Our Top Picks For 9mm Concealed Carry Pistols

From time to time, we’ll go back and forth on what to recommend to readers who ask us, “what are your top picks for a 9mm concealed carry handgun?”

Generally, if it works with your particular build and shooting style — more power to you. We love the 9×19 mm cartridge because it’s versatile, easy to use, and blazingly accurate. Our list was carefully gleaned from both staff favorites as well as leading industry sales. Check our list and see how it compares to your top picks for 9 mm concealed carry handguns.

Glock 19 Gen 4

The Glock 19 is the quintessential off-duty police pistol. It has since become a tried and true choice for concealed carriers. The Glock 19 Gen 4 is a double stack compact pistol great for open carry as well as concealed carry. Extremely lightweight, precise as a metronome at ranges other pistols fail, and easy to fire, there’s more reasons to carry a Glock 19 than not. Features of the Glock 19 Gen 4 include:

• Interchangeable grips
• Striker fire, 5.5 lb trigger pull
• Standard magazine capacity of 15 rounds
• Rail for mounting laser and light optics

If you’re able to carry a double stack full capacity handgun that fits the compact profile, the Glock 19 is always a good choice.

MSRP: $539

NOTE: Can’t carry the Glock 19 for convenience reasons? Go with the tried and true “baby Glock”, the Glock 26. Chambered in the same caliber and offering all the versatility of the classic G19, the G26 is very favored by off-duty law enforcement who prioritize concealment over size.

Glock 43

For those who strictly adhere to the policy of “never being seen, always heard”, the Glock 43 is a top pick. Released in 2015, this pistol is an extremely slim, reliable single stack. There are other single stacks on the market that got there before the G43 but Glock definitely brought their own weight to bear.

Features include:

• Striker fire, 5.5 lb trigger pull
• Slim profile and design

MSRP: $549.99

H&K P30SK

Hechler & Koch only make one type of pistol – the efficient kind. Ergonomics from start to trigger pull is remarkable. The H&K VP-9 is already a beloved choice for gun owners and the H&K P30SK brings an extremely concealable form factor to H&K’s renowned arsenal. Features include:

• Picatinny rail for mounting laser or flashlight sights
• Interchangeable backstraps
• Polygonal bore for barrel longevity and easier cleaning
• Double action firing

The H&K P30SK comes with two 10-round magazines and definitely has that hybrid feel between a sub-compact and a compact handgun. A bit more expensive than your average 9mm concealed carry pistol, you’re paying for performance and the famous H&K aesthetics. Is it worth it as an everyday carry option? A better question would be, would you trust your life to less?

MSRP: $719

NOTE: The H&K P30SK is a smaller version of the H&K P30, not the VP-9. So if you want to try out the bigger, older brother, make sure to try one out at your local gun range.

Kahr CW9

Kahr definitely has the blocky, modular design we’re used to seeing in Glocks — but that is where the two manufacturers’ similarities end. Kahr has wormed its way into the concealed carry market because its pistols have stood up and withstood the pressures that concealed carriers need in order to trust a pistol.

Features of the Kahr CW9 include:

• Adjustable drift sights
• Single stack magazines
• Double action only firing

With a standard capacity of 7 rounds in its single stack magazines, the Kahr is an industry average pistol with a great history of performance.

MSRP: $449 (new)

NOTE: Kahr also makes a premium version of the CW9 known as the PM9. Price difference is noticeable but performance is worth it.

Sig Sauer P250 Compact Carry

Sig Sauer has always shined in the full-size duty carry and compact pistol market. Each handgun is painstakingly engineered and crafted in New Hampshire and carries the full weight and promise of the manufacturer. Where the P250 really shines is in its modular nature. It is comparable to the Glock 19 in terms of size and magazine capacity but that’s where the similarities end. This is a premium compact pistol for those unwilling to sacrifice capabilities for concealment. Notable features of the Sig Sauer P250 Compact Carry include:

• Picatinny rail on the lower receiver for mounting laser sights and flashlight attachments
• 15 round double stack magazine capacity
• Double action only firing

For those who love the unique feel and grip of a Sig Sauer, the P250 is an excellent choice. It retails with two barrel lengths – 3.6″ and 3.9″ barrels. Either is acceptable for concealed carry purposes but the 3.6″ does have the added advantage of printing slightly less than the 3.9″ P250.

MSRP: $449.99

Smith & Wesson M&P Shield 9mm

No list of concealed carry handguns chambered in 9mm would be complete without the Smith & Wesson M&P Shield. This handgun has taken over the market because of it’s affordable, reliable nature when chambered in 9mm.

• Optional manual safety
• Single stack magazines
• Extended magazines available (8 round)
• 6.5 lb trigger pull
• Striker fire smoothness

Quite a few of our writers have, at one time or another, carried the S&W M&P Shield in both 9mm and .40 S&W. While the .40 S&W version definitely has quite a bit more snap, these have undoubtedly become a reliable choice for concealed carry needs. Super slim, easy to fit in an inside the waistband holster, and extremely affordable.

MSRP: $449 (new)

NOTE: If you like the S&W M&P Shield in 9mm, you may want to check out S&W’s slightly larger M&P series. A bit thicker but incredibly fun to shoot and practical for everyday concealed carry.

Springfield Armory XDS 3.3 9mm

The Springfield ArmoryXD-S series has gotten plenty of traction in the concealed carry market. Featuring a variety of barrel lengths, the 3.3″ barrel proves to be the easiest to conceal. Notable features of the Springfield XDS 3.3 9mm include:

• Picatinny rail for laser and flashlight accessories
• Single stack magazines
• Integrated grip and trigger safety
• Loaded chamber indicator

At default, the Springfield XDS 3.3 9mm holds 7 rounds in its standard magazine. Springfield may also include an extended magazine that holds 8 rounds. Ergonomic, easy to shoot, and extremely safe to carry, the Springfield XDS series is a no-compromise approach to everyday concealed carry needs.

MSRP: $639.99 (new)

NOTE: If 9mm isn’t your thing, the Springfield XDS is also available in .40 S&W and .45 ACP.

Springfield Armory XD MOD.2 – 3″ Sub-Compact Model

For those who love Springfield Armory but demand their concealed carry choice is a double-stack, the Springfield Armory XD MOD.2 is a great series of handguns to get into. Available in 9mm and .40 S&W (.45ACP in 3.3″ model), they have the ammunition capacity and the trusted name of Springfield Armory weighted behind them.

These compact magazines can hold 13 rounds, with an extension magazine capable of holding 16. Between that and the safety features, this is a fantastic choice for everyday concealed carry. This is what I personally carry everyday.

MSRP: $519.99 (new)

Walther PPS

We’re not debating the use and practicality of the Walther CCP with our choice of the Walther PPS. When it comes to a slim, compact, easy to shoot and full-featured concealed carry 9mm, Walther definitely hit all its marks with its Walther PPS. Unique features of the Walther PPS include:

• Single stack magazines
• Magazine release latch below the trigger
• Loaded chamber indicator
• Striker fire precision

At default, these magazines only hold 6 rounds of 9x19mm Parabellum (Luger). There’s an upgrade option for the magazines that can extend this out all the way to 8 rounds. The pistol, itself, is very concealable and it shoots wonderfully. Walther has a fantastic reputation when it comes to firearms, so choosing a Walther PPS is definitely a safe bet.

MSRP: $469 (new)

NOTE: If you like the Walther PPS, you may be interested in their new Walther PPS M2 model.