The selection of carry handguns in 9mm has never been so vast. Make sense of it with these recommendations.
Choosing a concealed carry handgun does not need to be an arduous task. You need to find a reliable, accurate handgun in a dependable caliber that will be potent enough to stop the threat while being easily concealed.
Most firearms instructors recommend a minimum caliber of 380 ACP or 38 Special. With that in mind, we went up a step to look at the 10 most popular concealed carry handguns chambered in 9mm.
Glock 43
Probably the most sought after 9mm handgun on the market, the 43 is Glock's single stack subcompact 9mm offering that holds six rounds. Its polymer frame and reduced size make it a perfect lightweight concealed carry choice.
Glock 19
The Glock 19 is a proven mid-size handgun designed for concealed carry. A bit larger than the Glock 43, this pistol puts 15 rounds of ammunition at your disposal.
Steyr S9A1
The Steyr S9A1 comes equipped with a wonderful out-of-the-box trigger and unique sighting system from Australia. You may have problems finding a holster, but the Steyr is a perfect concealed carry piece.
H&K P30SK
A modular concealed carry version, based on their P30SK, allows the shooter to configure the grip frame in as many as 27 different combinations.
S&W M&P 9C
Smith & Wesson put a lot of research into the M&P series. Perfect ergonomics and a plethora of accessories make up for its lackluster trigger. Comparable in size to the Glock 19, this melonite-coated polymer framed pistol is becoming a favorite of many law enforcement agencies.
S&W 9mm Shield
The Shield is the single stack version of Smith & Wesson's M&P pistol. It's a good option in case you find the standard grip too large for your hands or too difficult to conceal.
HK P9S
This striker-fired handgun is a bit of a sleeper, but it ships from the factory with three magazines giving the owner plenty of options for carry.
Sig Sauer P938
For those seeking the most classic and time-tested 1911 platform, you can't do much better than the sleek and easily concealable Sig Sauer P938. Easier to shoot and almost as concealable as its cousin, the P238 (chambered in .380), it's a no-brainer for those who can afford the hefty price tag.
Sphinx SDP Subcompact
This pistol may be one that you have never heard of, but the Sphinx SDP Subcompact is a Swiss-made handgun that is perhaps the finest pistol ever made. Chosen by elite forces throughout the world, the craftsmanship is second to none, and it is hard to say no to 12 rounds in the magazine.
Ruger LC-9
Ruger's LC-9 is probably the most cost-effective option of the group. The frame is glass-filled nylon and boasts a loaded chamber indicator as well as a magazine disconnect feature, which renders the pistol safe when the magazine is removed.
These choices offer the shooter a large variety when it comes to choosing a pistol. We recommend looking at each one in person to see how they fit your hand. Even better, try shooting a few before you buy one in order to make sure it is the pistol that you want.
