Choosing the Right Small 9mm Pistol for Concealed Carry
With the increasing demand for concealed carry firearms, gun manufacturers have been designing smaller, more compact pistols that are easier to conceal while still providing adequate stopping power. Among the various calibers available, the 9mm has become a popular choice for concealed carry due to its manageable recoil and effectiveness in stopping threats. In this article, we will explore the 7 best small 9mm pistols for concealed carry, highlighting their unique features, advantages, and disadvantages.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Small 9mm Pistol
Before we dive into our list of the 7 best small 9mm pistols for concealed carry, it’s essential to consider the following factors:
- Size and weight: A smaller and lighter pistol is easier to conceal, but may be more challenging to control.
- Caliber: While we’re focusing on 9mm pistols, it’s crucial to ensure the caliber is sufficient for self-defense.
- Capacity: A higher capacity means more rounds available, but may increase the pistol’s size.
- Trigger pull: A smooth, consistent trigger pull is vital for accurate shooting.
- Sights and ergonomics: A pistol with good sights and ergonomics can improve accuracy and comfort.
Our Top 7 Picks for Small 9mm Pistols for Concealed Carry
Here are our top 7 picks for small 9mm pistols for concealed carry, each with its unique features and advantages:
1. Glock 43
- Length: 6.26 inches
- Height: 4.25 inches
- Width: 1.06 inches
- Weight: 17.95 ounces
- Capacity: 6+1 rounds
The Glock 43 is a popular choice for concealed carry due to its slim design and reliability. It features a smooth trigger pull and a compact size that makes it easy to conceal.
2. Smith & Wesson M&P Shield 9mm
- Length: 6.1 inches
- Height: 4.6 inches
- Width: 0.99 inches
- Weight: 20.8 ounces
- Capacity: 7+1 or 8+1 rounds
The Smith & Wesson M&P Shield 9mm is a compact pistol designed for concealed carry. It features a slim design, a smooth trigger pull, and a variety of safety features.
3. Sig Sauer P938
- Length: 5.9 inches
- Height: 3.9 inches
- Width: 1.1 inches
- Weight: 16 ounces
- Capacity: 6+1 or 7+1 rounds
The Sig Sauer P938 is a compact, all-metal pistol designed for concealed carry. It features a smooth trigger pull and a variety of safety features, including a manual safety and a decocking lever.
4. Ruger LC9s
- Length: 6.1 inches
- Height: 4.5 inches
- Width: 0.9 inches
- Weight: 17.2 ounces
- Capacity: 7+1 rounds
The Ruger LC9s is a compact, striker-fired pistol designed for concealed carry. It features a smooth trigger pull and a variety of safety features, including a manual safety and a decocking lever.
5. Beretta Pico
- Length: 5.1 inches
- Height: 4.1 inches
- Width: 0.725 inches
- Weight: 11.5 ounces
- Capacity: 6+1 rounds
The Beretta Pico is an ultra-compact pistol designed for concealed carry. It features a smooth trigger pull and a variety of safety features, including a manual safety and a decocking lever.
6. Kahr CW9
- Length: 5.9 inches
- Height: 4.5 inches
- Width: 0.9 inches
- Weight: 15.8 ounces
- Capacity: 7+1 rounds
The Kahr CW9 is a compact, striker-fired pistol designed for concealed carry. It features a smooth trigger pull and a variety of safety features, including a manual safety and a decocking lever.
7. Springfield Armory XD-S Mod.2
- Length: 6.3 inches
- Height: 4.3 inches
- Width: 0.975 inches
- Weight: 21.5 ounces
- Capacity: 7+1 rounds
The Springfield Armory XD-S Mod.2 is a compact, striker-fired pistol designed for concealed carry. It features a smooth trigger pull and a variety of safety features, including a manual safety and a decocking lever.
Comparison Table
| Pistol | Length | Height | Width | Weight | Capacity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Glock 43 | 6.26 inches | 4.25 inches | 1.06 inches | 17.95 ounces | 6+1 rounds |
| Smith & Wesson M&P Shield 9mm | 6.1 inches | 4.6 inches | 0.99 inches | 20.8 ounces | 7+1 or 8+1 rounds |
| Sig Sauer P938 | 5.9 inches | 3.9 inches | 1.1 inches | 16 ounces | 6+1 or 7+1 rounds |
| Ruger LC9s | 6.1 inches | 4.5 inches | 0.9 inches | 17.2 ounces | 7+1 rounds |
| Beretta Pico | 5.1 inches | 4.1 inches | 0.725 inches | 11.5 ounces | 6+1 rounds |
| Kahr CW9 | 5.9 inches | 4.5 inches | 0.9 inches | 15.8 ounces | 7+1 rounds |
| Springfield Armory XD-S Mod.2 | 6.3 inches | 4.3 inches | 0.975 inches | 21.5 ounces | 7+1 rounds |
📝 Note: The comparison table provides a summary of the key features of each pistol, but it's essential to research and compare other factors, such as trigger pull, sights, and ergonomics, before making a decision.
In conclusion, choosing the right small 9mm pistol for concealed carry depends on various factors, including size, weight, capacity, trigger pull, and safety features. Our top 7 picks provide a range of options to suit different needs and preferences. It’s essential to research and compare these factors, as well as other features, to find the best pistol for your concealed carry needs.
What is the most important factor to consider when choosing a small 9mm pistol for concealed carry?
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The most important factor to consider when choosing a small 9mm pistol for concealed carry is size and weight. A smaller and lighter pistol is easier to conceal, but may be more challenging to control.
What is the difference between a single-action and double-action pistol?
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A single-action pistol requires the hammer to be cocked manually before firing, while a double-action pistol can be fired without cocking the hammer. Double-action pistols are often preferred for concealed carry due to their simplicity and ease of use.
What is the advantage of a striker-fired pistol over a hammer-fired pistol?
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Striker-fired pistols have a simpler design and fewer moving parts than hammer-fired pistols, making them more reliable and easier to maintain. They also tend to have a smoother trigger pull and faster reset.
Related Terms:
- small 9mm pistol
- Pocket pistol
- Best pocket pistol
- 380 pistols
- Ruger Max 9
