Top 3 Best Micro Compact 9mm Handguns
Things have changed in the concealed carry world over the past decade or so. The invention of high-capacity micro compact carry pistols has forever changed the landscape as people can carry the same amount of ammo in a gun that’s much smaller than standard.
Below are three of what I’d call the best micro compact carry guns currently available today. I’d also like to say that there are others that could have been here, and I’ve personally shot most of the handguns currently for sale at gun stores.
These are some of my favorites, and for good reason. Let’s discuss this a bit more.
Sig Sauer P365
Coming in at number one, and the gun responsible for this entire movement is the Sig Sauer P365. The SIG P365 broke out onto the scene quite a few years ago now and spurred the trend now known as high-capacity micro compact carry guns.
The SIG Sauer P365 is a very shootable gun that conceals well on the body. Even better is the fact that it has a ton of after-market support, larger capacity magazines, and a lot of modularity.
There are now several different models bearing the 365 namesake, one of which I carry on a daily basis, called the P365XL. I carry this pistol in its stock form and I really like it just how it sits. With its flat trigger shoe and night sights, I shoot it well.
Learn more about Sig 365 Holsters, here.
Glock 43x
Of the three guns on this list, the G43X is the one that some might say doesn’t technically belong here. Still, this is my list and I’ve included it.
For those concealed carriers favoring the Glock ergonomic, but looking for a smaller footprint, the G43X Slimline fits the bill nicely. Because it’s the Slim model it sits at just over 1″ wide at the widest point of the gun. And being that it’s a new-ish gun it boasts several of the more modern features like the Glock Marksman Barrel and front slide serrations.
Because it is a Glock pistol there is excellent aftermarket support for it ranging from triggers to sights and everything else in between. It’s hard to go wrong with this one.
It has a 10-round magazine capacity, and of the guns on this list, this is the one I have never owned. That said, I have shot several of them since they’ve been released both out at SHOT Show and other places, and would have no hesitations about carrying this pistol.
You can learn more about our Glock 43X holsters, here.
SA Hellcat
Last up on our list of the best micro compact 9mm handguns is the Springfield Armory Hellcat. I had one of these until recently and carried it on occasion when my SIG P365 wasn’t on me. I ultimately ended up selling it because I needed the cash and tended to favor my Sig.
Of the three of these pistols, the Hellcat is the hardest to shoot. Its recoil is slightly more prominent in the hand, and the slide is also a bit tougher to manipulate for folks with weaker hands, like my wife. For those who have moderate hand strength, this will not be an issue.
I would also liken the grip to a 1X2 piece of lumber wrapped in fine sandpaper. Meaning that it stays in the hand well, but felt like I was holding a block of wood.
The Springfield Armory Hellcat does shoot well, and I was consistently able to shoot center mass as far as 25 yards away. I wouldn’t write off owning another one of these again in the future if given the chance.
You can find more info on our Hellcat Holsters, here.
Conclusion:
This is not meant to be an exhaustive list. There are several other guns that could easily be here that I just didn’t include this time around.
By: Josh Gillem
