Nowadays, the 9 mm caliber is the most popular on the market because it’s a primary option for combat, concealed carry, and self-defense. It is largely available everywhere and is affordable compared to other defensive rounds. In this review guide, we will compare the best concealed carry 9mm handguns currently on the market.
We’ve already covered the majority of benefits that the 9 mm rounds offer to users, but let’s remind you some of the most important points.
First and foremost, this caliber is preferred by the U.S military, law enforcement agencies and the majority of the civilian population. The army adopted this type of sidearm in order to standardize the used weaponry in all branches.
The 9 mm rounds are substantially smaller than .45 ACP, which allowed soldiers to carry more ammunition both inside the gun and in-stock. Furthermore, the FBI conducted researches that compared the .40 S&W and .9 mm Sig Sauer to determine which sidearm is faster and more accurate.
This led to their 2015 statement, which issued the 9 mm as a more precise firearm. It is easier to shoot than larger calibers and it still offers a significant stopping power.
Another great benefit is the availability of the caliber. There’s a huge supply of 9 mm ammunition, which means that the prices are more affordable than other defensive ammo.
Best Concealed Carry 9mm Comparison Table
Best Concealed Carry 9mm Reviews
#1: Glock 19 – Gen 5
Review
Surely, one of the most renowned and reliable manufacturers for sidearms is Glock. It is a preferred weapon by most of the police forces worldwide, including the United States.
The famous handgun was created in Austria and is the first polymer-framed, striker-fired pistol to bring a huge commercial success to the brand. This pistol was built in the 1980s and offers several key features that beat the competition.
The main advantage is comparable to affordability. Due to the simplistic design, the gun can be easily mass-produced, which leads to a more affordable price tag than most competitors.
Moreover, the internal mechanism consists of only a few parts, so there’s hardly anything to break. That’s why the Glock offers unmatched reliability, no matter how many rounds are fired.
While it is not the smallest in size, it is still perfect for concealed carry. It fits perfectly in the palm and it can be easily hidden while traveling. The finger grooves that previous models used to feature are now removed in Gen 5 and the grip texture is significantly improved.
#2: Sig Sauer P365
Review
Let’s say that you went to the weaponry shop and tried the gun, but you were disappointed to find that the size was not what you expected. Then, it is time to check the Sig Sauer P365, known for its compact design.
It is both shorter in length and thinner than mosts Glock models and offers 10 or 12 rounds with its extended magazine. Even though that the magazine is double-stack, it is still slimmer than most single-stack pistols.
Similar to most Sig models, this one also offers incredible ergonomics, making the shooting process seamless and pleasant. The trigger is crisp with a light pull and 3-dot tritium night sights for greater accuracy when used.
#3: The Walther PPQ M2
Review
You can’t mention 9 mm caliber, without showcasing the famous Walther models and especially the PPQ M2. This gun offers the best out-of-the-box trigger on the market.
If you are content with the Glock 19, then you’ll be delighted to learn that the 4” PPQ M2 barrel is of comparable quality. It is similar in size and very comfortable in terms of shooting. If you find it larger, then you can go for the PPQ Subcompact model, which is even smaller.
The subcompact version has the same advantages, such as the trigger and the comfortability, but it is more suitable for concealed carry. It comes with a shorter 10-round magazine and with extended 15-round capacity.
Hands down one of the best concealed carry 9mm handguns you can buy.
#4: Smith & Wesson M&P 2.0
Review
Another great firearm known for its ergonomics and reliability is the Smith & Wesson M&P 2.0. It is a recommended option for many novice shooters because it is lightweight and affordable.
The M&P 2.0 and American-made sidearm made of a durable polymer that comes at a low price. It features a wonderful texture and comfortable grip that fits in your palm firmly.
The stock comes with steel sights, adding for the overall accuracy of the shooter. However, I found the trigger to be a bit of a disadvantage, but it can be easily replaced with an aftermarket option.
Some people might find the compact version more appealing because it is more suitable for concealed carry. Regardless of the chosen model, you can rest assured that you’re buying a capable and reliable weapon.
#5: Springfield Armory XD-M/S Mod.2
Review
Given the fact that you’re looking for a comparable sidearm to the Glock and Smith & Wesson series, then the Springfield Armory’s XD-S & XD-M pistols are a great choice for both beginners and experienced shooters alike.
The grip angle of the weapon is modeled after the 1911 guns, which adds for the overall comfort when held in hands. Not only that the design is similar, but the grip safety as well.
Not everyone likes the external safety switch, but it is very beneficial when it comes to accidental misfires. The trigger offers a short and crisp shot, which makes shooting a pleasant experience.
The XD-M 9 mm is available with a 3,8” barrel, 4.5”, as well as a 5.25”. Nevertheless, the XD-S model is even better in terms of concealed carry. It is 0.085” thinner than the Glock 43 and it offers 7-round or 9-round magazines.
#6: Sig Sauer P320 Series
Review
The P320 RX series includes all notable features known to the regular P320 model, except for the improved ROMEO1 Reflex Sight. The front and the rear sights are made of steel and are elevated for greater accuracy.
The ROMEO1 is a red-dot sight that comes mounted on the gun, whereas the battery can be found on top of the sight, making it easily replaceable.
They are lightweight, fog-proof, waterproof up to 1 meter and can both the windage and brightness can be adjusted, according to your preferences.
Another version of the P320 Sig Sauer is the X series that offer a great variety of features. For example, they offer the same exceptional ergonomics of the other models, but the XSeries grip allows for better recoil management.
The trigger is proprietary flat X-series with a 90-degree break and optics with slide cuts. Last but not least, we have the P320 X-compact, made for individuals looking to have the ultimate concealed carry sidearm.
It features the same characteristics of the X-Series we just covered. However, it has something that the others do not – low profile internal Magwell.
The barrel length is at 7”, while the barrel is measured at 3.6”. With a weight of just 25.3 oz and 15-round capacity, the X-Compact is a recommended option for those seeking to purchase a compact handgun.
Conclusion
The listed options above are personally tested by our team and they’re mentioned here due to their popularity and unmatched capability. Now that we’ve narrowed down the choices and covered the best concealed carry 9mm, you can pick a brand that fits your needs.
An interesting fact that we’ve learned at the gun shop is that the majority of shooters stick with the first brand they purchase. An advice that we could give is to try different calibers and stick with one or two choices. This way, you won’t have to hold 7 different types of calibers when you go practicing.
As you have already noticed, the market is flooded with options and there’s a huge variety of capable manufacturers that build quality firearms. This said it can be a dauntless task to find the right one for you.
If we had to narrow down this list and choose a particular firearm, we would go with the Sig Sauer P320. It is a modular striker-fired handgun, used by the United States of America as a new M18 or M17.
It is our main choice mainly because the design allows for “X-Change” kits that can replace the overall style of the gun, as well as the caliber and even size.
According to our personal opinion, we can say that the trigger is performing better than most popular striker-fired handguns. As we’ve said above, it comes with steel sights straight from the factory and the design is very ergonomic.
Related posts:
A Bulgarian native law student, and a gun aficionado. I’ve graduated from a British International school and have successfully taken a number of Cambridge certificates such as PET, FCE, CAE, GSCE, IGCSE & IELTS. I found love in firearms early on in life when my father took me hunting for the first time. A few years later and an unknown number of rounds fired, I have the opportunity to combine my home defense & firearms expertise with the public.
