Best Compact 9mm Handguns

When it comes to handguns, the 9mm is one of the most popular calibers for pistol shooters.

And among the pistol arena, the 9mm compact, in particular, tends to be a regular choice for those looking to concealed carry.

These guns bridge the gap between full-sized and sub-compact, offering a nice middle area. Basically, they're the Goldilocks guns -- not too big and not too small.

But with a ton of models to choose from, it can seem a bit overwhelming to narrow down which one you should buy.

But that's why you've got us, right? We're going to walk you through some of our favorite compact 9mm handguns and tell you why we dig them.

By the end, you'll have a better understanding of what's out there and what we recommend.

How We Tested the Best Compact Handguns

The Pew Pew Team tested each of these handguns at the range. This includes accuracy testing from 7 to 25 yards, running at least several hundred rounds various types of range and defensive ammo through each firearm over a long period, and extensive time concealed carrying these guns.

We also measured trigger-pull with trigger gauges instead of just relying on manufacturer data.

Not every gun on this list is right for everyone, but we’ve included some of the most popular brands and models that work for us and the vast majority of concealed carriers.

Best Value Compact 9mm Handgun

1. Walther PDP

Walther PDP Compact

$588.00

at Kygunco

Prices accurate at time of writing

$588.00 at Kygunco

Midway USA (see price)

GrabAGun (see price)

Specs

• Caliber: 9mm
• Action: Semi-auto, striker-fired
• Weight: 24.4 oz.
• Barrel length: 4"
• Overall length: 7.5"
• Width: 1.34"
• Height: 5.4"
• Capacity: 15+1

Features

• Performance Duty Trigger
• SuperTerrain slide serrations
• Interchangeable backstraps
• Optics-ready
• 2x 15-round magazines

The PDP by Walther is an impressive design that really stood out to the team at PPT.

Although there are various sizes and models available, we are looking at the PDP Compact. This model offers a 15-round capacity along with a whole host of other cool features.

This gun sports aggressive texturing and slide serrations that make manipulations easy. The magazine release and slide release are generously sized, making the controls easy to operate.

It also boasts one of the best triggers we've tried — seriously, it's good. Dubbed the PDT (Performance Duty Trigger), it gives users a 4.5-pound trigger that has an exceedingly crisp break and reset that isn't common among striker-fired guns.

The grip angle feels natural, and this gun is a comfortable one to shoot. Not to mention, it has proven to be both extremely reliable and accurate.

Topping everything off is an optics-ready slide, although you will have to order the specific adapter plate you need directly from Walther.

Although the PDP is a bit chunkier when it comes to concealed carry, the compact version is still more than manageable with a good holster and appropriate attire.

Sean has put over 10,000 rounds through his main Walther PDP, so be sure to read up on his thoughts here or watch the video review below. Between him and our editor, Wyatt, they have five PDPs --- nuff said.

Best 2011 Compact 9mm Handgun

2. Staccato CS

Staccato CS

$2499.00

at Kygunco

Prices accurate at time of writing

$2499.00 at Kygunco

Staccato (see price)

Guns.com (see price)

Specs

• Caliber: 9mm
• Action: Semi-auto, single-action
• Weight: 23 oz.
• Barrel length: 3.5"
• Overall length: 7.1"
• Width: 1.45"
• Height: 5.6"
• Capacity: 16+1

Features

• Optics-ready
• Fiber optics front sight with Dawson Precision rear
• Fluted bull barrel
• External extractor
• Fully captive recoil system
• 2x 16-round magazines

The Staccato CS is all about striking a balance between staying hidden and getting the job done. It’s not too big, not too small, and just right for most folks, regardless of hand size.

When it comes to handling, it's got a good grip texture, but it won't feel like sandpaper on your skin. No need to worry about your clothes getting caught up in it.

Staccato implemented a newer grip to help overcome that bulky and blocky feeling most 2011s have. It feels noticeably thinner and more natural than our editor's Staccato C2, making it much more appealing for concealed carry.

The trigger's got a crisp feel, barely any travel, and resets quickly. It breaks right around 4-4.5 pounds, and feels amazing, like a good 1911 trigger should.

Being smaller, it has a bit more recoil compared to other Staccato models, but no worries, it's still easy to handle, and you can nail follow-up shots with ease and speed.

Accuracy-wise, it delivers tight groups thanks to a precision-fitted match-grade bull barrel. In short, this is a high-end gun, with high-end performance for the discerning shooter. This is an everyday carry gun for our content man, Sean.

So what is the catch? Well, it carries a hefty price tag of $2499. If money is a concern, this is probably not going to be your top choice.

To learn more about the Staccato CS, check out our hands-on review.

Best DA/SA Compact 9mm Handgun

3. Sig Sauer P229 Legion

Sig Sauer P229 Legion

$1299.00

at Sportsman's Warehouse

Prices accurate at time of writing

$1299.00 at Sportsman's Warehouse

Sportsman's Outdoor Superstore (see price)

Kygunco (see price)

GrabAGun (see price)

Specs

• Caliber: 9mm
• Action: DA/SA
• Weight: 31.1 oz.
• Barrel length: 3.9"
• Overall length: 7.4"
• Width: 1.5"
• Height: 5.4"
• Capacity: 15+1

Features

• Grayguns P-SAIT trigger
• X-RAY3 tritium day/night sights
• G10 grips
• Reduced controls
• Improved grip and extended beavertail
• Optics-ready
• 3x 15-round magazines

The Sig Sauer P229 takes the proven accuracy and reliability of the venerable P226 and trims some of the fat. The end result is a DA/SA, hammer-fired pistol that is a bit easier to conceal than its larger brethren.

We've enjoyed the P22X series of pistols for years and have a lot of rounds down range through various models to attest to the platform's reliability.

The Legion version is the premium version of the P229 and does not disappoint in the least.

Needless to say, the Graygun's trigger is outstanding in this gun, particularly in single-action, where the speed of follow-up shots can become blazing thanks to the very short trigger reset. The double-action is also notably smooth and very useable with minimal practice when compared to many other guns.

A trigger undercut, extended beavertail, G-10 grips, and X-RAY3 night sights are also standard on all Legion models. The slide lock has also been reduced in size to prevent accidental slide lockback.

Our editor, Wyatt, sees his P229 Legion in regular carry rotation thanks to its reliability, accuracy, and great combat trigger. Newer versions are available with optics-ready slides that use the Sig PRO (DPP) footprint.

Although the bore axis is a little higher, the gun is a bit blockier feeling, and the overall size is a bit bigger, this gun still ranks highly overall as a great carry option thanks to its overall shootability.

What do you think of the Sig? Rate it below!

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Best Modular Compact 9mm Handgun

4. Sig Sauer P365 X-Macro

Sig Sauer P365 X-Macro Comp

$829.00

at Palmetto State Armory

Prices accurate at time of writing

$829.00 at Palmetto State Armory

Midway USA (see price)

GrabAGun (see price)

Kygunco (see price)

Specs

• Caliber: 9mm
• Action: Semi-auto, striker-fired
• Weight: 21.5 oz.
• Barrel length: 3.1"
• Overall length: 6.6"
• Width: 1.1"
• Height: 5.2"
• Capacity: 17+1

Features

• X-RAY3 tritium day/night sights
• Interchangeable backstraps
• Integrally compensated, optics-ready slide
• Standard 1913 rail
• 2x 17-round magazines

One of the biggest complaints about smaller guns is the increased role physics plays during recoil. Smaller and lighter handguns tend to produce a little more muzzle flip in common defensive calibers.

Sig Sauer addressed that issue with the P365 X-Macro. This gun is yet another great member of the ever-growing and wildly popular P365 lineup.

Keep in mind this version is closer to the order of a G19 in comparison, so it isn't nearly as small as the standard P365. However, with that size, Sig was able to achieve an impressive 17+1 capacity in a gun that is still only about 1 inch wide.

With the integral compensator at the end of the slide, the gasses are routed up at the end of the muzzle, providing counter-acting force. Combined with a low slide mass, this makes follow-up shots easier than most other guns.

Despite not having a stellar trigger (it isn't bad by any means), when we had all of these guns next to each other, this was arguably the fastest-shooting gun on the table. The only thing that was in the same realm of speed was the Staccato CS.

The P365 X-Macro has the highest capacity-to-width ratio on the market. Combined with good accuracy and flat-shooting characteristics, it is a clear contender for best-in-class compact. Our amazing cameraman, Jonny, uses this gun as his EDC.

We have a review of the P365 XMacro Comp and a video below, so check that out!

Best Soft Shooting Compact 9mm Handgun

5. Beretta PX4 Storm

Beretta PX4 Storm Compact

$618.00

at Kygunco

Prices accurate at time of writing

$618.00 at Kygunco

Sportsman's Warehouse (see price)

Midway USA (see price)

Palmetto State Armory (see price)

Specs

• Caliber: 9mm
• Action: DA/SA
• Weight: 27.2 oz.
• Barrel length: 3.27"
• Overall length: 6.8"
• Width: 1.42"
• Height: 5"
• Capacity: 15+1

Features

• Rotating barrel
• Interchangeable backstraps
• Ambidextrous slide release and safety/decocker
• 2x 15-round magazines

Somewhat of a dark horse in the lineup, the 15+1 Beretta PX4 Storm has a lot to offer to concealed carriers. Its big claim to fame is its rotating barrel, which helps reduce felt recoil and muzzle flip.

Unlike John Moses Browning's tilting barrel design, the Storm's barrel rotates along the Z-axis, which eliminates the tilting-up action that can cause the muzzle to rise. It also soaks up some of the recoil by using the rearward motion of the slide to rotate the barrel itself.

The stock trigger isn't bad, but it is a bit heavier in both departments at around 9-10 pounds in double-action and around 5.5 pounds in single-action.

Thanks to a modular, self-contained trigger design, you can pick up an LTT Trigger Job in a Bag and easily upgrade your gun in mere minutes. This drops the double-action to a light 5.5-6 pounds and the single-action to a feathery 3.5-4 pounds.

If you do the trigger mod and throw on some $20 talon grips to help improve the grip texture, you end up with a gun that has an outstanding trigger and overall feel for around the same price as a base Sig P229. But even unmodded, it's a great buy.

Accuracy has been great during our testing as well, with the gun producing stellar 2-3" groups out to 25 yards. These guns are also absurdly reliable, with some routinely going tens of thousands of rounds without stoppages.

All of These qualities have helped this gun make a huge comeback in the last two years. Check out our full review of the pre-upgraded Beretta PX4 Storm Compact Carry.

Honorable Mention Compact 9mm Handgun

6. Glock G19

Glock 19 Gen 5

$540.00

at Sportsman's Outdoor Superstore

Prices accurate at time of writing

$540.00 at Sportsman's Outdoor Superstore

GrabAGun (see price)

Kygunco (see price)

Midway USA (see price)

Specs

• Caliber: 9mm Luger
• Action: Semi-Auto
• Weight: 23.63 oz
• Barrel Length: 4in
• Overall Length: 6.9in / 7.3in / 7.4in
• Magazine Capacity: 15rd

Features

• Adjustable backstraps
• Safe Action trigger safety
• Steel slide with Tenifer finish
• Polymer frame - impervious to corrosion

You can't really have an article like this without mentioning the Glock G19. It's still considered the gold standard when it comes to compact CCW by many.

Why?

Because it just works. Trust us, people have run these things over, buried them in mud, and even frozen them, and they still work. They are used by special forces, law enforcement, and civilians worldwide.

Aside from being durable, they are reliable and boast a huge aftermarket. Seriously, you can swap out sights, slides, barrels, triggers, mags --- the sky's the limit.

Standard capacity on the G19 is 15 rounds, but any compact or larger 9mm Glock mag will work. Glock's come in three generations for you to buy --- Gen 3, Gen 4, and Gen 5.

The trigger may not be the best, and the grip might not be the most comfortable, but we have over a dozen of them between everyone on the PPT team because they still rock.

We have a full breakdown of the generations and a full review of the Gen 5 Glock 19.

What to Look for in a 9mm Compact

No two 9mm compacts are exactly alike, so how do you narrow down which are the best? There are a few factors to look for when shopping for a new handgun.

First, consider the features you want. Do you want to mount a red dot? Do you want an external safety? Are you looking for a specific type of trigger action? Deciding what you want or need first can help narrow down your initial list.

We also like to look at both OEM and aftermarket support. Things like affordable mags, aftermarket sights, and holster compatibility should be considered.

When it comes to compact guns, know your use case. Some compact guns are pretty close to full-size guns, while others are notably smaller or slimmer.

Decide whether your gun is just going to be a range toy, home defense tool, concealed carry gun, duty gun, or a mixture of those to make sure you don't get a gun that is too big or too small to comfortably serve in its primary role.

Finally, when shopping for a compact 9mm, consider how it feels in the hand. This may seem silly, but some guns simply don’t feel right when you hold them. And if it doesn't feel right, there is a big chance you won't enjoy shooting or training with it.

If possible, we recommend trying to find a range or gun store that will let you rent guns so you can try before you buy, or pick them up and handle them at the least.

Final Thoughts

The size of a compact 9mm handgun is a great starting point for most people. It's large enough for your hand to still fit on the grip but isn't quite as big as its full-size siblings.

For most people carrying a concealed handgun, the compact is about as big as you can easily conceal without having an untucked and oversized shirt.

Do you have any favorite compact 9mm pistols that didn't make our list? Let us know in the comments. Want something even smaller? Check out our Best Single-Stacked 9mm Sub-Compact Handguns or the Best Micro Compact 9mm Handguns.

Latest Updates

April 10, 2024: Added the Beretta PX4 Storm, Sig Sauer P229 Legion, and Sig Sauer P365 X-Macro Comp to the list based on new tests conducted.