The VP9 is HK’s entry into striker-fired pistols. It’s reliable with great ergonomics and an incredibly clean trigger. The VP9 features a light, premium trigger, customizable grips, ambidextrous controls, an extended Picatinny rail, and an advanced striker-fired slide. Price on the VP9 is also quite reasonable – competitive with Glocks. The VP9 comes with different configurations, available in multiple colors and mag counts. The recent variants of the gun features optics-ready slides, a normal mag release button, and 17-round mags.
The Sig P365 is an impressive micro 9mm with a great track record. This gun is a popular subcompact semi-auto pistol, designed for CCW and self defense. Some of it’s key features include a 10-round capacity, which is higher than many of its competitors, compact and modular, has XRAY3 Day/Night sights providing visibility in low light conditions, and ambi controls. We’ve tested this gun time and time again. As our writer puts it, “The rest of the industry has had a couple of years to catch up but the P365 is still an impressive micro 9mm that is super popular as a CCW option.” – Travis Pike
The Glock 43 harnesses all the world-renowned reliability that Glock is known for, all in a tiny package. Just over 1 inch wide and under 17 ounces, the G43 is easy to conceal in any environment and virtually any carry method. An extended beavertail, textured grip, and enlarged magazine release ensure that operation is smooth and recoil control is manageable. Overall, these single-stack 6+1 pistols are great for those who want a reliable, small, concealable pistol.
“The Shield 9 Plus is about as small as you can go and still have an easily useable platform with ergonomic controls across a range of hand sizes…any smaller and compromises begin to occur. That said, Smith did an excellent job with this pistol, making it accurate, easy to use, and wholly concealable.” – Sean Curtis
The S&W 686 is built on S&W’s durable medium L-Frame, which allows for continuous use of magnum cartridges while maintaining longevity. These 6-shot revolvers are popular among hunters, target shooters, and general enthusiasts alike and are known for their accuracy and smooth triggers.
“The Smith & Wesson Shield EZ is a great gun for those that need a little help in the racking department. The slide rides smoothly on the rails, making it easy to load a round in the chamber. Ergonomics are pretty good, except for the slide release which is just okay. Overall, it’s a soft and smooth shooter — perfect for those with hand difficulties, new shooters, or older shooters.”
The Glock 23 is a compact version and is a popular handgun for police and government agencies who prefer .40 S&W. One of the big selling points is a large capacity yet lightweight feel. This one is great if you want a compact concealed carry weapon or if you have smaller hands.
Smith and Wesson finally decided to revisit the 10mm cartridge and adapted their M&P 2.0 platform for it. Our test gun was reliable, shot well, and had the quality ergonomics the M&P line is known for. However, there have been some reported issues with the 4-inch models, and it should be noted that this is still a relatively new gun in Smith and Wesson’s lineup.
The Sig P320 is a great pistol and an alternative for Glock, XD, M&P. For a Sig, it’s an entry-level gun and quite subpar compared to Sig’s legacy P-series. That said, this gun is reliable, accurate, and modular. As the Army’s newest sidearm, the P320 is a good choice for a first pistol and/or carry gun.
The P320 comes in different models and calibers. For gamers, the RX model is equipped with a factory red dot that looks promising. The Tacops Carry model is perfect for conceal carry with it’s full-length grip, compact slide, tall SIGLITE Night Sights, and 21-rd mags.
