Choosing the right 9mm carry pistol is a deeply personal decision, hinging on factors like hand size, shooting style, and intended use. While "best" is subjective, this guide highlights top contenders from 2022 that continue to be relevant and highly regarded among concealed carry enthusiasts. We'll delve into features, pros, and cons to help you make an informed choice. This isn't an exhaustive list, but rather a curated selection representing diverse needs and preferences.
Key Considerations Before Choosing Your Carry Pistol
Before we jump into specific models, let's address crucial aspects to consider:
- Size and Weight: Concealed carry demands a manageable size and weight. Consider your body type and clothing to find a balance between concealability and comfortable carry. Micro-compacts offer ultimate concealment, but often sacrifice capacity and shootability. Subcompacts strike a better compromise.
- Capacity: More rounds mean more chances to neutralize a threat. However, higher capacity often means a larger and heavier pistol.
- Ergonomics: A pistol that fits your hand well is crucial for accuracy and control. Consider the grip texture, trigger reach, and overall feel.
- Reliability: A malfunction during a critical situation is unacceptable. Choose a pistol with a proven track record of reliability.
- Ammunition: 9mm ammunition is widely available and relatively affordable, making it a popular choice for concealed carry.
- Features: Consider features like night sights, ambidextrous controls, and accessory rails based on your personal preferences and needs.
Top 9mm Carry Pistols: A Detailed Look
Here are some of the standout 9mm carry pistols that continue to be popular choices:
1. Glock 19 Gen5
The Glock 19 is a classic for a reason. Its balance of size, capacity, and reliability makes it a perennial favorite. The Gen5 improvements, including an improved trigger and enhanced ergonomics, further cement its position at the top.
Pros: Reliable, high capacity, readily available parts and accessories, affordable. Cons: Can feel somewhat blocky in the hand for some users; aggressive grip texture might not suit everyone.
2. Sig Sauer P365XL
The Sig Sauer P365XL is a popular choice for its impressive capacity in a surprisingly compact package. Its improved ergonomics over the original P365 also make it more comfortable to shoot.
Pros: High capacity for its size, good ergonomics, excellent accuracy. Cons: Can be slightly snappy for some shooters, potentially expensive depending on the configuration.
3. Smith & Wesson M&P 9 Shield Plus
The Smith & Wesson M&P 9 Shield Plus offers a great blend of capacity, concealability, and shootability. Its improved grip texture and trigger contribute to a more pleasant shooting experience.
Pros: Good capacity for its size, comfortable to shoot, relatively affordable. Cons: The slightly larger size compared to micro-compacts might not be suitable for all users.
4. Springfield Armory Hellcat
The Springfield Armory Hellcat is a micro-compact pistol that punches above its weight class in terms of capacity. It's a strong contender for those prioritizing maximum concealability.
Pros: Extremely compact, surprisingly high capacity for its size. Cons: Can be snappy, potentially difficult for those with smaller hands.
5. CZ P-10S
The CZ P-10S is a striker-fired pistol known for its excellent ergonomics and accuracy. Its slim profile contributes to comfortable concealed carry.
Pros: Ergonomic grip, accurate, durable. Cons: May not offer the same level of aftermarket support as Glock or Sig Sauer.
Choosing the Right Pistol for You
This selection only scratches the surface of available options. Ultimately, the best 9mm carry pistol for you will depend on individual needs and preferences. Consider renting or borrowing different models to get a feel for their ergonomics and handling before making a purchase. Don't hesitate to consult with experienced shooters or gun professionals for personalized advice. Remember, responsible gun ownership includes thorough training and a deep understanding of applicable laws and regulations.
