Top Subcompact 9mm Pistols in 2023: Find Your Perfect Carry Gun

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Products are selected by our editors. We may earn a commission on purchases from a link. How we select gear.

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Updated

Sep 2023

The S&W M&P9 M2.0 Subcompact is the best subcompact 9mm pistol for most people. Beyond its easy-to-use, concealable design, the M&P line has an incredible number of options, calibers, and models — making it hard to beat when it comes to ensuring you can find the right pistol for you.

9mm Subcompact Comparison

Below is my list of the best subcompact pistols. I list the best choices in terms of value, performance, design, and cost.

Click on the name to head to the product page, read reviews and check prices or skip ahead to the list of pistols.

Our Top Picks

Displaying 1 - 1 of 8

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$499.99 at Palmetto State

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48

Sig has a long list of fans, including the U.S. Army, who recently selected the M17 variant of the P320 as their service sidearm.

8/10

7/10

8/10

9/10

8/10

8/10

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$420.99 at Palmetto State

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43

The Glock 43 consistently performs well, especially when chambered for 9mm rounds.

6/10

5/10

6/10

8/10

10/10

8/10

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$601.99 at Palmetto State

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49

Created a really compelling entry into the 9mm subcompact market for Walther.

9/10

9/10

7/10

8/10

10/10

6/10

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$727.99 at Guns.com

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47

A sleeper hit polymer-framed striker-fired micro-compact with a rich feature set and good ergonomics.

8/10

8/10

8/10

8/10

10/10

5/10

$479.99 at Palmetto State

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40

A striker-fired polymer-framed 9mm that comes with up to 13 round magazines.

6/10

7/10

7/10

7/10

6/10

7/10

$610.99 at Palmetto State

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55

Every part of the Glock 19 can be customized, from barrels to magazines and triggers, even frames.

9/10

9/10

9/10

10/10

9/10

9/10

How We Picked

Feel & Accuracy

We test fire four 5-round groups from a bench at 25 yards to evaluate the accuracy, then measure the shot groupings, evaluate the trigger pull with a trigger scale and assess reset.

Reliability

We rapidly fire one full magazine of both FMJ & Hollow Point rounds and ensure that the test subject has no feeding, ejecting, or jamming issues and conduct magazine drop and swap tests.

Durability

We evaluate the wear and tear on the gun after our initial tests, including any signs of corrosion, rust, or other forms of damage or buildup and holster the firearm into a Kydex holster 20 times and check for external wear points.

Concealment

We test the handgun’s ability to be concealed effectively in different types of clothing and holsters, which includes IWB, OWB, and belly band holsters, t-shirts, button-up shirts, jackets, hoodies and athletic wear.

More on our testing process

The Best Subcompact 9mm Pistols

These guns are, in our humble opinion, the best subcompact 9mm pistols you can find out there. They’re concealed carry ready but are also completely capable of any role.

Our team took a close look at each of the below subcompacts and believe most shooters who want to carry and conceal a self-defense firearm should consider one of the below. They’re small enough that they make for some of the best CCW 9mm options, provide a quality shooting experience, have solid sights, and are accurate out of the box.

1. Best Overall: S&W M&P9 M2.0 Subcompact

$449

S&W M&P9 M2.0 Subcompact

Other Sellers:

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Feel & Accuracy:
Reliability:
Durability:
Concealment:

Specifications:

  • Weight: 25.3oz
  • Length: 6.6”
  • Barrel Length: 3.6”
  • Capacity: 12
  • Height: 4.98”
  • Caliber: 9mm
  • Action: Striker Fired

Pros:

  • Easy to handle grip
  • Aggressive grip texture
  • Ability to get an integrated laser
  • Overall well-balanced and easy to handle

Cons:

  • It can be challenging to find suitable CCW holsters
  • Original trigger was mushy
  • Stock sights leave something to be desired
  • Flush-fit magazine will leave most shooters dangling a pinky off the frame

Ah, the Smith & Wesson M&P9 M2.0 Subcompact. This 9mm subcompact pistol took the world by storm when it came out, and it has continued to be one of the best subcompact options available anywhere.

If you’d prefer to shop US handguns (meaning the Sig and Glock aren’t for you), then this Smith & Wesson pistol should do the trick.

Of course, if you want a deep dive into S&W’s polymer sensation, take a look at your M&P 2.0 review.

S&W's straightforward single stack stick.
S&W's straightforward single stack stick.

A Well-Balanced Gun

The issue with some polymer frame guns is that they’re so light they can throw off the balance for some shooters.

It can be a challenge to find the right feel with a full magazine or with attachments on board.

The Smith & Wesson M&P Shield 2.0 is different.

With its full single-stack, 7+1 magazine in the gun, it is especially well balanced and feels very good in the hand.

S&W M&P9 M2.0 Subcompact stripped. Note the aggressive grip texture.
S&W M&P9 M2.0 Subcompact stripped. Note the aggressive grip texture.

Good Sights and Optional Laser Integration

The pistol features a bright white, three-dot sight that is easy to see even in relatively low-light situations.

While night sights would likely be preferable in many situations, the stock sights on the M&P are very good.

One thing that our testers really liked about the M&P Shield 2.0 is that you can get this gun with an integrated laser sight from Smith & Wesson.

This makes shooting even easier and it blends pretty seamlessly into the gun. It’s a nice addition you can opt for that rounds out the usability of the pistol.

Aggressive Stippling Makes for Secure Grip

The M&P has some fantastic aftermarket options, like these extended mags.
The M&P has some fantastic aftermarket options, like these extended mags.

If you’re looking for a pistol with a really good grip on it, this one is perhaps even better than the Sig.

It’s less about the shape for this grip and more about the aggressive grip texture that makes it easy to handle even if your hands are really sweaty or damp.

This excellent grip makes the pistol easy to shoot accurately and handle even when in a quick response scenario, and when coupled with the easy-to-use thumb safety is a big plus for a concealed carry pistol.

One criticism is the trigger, which can have a mushy feel thanks to the pivoting safety, so some people prefer to change out the factory go pedal with a trigger upgrade kit for the M&P.

M&P M2.0 sizes -- the S&W full compact and compact 3.6 ( via Smith & Wesson)
M&P M2.0 sizes -- the S&W full compact and compact 3.6 ( via Smith & Wesson)

2.Runner-Up: Sig P365 Pistol

$499.99

Sig Sauer P365 Subcompact

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48

EXCEPTIONAL

Based On 61 Ratings
Performance Scores
Accuracy8/10
Ergonomics7/10
Features8/10
Fit & Finish9/10
Reliability8/10
Value8/10

Other Sellers:

guns
primary arms
brownells
Feel & Accuracy:
Reliability:
Durability:
Concealment:

Specifications:

  • Weight: 17.8oz
  • Length: 5.8”
  • Barrel Length: 3.1”
  • Capacity: 10
  • Height: 4.3”
  • Caliber: 9mm
  • Action: Striker Fired

Pros:

  • One of the best triggers in the industry
  • Unique modular construction provides versatility
  • Good grip & palm swell
  • Lots of variations in the P365 line

Cons:

  • It is slightly heavier than other subcompacts
  • Customizability only comes at extra cost
  • Very early examples had some issues with the firing pins and primer drag, so buy new if possible
The P365 at the range.
The P365 at the range.

Often called the “Glock 26 killer”, the Sig P365 subcompact is the go-to 9mm pistol for those who want an alternative to Glock and prioritize personal defense.

The distinctive cutouts on the slide give the P365 its unique appearance.
The distinctive cutouts on the slide give the P365 its unique appearance.

Some shooters simply don’t care for Glock firearms, and that’s fine. There are plenty of other options out there, and this Sig Sauer is hard to beat.

The Sig P365, and has a long list of fans, including the U.S. Army, who recently selected the M17 variant of the P320 as their service sidearm.

While there's no finger grooves, the wraparound stipling ensures a secure grip.
While there's no finger grooves, the wraparound stipling ensures a secure grip.

Highly Customizable

One thing that sets the Sig P365 subcompact apart from the competition is that the pistol is highly customizable thanks to a modular design. You can configure this pistol to any size: subcompact, compact, and full-frame by swapping the grip module on the P365 firing control unit.

The various pistol components are interchangeable, and that makes this a highly customizable pistol.

Beyond the accessory rail, you can build a small-frame pistol for concealed carry one day, and then on another day, you can have the full-frame gun you want to shoot.

Short and Smooth Trigger Pull

One of the biggest pluses of the Sig P365 Subcompact is its short and smooth trigger pull.

The trigger pull is no heavier than the Glock 26’s but it offers a better trigger feel and a short and snappy pull overall.

Some of our testers commented that it might be the best trigger in all of the subcompact polymer frame, striker-fired pistols out there.

That is subjective, but it’s still worth noting. If you’re a trigger connoisseur, then you should love this pistol.

Accurate and Comfortable

I attribute the Sig P365’ impressive accuracy and ease of use to its good grip and excellent trigger.

Any shooter should be able to become proficient with this pistol in a short amount of time, and the grip is large enough for a variety of hand sizes. The new XMacro is the first P365 to include palmswell inserts, expanding the available hand sizes that can find a home on the platform.

This will ensure you can comfortably and confidently carry your weapon every day.

Sig P365 XMacro Flat-Faced Trigger
Sig P365 XMacro Flat-Faced Trigger

Despite the Sig’s superior trigger, the Glock 43 is often ou go-to due to its thinness.”

3. Glock Pick: G43 Single Stack 9mm

Glock 43 CTA

$420.99

Glock G43 Pistol

Badge

43

EXCEPTIONAL

Based On 21 Ratings
Performance Scores
Accuracy6/10
Ergonomics5/10
Features6/10
Fit & Finish8/10
Reliability10/10
Value8/10

Other Sellers:

guns
primary arms
brownells
Feel & Accuracy:
Reliability:
Durability:
Concealment:

Specifications:

  • Caliber: 9mm
  • Barrel Length: 3.41 inches
  • Overall Length: 6.26 inches
  • Weight: 16.3 ounces, unloaded
  • Magazine Capacity: 6+1

Pros:

  • Smaller overall size than other Glocks
  • Oversized magazine catch makes it easy to get magazines in and out of this tiny gun
  • As easy to shoot and reliable as any other Glock

Cons:

  • Limited capacity
  • Stock sights are small and hard to use in poor lighting conditions
It's astonishing how Glock packs so much dependablity into something so small and slim.
It's astonishing how Glock packs so much dependablity into something so small and slim.

You’ll rarely see a list of 9mm pistols without a Glock, and for good reason. They’re great pistols – and the Glock 19 has been a law enforcement staple since its introduction in 1983.

The Glock 43 is a variant on the full-size Glock 17 platform (one of its “Slimline” variants) as the Glock 19 is generally too big for CCW.

The Glock 43 consistently performs well, especially when chambered for 9mm rounds.

It’s a wonderful gun – and at about 1” wide can work well in any carry position. We dove deep into my personal Glock 43 in our in-depth review.

Small Overall Size

The size of the pistol is very similar to some of the other compact pistols in Glock’s lineup – with an emphasis on the thinness thanks to the single stack magazine. Other than grip length and overall width the Glock 43 is similar in size to the Glock 26; however, it’s easier to shoot and handle with its longer, thinner grip.

The fit in the hand with subcompact pistols is often a concern, but this was not an issue with the Glock 43. The Glock 43 felt secure in my hands when shooting.

The real strength of the G43 is the balance of small size and control It’s not just an easy subcompact 9mm to carry – it’s one of the best 9mm carry firearms out there.

Ease of Use and Accurate

When it comes to actually shooting the Glock 43, there were no big surprises. Like most Glock weapons, I found the gun to shoot consistently, with controllable recoil. Although Glock’s standard plastic sights aren’t particularly exciting, they’re easily replaced.

It was also accurate and comfortable in their hands when shooting, even after more than 100 rounds at the test range.

G43 rear sight
G43 rear sight

The trigger does have a significant amount of creep in it, but it’s a decent trigger that isn’t too heavy, coming in around Glock’s stated 5.4-pound weight, which I can vouch for in testing.

The universal Safe Action safety mechanism works like a charm. The break-over on the trigger is clean and crisp, and the pistol is just plain easy to shoot.

I really like how you don’t have to completely release the trigger in order to fire follow-on shots, thanks to the safety system. It allows the trigger to reset with slight forward movement, so you can fire several rounds quickly without a full trigger pull.

While functional and light enough, there's some creep in the trigger.
While functional and light enough, there's some creep in the trigger.

After a round is fired, you only have to release the trigger until it resets, which you can hear and feel. Overall, it’s a high-quality gun that offers a collection of Glock-specific features that any shooter should be happy with.

The G43 uses Glock's standard 360-degree RTF texture on the grip.
The G43 uses Glock's standard 360-degree RTF texture on the grip.

Capacity

The only strike against the Glock 43 is its low 6-round magazine capacity. The Glock 26, which offers 10-round capacity, is the Glock I would recommend if you simply want more on tap. The Glock 26 may be a small subcompact 9mm, but it’s able to pack a lot of rounds into its small frame thanks to a double-stack magazine.

That magazine holds 10+1, and that makes it fantastic for concealed carry, albeit with a stubby grip that some folks (especially those with larger hands) find awkward.

The new 43 series gun offered users 6+1 rounds of 9mm on tap in a slim pint-sized package.
The new 43 series gun offered users 6+1 rounds of 9mm on tap in a slim pint-sized package.

4. Best Trigger: Walther PPS M2

$601.99

Walther PPS M2 Subcompact

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49

EXCEPTIONAL

Based On 5 Ratings
Performance Scores
Accuracy9/10
Ergonomics9/10
Features7/10
Fit & Finish8/10
Reliability10/10
Value6/10

Other Sellers:

guns
primary arms
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Feel & Accuracy:
Reliability:
Durability:
Concealment:

Specifications:

  • Weight: 21.1oz
  • Length: 6.3”
  • Barrel Length: 3.18”
  • Capacity: 5-8 depending on the magazine
  • Height: 5.3”
  • Caliber: 9mm
  • Action: Striker Fired

Pros:

  • Accurate and reliable
  • One of the slimmer options for concealment
  • Well-built with good materials
  • Fantastic ergonomics
  • Trigger pull is surprisingly smooth

Cons:

  • Limited capacity compared to double-stack pistols
  • Sights could be better
  • Some users report ammo sensitivity
  • Not much grip stippling
The PPS certainly looks the part.
The PPS certainly looks the part.

Another great option for shooters looking for a subcompact 9mm pistol comes to us from Walther.

The PPS has been a reliable polymer frame pistol for years but never found the same level of enthusiasm as other options from Glock, Sig, and Smith & Wesson.

Walther updated the gun and renamed it the Walther PPS M2 Subcompact, creating a really compelling entry into the 9mm subcompact market.

The slight finger grooves coupled with the stippling makes the PPS easy to control.
The slight finger grooves coupled with the stippling makes the PPS easy to control.

Improved Design

The improved design offers a simplified mag release (using a button rather than the weird little lever thing they used on the first model). There’s also a striker cocking indicator.

These small updates might not seem like a big deal, and they’re not revolutionary, but they help make the Walther PPS M2 into a seriously useful pistol by building on what was a very good firearm to begin with. They take the firearm up a notch.

The indicator on the back of the slide lets you know if the striker is cocked.
The indicator on the back of the slide lets you know if the striker is cocked.

Extendable Mags for Increased Capacity

One of the downsides of the Walther PPS M2 is that the limited magazine capacity a single-stack configuration requires.

The 6+1 capacity is enough to get the job done given the CCW emphasis – but Walther has a solution if you need more: extended magazines.

This solution is nothing new. Most firearms come with the ability to use an extended magazine but Walther offers 7+1 and 8+1 variants, opening up some serious additional capacity.

Also, the magazines have the same stippling and shape as the grip of the gun, so you’re adding capacity and improving usability, which is smart.

The PPS is slightly larger than the G43, but just as easy to use.
The PPS is slightly larger than the G43, but just as easy to use.

Slim Frame That’s Easy to Conceal

One of the best things about the Walther PPS M2 is its slim overall design. At 1.1 inches, the PPS M2 is almost exactly the same width as the Sig P320 – but often costs 20% less.

The trigger safety - one of 3: the trigger safety, internal firing pin safety and QuickSafe feature.
The trigger safety - one of 3: the trigger safety, internal firing pin safety and QuickSafe feature.

You get a fantastic concealed carry option – from an incredibly well-established firearm brand – with considerably less investment.

5. Also Great: Kimber R7 Mako

Kimber R7 Mako CTA

$727.99

Kimber R7 Mako

Badge

47

EXCEPTIONAL

Based On 5 Ratings
Performance Scores
Accuracy8/10
Ergonomics8/10
Features8/10
Fit & Finish8/10
Reliability10/10
Value5/10

Other Sellers:

guns
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Feel & Accuracy:
Reliability:
Durability:
Concealment:

Specifications:

  • Caliber: 9mm
  • Barrel Length: 4.3 inches
  • Overall Length: 6.2 inches
  • Weight: 19.5 ounces, unloaded
  • Magazine Capacity: 11+1 flush, 13+1 extended.

Pros:

  • The Mako is a well-kept secret when it comes to micro carry 9mm pistols but once you weigh it against the competition, scores near the top of the charts.

Cons:

  • While feature-rich, the Mako does not get a lot of love or support when it comes to triggers or other accessories.

Not the first pistol folks think of when the word “Kimber” comes up, the R7 Mako is ready to swim in rough waters.

The R7 Mako is Kimber’s first polymer-framed striker-fired micro compact 9mm pistol and, when introduced in August 2021, didn’t turn a lot of heads at first but since then has grown in popularity due to its rich feature set and complimentary reviews.

The Mako's rich feature set and complimentary reviews helped it find its fanbase.
The Mako's rich feature set and complimentary reviews helped it find its fanbase.

Shipped with both a flush-fit 11+1 round magazine and a 13+1 extended mag, the Mako combines good ergonomics with a novel barrel lock-up design to deliver.

When it comes to micro compact 9mm pistols, they are almost all set up exclusively with the surface controls on the left side for right-handed users. The Mako swims upstream against that and has a fully ambidextrous magazine release and slide catch. The magazines drop free easily.

The Mako has fully ambidextrous controls.
The Mako has fully ambidextrous controls.
You get both a flush-fit 11+1 round magazine and a 13+1 extended mag with the Mako.
You get both a flush-fit 11+1 round magazine and a 13+1 extended mag with the Mako.

I’m not going to lie, the Mako seems to mimic the Hi-Point 9mm pistol in shape but looks can be deceiving as it feels good in the hand.

The curved backstrap fills the palm and allows easy control while the 360-degree texture and undercut trigger guard allow the user to keep hands-on even when in rapid strings of fire.

I assessed the Mako with 500 rounds of mixed factory ammunition and had only one malfunction, which earns it almost Glock-level praise when it comes to being dependable.

I really like how the curved backstrap fills the palm and allows easy control.
I really like how the curved backstrap fills the palm and allows easy control.

The Kimber R7 carries co-witnessed TruGlo tritium night sights in a Glock-cut standard dovetail and is optics-ready for any red/green dot sight compatible with the Shield pattern RMSc footprint.

The company also ships a variant complete with a Crimson Trace CTS-1500 red dot sight. I found the factory sights to be superb.

The Mako stands optics-ready for any red/green dot sight that fits the Shield pattern RMSc footprint.
The Mako stands optics-ready for any red/green dot sight that fits the Shield pattern RMSc footprint.

Using what Kimber refers to as their “Performance Carry Trigger,” the Mako offers an even pull that culminates in a relatively crisp break, weighing in the low 5-pound range.

Using a unique barrel lockup rather than the more typical tilting block seen in most other semi-auto pistols, the Mako is exceptionally accurate. When firing from the bench we could make easy overlapping groups, an ability that did not vanish once you transitioned to off-hand firing. It will surprise you, for sure.

Kimber's "Performance Carry Trigger" gives you a relatively crisp break in the low 5-pound range.
Kimber's "Performance Carry Trigger" gives you a relatively crisp break in the low 5-pound range.

Unfortunately, Kimber hasn’t made a lot of friends when it comes to aftermarket support for the Mako, and you may have to hunt for anything more exotic than holsters– which are available from common makers like DeSantis. Gratefully, it uses a common sight dovetail, although the TruGlos it ships with are unlikely to be swapped out by most users.

6. Best 1911: Sig Sauer P938

$549

Sig P938 SAS 9mm Micro Compact Pistol

Other Sellers:

guns
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Feel & Accuracy:
Reliability:
Durability:
Concealment:

Specifications:

  • Weight: 16oz
  • Length: 5.5”
  • Barrel Length: 3”
  • Capacity: 7
  • Height: 3.8”
  • Caliber: 9mm
  • Action: Hammer Fired

Pros:

  • Basically a mini 1911
  • One of the best triggers on the market
  • Night sights & anti-snag options

Cons:

  • Can struggle to feed hollow point rounds
  • Most models don’t come with iron sights
  • Models with wood grips are harder to hold

Although Sig calls this a micro-compact, at 16oz unloaded, the Sig Sauer P938 pistol is arguably a sub-compact. This is an easy-to-conceal 1911 style pistol with a single stack magazine that can hold up to 7 rounds with the extended magazines, meaning you can get eight rounds of capacity.

With a 3” barrel and an excellent trigger, the 938 can be shot well while maintaining its concealability. It also comes in a wide variety of finishes, so you can get one that suits your style as well. The stock sights glow in the dark, making it an all-around great concealed carry gun.

7. Also Great: Springfield Hellcat

$479.99

Springfield Hellcat

Badge

40

EXCEPTIONAL

Based On 55 Ratings
Performance Scores
Accuracy6/10
Ergonomics7/10
Features7/10
Fit & Finish7/10
Reliability6/10
Value7/10

Other Sellers:

guns
primary arms
brownells
Feel & Accuracy:
Reliability:
Durability:
Concealment:

Specifications:

  • Weight: 18.3oz
  • Length: 6”
  • Barrel Length: 3”
  • Capacity: 10
  • Height: 4.5” with an extended magazine
  • Caliber: 9mm
  • Action: Striker Fired

Pros:

  • Micro red dot ready
  • Aggressive grip texture

Cons:

  • Mushy trigger
  • Very small slide rail

For those looking for something that is a little more truly a micro-compact, the Springfield Hellcat is an excellent option.

It’s a striker-fired polymer-framed 9mm that comes with up to 13 round magazines. Also, they make a version with a pre-cut slide for some of the smaller red dots out there.

Although adding a dot does add some bulk to an overall concealed carry package, having 13 rounds of 9mm and a red dot in a pistol that is still reasonably compact is a significant value proposition in the concealed carry space.

8. Budget Pick: Taurus GX4

Taurus GX4 CTA

$399.99

Taurus GX4 9mm Pistol

Badge

48

EXCEPTIONAL

Based On 17 Ratings
Performance Scores
Accuracy8/10
Ergonomics8/10
Features6/10
Fit & Finish7/10
Reliability9/10
Value10/10

Other Sellers:

guns
primary arms
brownells
Feel & Accuracy:
Reliability:
Durability:
Concealment:

Specifications:

  • Caliber: 9mm
  • Barrel Length: 3.06 inches
  • Overall Length: 6.05 inches
  • Weight: 18.7 ounces, unloaded
  • Magazine Capacity: 10+1 flush fit, 11+1 or 13+1 round extended.

Pros:

  • Regularly available for far less than a P365, the GX4 offers much the same concealability and performance.

Cons:

  • The surface controls could be better, and the takedown pin feels very 1920s rather than 2020s.

A micro-compact 9mm carry gun that has fallen through the cracks, the Taurus GX4 deserves some love and consideration for those looking for a great EDC pistol.

While Taurus has been making polymer-framed 9mm pistols for over a quarter century– going back to 1997’s PT-111– and followed that gun up with two further generations of handguns (the G2 and G3 series), the new fourth-generation GX4 was the Brazilian gunmaker’s first “micro-compact” concealed carry defensive pistol. Introduced in May 2021, the GX4 was the company’s answer to the Sig Sauer P365, Springfield Armory Hellcat, and the like.

The new fourth-generation GX4 was the Brazilian gunmaker's first "micro-compact" concealed carry defensive pistol.
The new fourth-generation GX4 was the Brazilian gunmaker's first "micro-compact" concealed carry defensive pistol.

The main feature of the GX4 is its compact nature and easy concealability. Everything on the gun feels like it was weighed and measured to be as svelte as possible– while coming in at a budget price.

The GX4 has quite simple controls and it is clear that the engineers behind the platform made sacrifices to make sure the gun was as “melted” and snag-free as possible. The slide catch is on the left side only and is small and recessed, making it hard to use. The reversible push-button magazine release works as advertised and the mags drop free. Takedown requires a tool as there is no onboard disassembly lever.

While not the GX4, we compiled our thoughts on long-term G3C ownership in our G3C review. We’re in testing with the GX4 now and will update this guide once complete.

GX4 has quite simple controls and feels almost "melted" to make it snag-free and carry-friendly.
GX4 has quite simple controls and feels almost "melted" to make it snag-free and carry-friendly.

The GX4 feels smaller in the hand than most other micro compact 9mm pistols but offers good, 360-degree texture in the grip as well as other nice ergos such as thumb tabs on the frame. It carries well, even in appendix positions.

I put 500 rounds of assorted factory loads through the GX4 and found it to be dependable on the range, with zero malfunctions logged.

The GX4 feels smaller in the hand than most other micro compact 9mm pistols but offers good, 360-degree grip texture.
The GX4 feels smaller in the hand than most other micro compact 9mm pistols but offers good, 360-degree grip texture.

In a wise move, Taurus set up the GX4 to use Glock-pattern dovetail/mounts but outfitted the pistol with steel sights rather than Glock’s oft-derided plastic sights. The front is a fixed dot while the rear is a blacked-out drift adjustable sight. They are easy to use and have no frills. Taurus offers the GX4 in what they call a TORO package, which allows for use with micro red dot sights via the factory optics-cut slide.

Taurus was smart about using Glock-pattern dovetail/mounts but outfitting the GX4 with steel, rather than plastic, sights. Out back you have a blacked-out drift adjustable sight. You can also get the TORO package, which adds an optics slide cut.
Taurus was smart about using Glock-pattern dovetail/mounts but outfitting the GX4 with steel, rather than plastic, sights. Out back you have a blacked-out drift adjustable sight. You can also get the TORO package, which adds an optics slide cut.
While it's not a fiber optic front sight, it still gets the job done.
While it's not a fiber optic front sight, it still gets the job done.

The GX4 has an SAO flat profile trigger that feels good compared to past Taurus models. It breaks at about 5.5 pounds after a short take-up and has a defined wall. Tough to ask more from a factory standard pack in a striker-fired pistol.

We found the Taurus GX4 capable on the range in practical shooting at self-defense distances out to 25 yards. Keep in mind that, being a small pistol with a 3-inch barrel, it doesn’t offer a long sight radius. However, it’s still easy to maintain accuracy without stray shots.

The flat-faced trigger is a significant improvement over the triggers found on previous Taurus models.
The flat-faced trigger is a significant improvement over the triggers found on previous Taurus models.

Other than holsters, which seem to be widely available from several makers, there is little support for the GX4 outside of Taurus’s webstores. Luckily, the sights are Glock-pattern, meaning they can be replaced with several options.

9. Glock Runner-Up: Glock 19

Glock 48X CTA

$610.99

Glock G19 Gen5 9mm Pistol

Performance Scores
Accuracy9/10
Ergonomics9/10
Features9/10
Fit & Finish10/10
Reliability9/10
Value9/10

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Specifications:

  • Weight: 23.63oz
  • Length: 7.36”
  • Barrel Length: 4.02”
  • Capacity: 15
  • Height: 5.04”
  • Caliber: 9mm
  • Action: Striker fired

Pros:

  • Takes standard Glock magazines, so keeping a spare 30-rounder in your bag is an option if you need more capacity
  • Glocks tend to be super reliable, which makes them great carry guns

Cons:

  • A little bit big
  • Upgrading the sight to night sights is a must

The largest pistol on our list, barely making the cut as a compact, is the legendary Glock 19.

While it might be a little larger, it’s still undoubtedly concealable and offers some significant benefits that I think make up for its relative size.

The Glock 19 Gen 3 9mm
The Glock 19 Gen 3 9mm
Feel & Accuracy:
Reliability:
Durability:
Concealment:

The barrel is a little longer than the rest we’ve covered on the list, coming in at 4”: this makes it a little easier to shoot. Similarly, it holds 15 rounds of 9mm, giving you a bit more firepower.

The aftermarket for Glocks is legendarily extensive. There’s not one part on a Glock 19 you cannot have changed or worked on, from barrels to magazines and triggers, even frames.

If you like Glocks, it can turn into a hobby in and of itself just customizing yours, which some users will very much appreciate.

Glock 19 and Glock 17 Side-By-Side Comparison
Glock 19 and Glock 17 Side-By-Side Comparison

What to Look for in a Subcompact 9mm

The Beretta APX Compact touches on a lot of the wants for small carry pistols.
The Beretta APX Compact touches on a lot of the wants for small carry pistols.

Ask ten people to name the best subcompact pistol, and you’ll likely receive ten different answers.

In my opinion, the best subcompact 9mm pistol is one that is easily concealed, has an appropriate capacity, and can shoot effectively when in a stressful situation.

Although the subcompact 9mm handgun is a popular choice for concealed carry and self-defense, selecting the ideal one is subjective. There isn’t a single ‘best’ subcompact 9mm that suits everyone.

Most folks believe a subcompact 9mm will certainly get the job done, we’ve tried to break through the noise of opinions and give you a series of no-fail recommendations.

With every manufacturer getting in on the exploding interest in self-defense pistols, there has been a flood of new subcompact guns in recent years. While many of these weapons are excellent options from reputable manufacturers, not all of them are the best or most-reliable weapons. Every subcompact listed below strikes the right balance of diminutive size, performance, and concealability.

When it comes to classifying pistols, context is the key. Thus, to get an idea of what, exactly, might count as a subcompact 9mm pistol, let’s walk through some categories of pistols with examples.

Clarifying Compacts vs. Subcompacts vs. Micro 9s

Compacts:

  • There is no one set standard for what makes a pistol a compact one. A good rule of thumb is these pistols can easily be concealed in either an inside-the-waistband or outside-the-waistband (IWB or OWB) holster and offer 12 or more capacity.
  • Thus, these tend to be a little bit thinner overall than something like a service pistol (think Glock 17 or M1911 Government).
  • A great example is the Glock 19 — a compact pistol that has a length of 7.3” , 5” tall, 1.3” wide, with a 4” barrel and 15-round capacity. This is a full half-inch shorter in terms of length and height than the full-size Glock 17. Compact firearms tend to be small enough to conceal but large enough to have room for accessories on a front Picatinny rail.

Subcompacts:

  • As the name might infer, subcompacts tend to be handguns that are a little smaller than compacts, as a general rule.
  • These guns are meant to be carried concealed while maintaining shootability by being big enough to fill up a person’s hand reasonably well. Compared to compacts, subcompacts tend to carry a little less ammunition, but that depends on the frame of comparison in your particular case.
  • It’s not uncommon to find subcompacts that have single-stack magazines.
  • In keeping with our Glock example, the sub-compact Glock 26 is almost a full inch shorter than the Glock 19 at 6.4” long, 4.2” tall, a tiny 3.4” barrel, but sharing the 1.30” width with the G19. These smaller sizes also impact capacity, with the G23 offering 10-rounds on tap.

Micro-Compacts:

  • The smallest of the bunch here are the micro-compact firearms. These firearms are even smaller than the subcompacts, being intended mostly as concealed carry guns for people who do not want to print under any circumstances.
  • Although these guns are very small, they’re favorites for people who need a tiny gun and in several circumstances. For instance, as a backup gun, a firearm to have with you while running, or as a weapon to keep stashed in a secret location, a Micro-Compact is hard to beat.
  • Finishing out Glock example you have the micro-compact Glock 43 that comes in at 6.3″ length, 4.25 inch height, but — most importantly for carry fans — a width of just 1.06″, so you can really conceal these smaller pistols. That said, the super-slim width is achieved in part with single-stack magazine, severely limiting capacity — the G43 offers 6 rounds on tap.

1. A barrel that’s 4 inches or Less

The Shield EZ has a typical subcompact barrel length of around 3.7"
The Shield EZ has a typical subcompact barrel length of around 3.7"

There’s a lot of variation here, but you can think of compact, subcompact, and micro-compact firearms in terms of their barrel lengths.

Generally, compacts will have barrel lengths somewhere around the 4” mark, where subcompacts will be between 3-4”, and micro-compacts can have barrels as short as 2”.

2. Select from proven actions

As with most engineering problems, there is more than one way to achieve a solution.

That’s especially true with firearms, which can have a dizzying array of action types.

For instance, if you ever want to induce a migraine, go look up how the Russian AN94 rifle works. Here, we’re going to cover some common terms in handgun actions so that you can get your bearings.

The Glock 43  is a classic striker-fired subcompact.
The Glock 43 is a classic striker-fired subcompact.

Striker Fired

Today, many common carry and duty 9mm handguns are striker-fired. That means that you won’t be seeing an external hammer, and instead, there is an internal striker, usually, spring-loaded, that, when the trigger is depressed, will be let loose to strike the primer.

Semi-Autos

When you see “semi-auto”, it simply refers to semi-automatic. What that means is that the gun will fire a round each time the trigger is pulled without any other action necessary on part of the shooter.

A great example to contrast this is with a pump-action shotgun. If you fire the shotgun and immediately pull the trigger again, nothing will happen.

You have to rack the slide back and forward again to load another round.

With a semi-auto gun, as long as there is ammunition, the gun will fire each time you pull the trigger.

3. Find a magazine capacity you can live with

Magazine capacity is not determined by type alone: it’s certainly possible for a single-stack magazine to offer more rounds than a double-stack.

Capacity is a matter of both the length and width of the magazine, and thus their capacities are largely determined by the form factor of the firearm. Each firearm will only accept magazines of a certain dimension, and from there, it is a matter of length.

Single Vs. Double Stack

Magazines for semi-automatic handguns generally come in two varieties, single and double stack. This refers to the internal geometry of the magazine and the resulting configuration of rounds in that magazine.

The most simple orientation, in a single-stack magazine, the rounds sit right on top of one another, feeding and loading in a straight, single column. These tend to offer the thinnest profiles but the least capacity.

Thin pistols are easier to conceal, print less than larger pistols, and are often the preferred configuration for concealed carry.

In a double-stack, the rounds stagger, meaning that they sit above and slightly to the side of one another. The result is a wider magazine that offers the ability to fit more rounds in the same amount of vertical space, at the cost of a wider magazine profile and, in turn, a wider firearm.

Mag Extensions

Nowadays, most firearms offer magazine extensions. Depending, of course, on state and local laws, you can often put longer magazines with higher capacities in your firearms. In the case of subcompacts, in particular, this can be extremely attractive for two reasons. First and most obviously, these magazine extensions offer more ammunition you may need to defend yourself. Second, the magazine being longer usually also means a better grip on the gun with your firing hand.

This makes extended magazines extremely popular with folks who carry smaller handguns.

4. Do you need optics support?

Mossberg MC2cs has an optics-ready variant.
Mossberg MC2cs has an optics-ready variant.

When shooting in any situation, being able to properly identify a target before engaging is vitally important.

This is especially true in a self-defense shooting, which is usually done in conditions that are a lot less favorable than those you or I would find at our local shooting range. Until recently, the options for optics of any kind of pistol were pretty poor, and the iron sights on pistols weren’t helping. Many just had iron sights that were the same color as the frame and were more of a suggestion than a precision aiming device. Luckily, this has been improving in recent decades.

Iron sights are getting better: several manufacturers and aftermarket accessory makers provide high visibility sights, some of which glow in the dark. This is a big benefit over the old days. Even better, there are now several electronic optics that are available, giving a red dot sight on guns that have slides cut to fit these sights. Assuming you have a holster that can fit one of these sights, an electronic optic on a pistol can help you put rounds on target and can overcome many of the difficulties in pistol shooting under duress.

Naturally, conceal carry use means a holster and optics complicate that picture (unless you’re rocking pocket carry, for which we have recommendations). Be it an IWB holster or OWB, if there’s a fitted holster you prefer, just make sure that the optics you want to mount will either fit with your current holster choice or there’s a version of that holster which can accommodate your new MRD.

6. Check the weight

Subcompacts are considered by many to be the best concealed carry gun, so weight is an important factor. It doesn’t matter how small a gun is; if it’s heavy, it can be difficult to conceal, will drag on your holster, and you’ll be constantly aware of it. Even the sturdiest holster will struggle with an unreasonably heavy gun.

Less is often more – and this is particularly true with subcompacts. That’s why polymer-frame guns are so common in subcompact 9mm pistols — they make a fantastic concealed carry weapon.

Overall size will play a role in weight, certainly, but materials are often even more impactful when it comes to weight. Also, magazine material & overall capacity can impact weight, too. The more bullets a gun carries, the heavier it will be.

This is one of the benefits of single-stack 9mm pistols – you get the right balance of weight & capacity.

7. Review the overall size

Weight matters, but so does overall size. Subcompacts, by design, are smaller than even most compact pistols, which means they’re great for people with smaller hands or who need to conceal the pistol, but those smaller frames can make establishing a proper grip a challenge. In these cases, an extended magazine will add length and control.

Barrel length, height, and overall width are key for ensuring your selection fits your hand size & shooting style. I cover an even smaller handgun option – the pocket pistol – if you’re interested in pocket carry options.

Shortcomings

While I am a big fan of smaller handguns for everyday carry, there are some drawbacks to them that should be addressed. After all, if these tiny handguns were the best, you’d see them more commonly carried by militaries and law enforcement. But, with some training and practice, the costs of these shortcomings can certainly be diminished.

Short Sight Radius

These small guns have a short distance between the front and rear sight; that distance is known as the sight radius. With that small sight radius, it’s hard to get a precise sight picture even with a lot of practice.

That being said, the accuracy you’ll be getting from a subcompact 9mm is more about placing rounds center mass than it is about tight target groups when target shooting. Practicing dry fire and at the range, getting an effective grip, and bracing your hands beneath the trigger guard will help you get used to the sight picture, and adding a red dot is also an excellent idea.

Capacity

Capacity is a serious issue for smaller handguns, which often have single, or low double-digit magazine capacities. Extended magazines can help, but the way around this one is to keep a spare magazine or two somewhere you can get to it in the event of a major defensive encounter. Ideally, if anything resembling a gunfight happens you’ll have a firearm other than a pistol handy, but that second magazine of eight rounds is a lot better than nothing. Of course, practicing reloadings will also be a must.

Control, Grip Angle, and Follow-Up Shots

These three problems are interrelated, and one of the reasons I do not recommend subcompacts for one’s first gun. Since compact and smaller pistols are so small, their subcompact frame makes them more challenging to control than larger pistols. This is due in part to their smaller grip and awkward grip angles as well as a lack of mass to reduce muzzle rise. This lack of control, in turn, makes follow-up shots harder. Practicing grip and target presentations with an empty gun at home can help a lot. Getting used to how the sight picture looks and how the gun feels in your hand makes getting that first shot off easier.

From there, going to the range and practicing firing two or three rounds in rapid succession until you can get them in a group that you’re happy with is essential.

Yes, compact pistols are more challenging to shoot effectively than pistols with a larger grip, but — with a little bit of homework, some training, and lots of practice, they can be a powerful defensive tool in your arsenal.

Be careful, though; once you get one compact pistol, they do tend to multiply in your collection.

Wrapping it up

The Smith & Wesson M&P Shield 2.0 is the subcompact 9mm pistol that checks all the boxes for us. It’s the duty pistol choice for countless Law Enforcement Officers, and its array of configurations means there’s an M&P out there for almost anyone. Any of the options here should serve you well if you’re looking for the best subcompact 9mm handgun – either for concealed carry, home defense, or any other purpose.

However, the Sig Sauer P365 isn’t far behind and offers a great blend of reliability, accuracy, concealment, and weight. It’s simply a good option for almost every shooter out there.

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Updated

April 5, 2023 — We’ve updated this guide to include some of our new favorites such as the Kimber R7 Mako, which knocked the Springfield XD-S off our list and the Taurus GX4, which replaces their G3C.

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