- Handguns
- April 22, 2025
Best 9mm Handguns for Concealed Carry
When it comes to self-defense, the 9mm handgun has become the most popular choice for concealed carry. It offers a perfect balance of power, capacity, and manageable recoil, making it ideal for everyday carry (EDC). But with so many options available, how do you pick the best one? Below is a breakdown of the top 5 9mm handguns trusted by concealed carriers for their reliability, size, and performance.
1. Glock 43X
🔹 Capacity: 10+1
🔹 Barrel Length: 3.41"
🔹 Weight: 18.7 oz
🔹 Barrel Length: 3.41"
🔹 Weight: 18.7 oz
Why It’s Great:
- Slimline frame perfect for IWB or appendix carry
- Legendary Glock reliability
- Easy to maintain and widely customizable
The Glock 43X combines concealability with shootability, giving users the comfort of a compact gun with decent magazine capacity.
2. Sig Sauer P365
🔹 Capacity: 10+1 (extended mags available)
🔹 Barrel Length: 3.1"
🔹 Weight: 17.8 oz
🔹 Barrel Length: 3.1"
🔹 Weight: 17.8 oz
Why It’s Great:
- High capacity in an ultra-compact frame
- Crisp trigger and solid ergonomics
- Night sights standard out of the box
The Sig P365 changed the game for micro-compacts, delivering full-size performance in a truly pocketable platform.
3. Smith & Wesson M&P Shield Plus
🔹 Capacity: 13+1
🔹 Barrel Length: 3.1"
🔹 Weight: 20.2 oz
🔹 Barrel Length: 3.1"
🔹 Weight: 20.2 oz
Why It’s Great:
- Upgraded trigger and higher capacity over the original Shield
- Slim profile with excellent grip texture
- Optics-ready models available
The Shield Plus is an evolution of a proven classic and delivers serious value and dependability.
4. Springfield Hellcat
🔹 Capacity: 11+1 (13+1 with extended mag)
🔹 Barrel Length: 3"
🔹 Weight: 18.3 oz
🔹 Barrel Length: 3"
🔹 Weight: 18.3 oz
Why It’s Great:
- One of the highest capacities in the micro-compact class
- Adaptive grip texture and U-Dot sight system
- Optics-ready variant (Hellcat OSP)
The Hellcat delivers maximum firepower in a very small package without compromising control or comfort.
5. Ruger Max-9
🔹 Capacity: 12+1
🔹 Barrel Length: 3.2"
🔹 Weight: 18.4 oz
🔹 Barrel Length: 3.2"
🔹 Weight: 18.4 oz
Why It’s Great:
- Budget-friendly without sacrificing features
- Factory-equipped with optics cut and Tritium front sight
- Compact, reliable, and lightweight
The Ruger Max-9 is a solid option for anyone looking for performance and features on a budget.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right concealed carry handgun is a personal decision that depends on comfort, reliability, and your daily carry method. Each of these 9mm pistols offers a strong combination of size, capacity, and performance—perfect for discreet, everyday carry.
