Choosing the right 9mm carry pistol is a deeply personal decision, hinging on factors like hand size, shooting experience, intended use, and budget. While the "best" pistol is subjective, this guide highlights top contenders from 2022 that remain excellent choices in 2024, considering their features, reliability, and overall performance. We'll delve into what makes each pistol stand out and help you determine which might be the perfect fit for your concealed carry needs.
Key Factors to Consider Before Choosing Your Carry Pistol
Before jumping into specific models, let's address crucial considerations that will significantly impact your choice:
- Size and Weight: Concealed carry demands a pistol that's comfortable and manageable to carry all day. Consider the overall dimensions and weight, especially if you plan on appendix carry or pocket carry. Smaller pistols often mean reduced capacity.
- Capacity: More rounds generally mean more stopping power and fewer reloads. Evaluate the magazine capacity in relation to your comfort level and the size of the pistol.
- Ergonomics: A pistol that fits your hand comfortably is crucial for accuracy and control, especially under stress. Consider the grip texture, trigger reach, and overall feel.
- Reliability: Your life may depend on your firearm's reliability. Choose a pistol known for its consistent performance and minimal malfunctions. Research reviews and consider the manufacturer's reputation.
- Ammunition: 9mm is readily available and relatively inexpensive, but the type of ammunition (e.g., hollow point, full metal jacket) you choose will influence its effectiveness.
- Features: Consider features like night sights, ambidextrous controls, and a rail for accessories. These can significantly enhance usability and safety.
- Budget: Prices vary widely. Set a realistic budget before you start shopping to avoid impulse purchases.
Top 9mm Carry Pistols: A Detailed Look
While countless excellent 9mm pistols exist, these consistently rank among the best:
1. Glock 19 Gen5
The Glock 19 has long been a favorite among law enforcement and civilians alike. The Gen5 features improvements like an ambidextrous slide release, a refined trigger, and a slightly improved grip texture. Its reliability and ease of maintenance are legendary, making it a top contender for concealed carry.
Pros: Reliable, durable, high capacity, readily available accessories. Cons: Can feel somewhat blocky in the hand for smaller users, the trigger can be a bit stiff for some.
2. SIG Sauer P365XL
The SIG Sauer P365XL offers a great balance of size, capacity, and shootability. Its slightly larger grip than the standard P365 provides a more comfortable and controllable shooting experience. The inclusion of a red dot optic is possible.
Pros: Compact, high capacity for its size, good ergonomics. Cons: Can be slightly snappy for some shooters, aftermarket support might not be as extensive as Glock.
3. Smith & Wesson M&P 9 Shield Plus
The M&P 9 Shield Plus boasts a surprisingly large magazine capacity for its compact size. The ergonomics are generally well-received, and Smith & Wesson's reputation for quality adds to its appeal.
Pros: Compact, high capacity, comfortable grip. Cons: The trigger pull may not be ideal for all users.
4. Springfield Armory Hellcat
The Hellcat is known for its incredibly small size, making it ideal for deep concealment. Despite its compact design, it offers a respectable magazine capacity.
Pros: Extremely compact, easy to conceal, high capacity for its size. Cons: Can be challenging to shoot accurately for users with larger hands, recoil can be noticeable.
5. HK VP9SK
The HK VP9SK is a smaller version of the popular VP9, offering a very good balance of accuracy, reliability and ergonomics. It is prized for its crisp trigger.
Pros: Excellent ergonomics, accurate, reliable. Cons: Can be slightly more expensive than some competitors.
Choosing the Right Pistol for You
This list isn't exhaustive, but it offers a strong starting point for your research. Remember to handle different models, if possible, and test fire them at a range to determine the best fit for your hand size, shooting style, and concealed carry needs. Consider seeking professional instruction from a certified firearms instructor to improve your skills and safely handle your chosen pistol. Your safety and comfort are paramount. This information is for general knowledge; always consult with a firearms expert and adhere to all relevant laws and regulations.
