By Paul Rackley, GunBroker Editor

I’ve been carrying a .45 ACP since the late 90s, when I purchased a Kimber Ultra Carry. When I decided to start carrying daily, I added Crimson Trace Lasergrips and stuck it in a Milt Sparks Versa Max II IWB holster. That rig has ridden on my hip ever since. Recently, however, I started thinking about going to something lighter with more rounds. This has sent me down a hole in search of the best 9mm pistol for concealed carry.

There are countless makes and models of 9mm pistols on the market, ranging from extremely compact to full-size duty guns. Choosing a pistol from the numerous possibilities can be even harder than talking rationally with an anti-gunner. There are that many different pistols from which to choose. For that reason, people must decide what they need and want to determine the best 9mm pistol for them.

Considering that I want a concealed-carry gun, I need one that is easy to conceal. However, I also want one that provides a full-hand grip, along with a round count of 10 to 12 in the magazine at a minimum. This eliminated all the small micro pistols, along with most larger handguns.

I also prefer a manual safety, as I’m a fan of having to disengaged something before firing, but it isn’t a requirement. It depends on the placement and ease of use of the safety. And while I don’t need an optic right now, I do see a time when this could be a real benefit. So, it needs to be optic ready, even if it doesn’t come with a micro red dot. On that same issue, having sights that co-witness with the optic eliminates worry about optics going down. Two other features I like are tritium/fiber-optic sights and threaded barrels. The second isn’t a necessity, but it could influence the decision.

Everything else boils down to fit, feel and preference, which is completely personal to every shooter. I want a pistol that is not too big, but fills my hand, with at least a double-digit round count. While there quite a few models that fit this bill, I narrowed it down six that I feel would be the best 9mm pistol for me.

Candidates for Best 9mm Pistol

GLOCK 19 Gen 5 MOS

The G19 is the largest of the 9mm pistols on my list, but it is one of only two GLOCK 9mms I would consider. The other is the G43X MOS. Now, there are lots of things people can say about GLOCK, both good and bad. I’ve even said some of them myself over the years. However, GLOCKS go bang. For that reason alone, a GLOCK must on the list for best 9mm pistol.

The G19 carries more rounds, but the G43X has a slightly shorter barrel and slimer profile. Both come with the Modular Optic System (MOS). The G43X, however, does not come with adapter plates for mounting different pistol optics. The G19 comes with several plates, so that provides a point for one of the original compact 9mms. It is a minor point, though, as I don’t plan on including an optic yet. I just want to be prepared as the eyes, let’s say adjust.

GLOCK has long been either loved or hated by shooters. I’ve never really understood this, as there are features I like about these pistols, as well as features I don’t. I’ve owned a GLOCK. I just didn’t own it that long because a friend wanted it more than I did. It might be time to consider one again.

Ruger Max 9

I’ve long been a fan of Ruger. The company produces excellent firearms at very reasonable prices. It also produces two of the most iconic .22 LR firearms ever. In addition, my first handgun was a Vaquero in .45 Colt; I still own that gun. For all these reasons, I have to consider the Ruger Max 9.

This compact 9mm pistol comes with most of my desired features. These include tritium fiber-optic front sight, double-digit capacity, optional manual safety and ready for optics. It also comes with an integrated trigger safety, internal striker blocker and an inspection port for visual confirmation of a loaded chamber.

I even like the drift-adjustable rear sight that comes flat and tall enough for racking the slide in a pinch. It doesn’t, however, come with an accessory rail, but it’s very reasonable MSRP of $439 means one can probably find it for under four bills.

SIG Sauer P365XL

SIG Sauer introduced the P365 as a subcompact 9mm with more rounds than most small pistols. This striker-fired pistol quickly gain popularity with shooters. A couple of years later, the company brought out a larger version called the XL. This compact pistol holds a couple of additional rounds standard, with compliant magazines available. However, folks can also obtain 15-round magazines. It comes standard with flat-faced trigger, XRay3 Day/Night sights, an accessory rail and a rear sight plate assembly for attaching optics. Shooters can even add a manual safety.

Now, I haven’t heard anyone complain about the P365. It’s light, easily manageable and full of features for concealed carriers. Depending on which spare magazine, it provides between 25 and 28 rounds of 9mm stopping power. It even comes optics ready with night sights. In fact, I have several friends who own either the P365 or P365XL. Every one of them love this gun.

While I have held several variants of this pistol in gun stores and other locales, I haven’t had the chance to fire it. Holding them has made me realize that I would want the XL, or possibly the XMacro, which holds 18 rounds fully loaded. The original is just a little smaller than I want. This pistol provides a bunch of features I want in a pistol. It just doesn’t come with a threaded barrel, which isn’t crucial.

Smith & Wesson M&P 9 Shield Plus Optics Ready

One of the smaller pistols on the list, S&W calls it a micro-compact, the M&P 9 Shield has been protecting citizens since 2012. The Shield comes with one 10-round and one 13-round magazine. This provides a decent round count despite its small size. And the extended magazine provides a full grip, while the flush magazine fits most; those with large hands might have a pinky hanging off.

Other features included on the Shield are enhanced grip texture, flat-face trigger and the option of a manual safety. It even comes with an 18-degree grip angle, which provides a very natural point of aim. The Shield Plus even comes with a small accessory rail, but it will only fit small items. Certain models come optics ready.

I’ve ripped quite a few rounds out of Shield pistols over the years, both for work and recreation. It shoots well and it quite easy to carry concealed all day. It is a little smaller than I want, but it is quite light and shootable, two of the main components of a carry gun.

Springfield Armory Hellcat Pro OSP

The Hellcat is Springfield’s answer to the higher-capacity compact semi-autos. It also comes in two sizes, with Pro listed behind the name of the larger model. The Hellcat Pro is the one I’m considering.

Springfield offers quite a few models in the Hellcat, all of which come optic ready. In fact, shooters can purchase numerous models with a red dot included. These pistols also come with a tritium front sight and a Tactical Rack U-dot rear sight. Even better, the sights co-witness with the optic.

The Pro comes with two magazines, one 15 round and one 17 round, providing an awesome 33 rounds of firepower. Now I’ve had some people say they feel the Hellcat Pro is a little snappy in recoil. I, however, didn’t find this to be an issue, particularly when I reviewed the Hellcat Pro OSP Comp. I’m personally not the biggest fan of comps, but it could make a difference for those who are recoil shy. I really do like, though, that Springfield produces a version with a threaded barrel. The only question is whether I want a pistol with a little bit of extra barrel sticking out of the slide. Would it slow down the draw? I don’t know.

Taurus GX4XL T.O.R.O.

The GX4XL is another I have not had an opportunity to fire. I did, however, get to handle one at an event. This pistol feels nice in the hands. It also comes with several of my desired features, such as optics ready, flat trigger, a couple of backstrap options and good capacity. It even comes with cuts in the magazine and grip for helping strip the magazine. This is a well-thought-out feature that could come in handy in a situation.

The sights, however, don’t look like they co-witness with the optic, nor does it have manual safety or threaded barrel options. Of course, this isn’t the only pistol in the running without these features. The price for this pistol, at less than $500, definitely puts it in the running for best 9mm pistol.

Conclusion on Finding the Best 9mm Pistol

I’m still torn on what is the best 9mm pistol for me. Right now, The SIG P365 XL and Hellcat Pro lead the pack. I’m trying to get my hands on a SIG and a Taurus to determine whether they feel as good as the Hellcat at the range.

These, of course, are the pistols I feel might be best for me. Everyone is different, with varying desires. Sometimes it is hard to get your hands on a gun to learn how it handles. This is one of the best reasons to use a range that rents guns. Trying before buying is a good idea to prevent an expensive mistake.

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Tags: 9mm, 9mm Pistol, Gun Review, Handgun