazines. If not then the first 50 need to get me to my car where I can get the other four mags–preferably to my car… Read more »

dan

as normal they pick the upper price range carry a taurus pt111 g2 not too big just fine

Eric Perry

At a price of $267 new with two mags for the G2 , I bought 2 for the price of one high priced, one for the night stand and one to carry. I’ve been very happy with the results of performance.

Donald Silvernail

I’m a little uncomfortable with the velocity loss of a typical 115 – 124gr. 9mm bullet when fired from a 3″ barrel – especially if the perp is wearing heavy winter clothing. I realize it’s foolish to worry about this if I’m not willing to carry the 4″+ barrel gun all the time. I haven’t fired any of the new gen. 9mm sub compacts with 9mm +P ammo. Thoughts?

Cea

Sig P239…your choice of 3 calibers. What’s not to like?

Jamm

I’ve put 1500 rounds through the fns 9c. No problem, carry everyday.

Danny Willard

The guns listed, while nice guns, are too large for convenient concealed carry. Suggest you consider writing article about guns sized like Ruger LC9s, and or Ruger LCP and S & W Bodyguard 380.

Col Ben

Hey Danny! I did write a SUBCOMPACTS CC pistols article. It’s recently posted on this website. Also my book has 21 great CC guns. Be Safe!

Jim

i like the 709 slim by taurus its my personal carry gun and ive never had a problem with it

NEIL SEA

I cannot comprehend how you could have a 6 best compact pistols without including at least 1 model/version of the excellent Kahr CM/PM series! I rely on a CM-40 every day as backup in the cooler months as pocket pistol in pocket holster, and in the hot months carry it only in it’s pocket holster. While it in no way can possibly be construed as a fun to shoot range gun, it’s the most firepower you can get in a tiny 380 size package. Naturally whatever I carry I also have 2 extra loaded mags, in addition to a good… Read more »

Col Ben

Hi Neil. Thanks for your opinion. Again, this is a very personal choice based on your own criteria. The Kahr CM9 is included in my Top 21 CC guns in my book per MY criteria and preferred features. A very nice gun, but for me the long and hard press was an important factor that left it out of my narrowed-down list. Again, I like the gun but others met my criteria better. You cannot go wrong with it in 9mm. We have found with our thousands of students over the years that the large majority of folks can shoot… Read more »

revjen45

Was the Steyr “S” series in contention? I acquired mine in ’04 and have seen no need to go to another gun for my main carry piece.

Ramatg

What not a CZ to be found in the list?
My vote goes to the CZ Rami. Heavy enough to put 13 rounds down range and on target and reliable as anything you will ever shoot. Great article I enjoyed reading .

Jay

Of course, the best handgun for concealed carry is the one you are the most proficient with. That being said, I would not conceal carry a gun with an external safety or an exposed hammer. The safety could possibly slow down first shot time, and an external hammer could catch on whatever clothing is being used for concealment. And before the petty, “YEAH BUT THIS…” arguments start, I’m just saying in a situation where someone may have already gotten the drop on you, you need to do all you can to increase your draw and fire speed. This includes copious… Read more »

Roy F. Wilt

The Best 9 mm is a 45 acp!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Barry

Perhaps no one has heard of the Honor Guard 9mm. To my likeing is as an M&P Shield on steroids. Excellent Handgun. Secondly, the FNS 9c is my co-favorite. What was omitted was the fact it comes with two 12 round mags and one 17 round mag. If I were going downrange again, the FNS would be on my hip and the Honor Guard on my thigh or ankle.