The Echelon is a newer offering from Springfield Armory that features a highly modular system designed around a robust stainless steel chassis and an innovative Variable Interface System (VIS) optics mounting system that allows for direct mounting. Engineered for refined ergonomics and built to withstand duty conditions, the Echelon is aiming to make its mark as Springfield’s next-generation handgun.

Glock 19 is the most proven compact semi-automatic handgun on the market today. Chambered in 9mm Luger, the Glock 19 is a versatile compact version of the standard Glock option.  It’s great for use as a backup weapon, concealed carry, or service pistol.  The Gen 5 in particular has made some great improvements which include an ambidextrous slide stop lever, flared mag-well, and upgraded barrel design, just to name a few. The G19 has been a favorite amongst police agencies and military units and for good reasons. This gun is simple to operate and easy to maintain, making it a great first gun, CCW, or home defense weapon.

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 Walther PDP is an extremely accurate, well-made pistol. Its ergonomics and excellent trigger make this gun easy to shoot well. The compact model is well suited for any role, whether it be concealed carry, home defense, or as a duty weapon.

The Beretta APX A1 was created by taking feedback from various professional and recreational shooters and applying it to their already successful APX platform. Improved ergonomics, aggressive slide serrations, and an upgraded trigger provide a better hand feel and shooting experience than its predecessor. The low bore axis helps reduce muzzle flip and recoil, improving accuracy. Additionally, it features a blacked-out rear sight and tritium front sight combo and is also optics-ready out of the box. Ambidextrous capable controls and interchangeable backstraps round out the feature set and ensure that the APX A1 is a fit for any hand.

The Canik TP9SF Elite is the smallest gun in Canik’s TP9 lineup. It is ideal for those wanting a concealable gun that shoots like a larger pistol.

The FN 509 is designed to be a duty weapon. This striker-fired 9mm is a nice gun packed with small features that add up to a lot. From interchangeable backstraps to an accessory rail, this gun has enough going for it to justify the price. While not a budget option, it’s a mid-tier that offers reliability and smooth shooting.

The FN 509 is a polymer pistol with a weight of around 26 ounces and a length measuring 7.4 inches. It features a fixed 3-dot sight system with combat-style sights and a capacity of 17 rounds (or 10-round mags available for states that require that). The trigger pull comes in around 5.5 to 7.7 pounds and it feels smooth while shooting. The gun is ambidextrous right out of the box, great for those lefties! The FN is a nice pistol that is worth the money.

Mossberg knocked it out of the park with the MC2c! Its ergonomics and size make it easy to carry and conceal, while its accuracy and reliability will give you the peace of mind of knowing you’re covered. The 9mm chambering means ammo is easy to source, and the cherry on top is that optics plate where you can mount your favorite red dot. We’ve done a 1,000-round burndown, and this gun kept trucking and has easily become one of our favorite concealed carry options!

The IWI Masada is a 9mm polymer, striker-fired pistol that provides a low bore axis, improved and adaptable ergonomics, fully ambidextrous controls, and an optics-ready slide, all at a reasonable price point. Its 4.1-inch button-rifled barrel and 17-round capacity make it an ideal size for those seeking a reliable duty weapon.

“Named after an ancient fortification, the Masada is everything you would expect from a modern carry/duty firearm. Roughly the same size profile as the Glock 19, this gun is good to go right from the box.” – David Lane

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.