We didn't do a "best list" because your personal requirements for a concealed carry pistol will not always be the same as ours.
The rules for the 9mm CCW list: Weigh 30 ounces or less, barrel 4.1 inches or shorter, and cost less than $600 from a dealer. Most confrontations will be at 7 yards or less, so any choice you make from the below list should be good for concealed carry. Some of these compacts are big and strong enough for duty use. One pistol not on this list that works fine for concealed carry is the Walther P99 AS. Make sure you can shoot your weapon good enough to pass your state CCW test. If we skipped any, please let us know. Also see the 380 ACP Page CCW Tip! A portable GPS holster case works great for small pistols. You can attach them to a belt or carry in a jacket pocket. Also look at holsters for cameras.
The haggle price should be the best deal from a gun dealer.
Single Stack Compact 9mm Pistols
AMT Backup 9mm: Haggle Price $430-$460
Alloy frame. Weight: 23.0 oz., Barrel: 3.00", Magazine: 6 rounds Even though the 9mm AMT Backup is not as famous as their 45 ACP, it is still a good weapon for law enforcement backup or personal protection. Safe while ready to fire smooth double action. The AMT Backup has fiberglass checkered grips, and snag free grooved slide sight.
AMT Pistols
Beretta BU9 Nano Haggle Price $420-$450
Polymer frame. Weight: 17.7 oz., Barrel: 3.07", Magazine: 6 rounds The BU9 Nano is a new sub-compact pocket pistol from Beretta. Beretta fans should be really excited. Cops that carry a Beretta as their duty weapon should be thrilled too. It is a little heavy compared to the Kel-Tec, but I am sure the Nano has the beef in the right places. The snag free design makes the BU9 Nano easy to carry and draw from concealment.
Beretta Nano Video
Bersa Concealed Carry BP9 Haggle Price $330-$370
Poly frame. Weight: 21.5 oz., Barrel: 3.50", Magazine: 7 rounds What a nice looking pistol! It must be very thin with only a 7 round magazine. It looks a lot like a H&K to me. Good competition for the Kahr CW9. If is shoots as good as it looks, the BP9 will be a winner. I can't wait to try one out. Look at the low price! I want one.
Bersa Site
Diamondback DB9: Haggle Price $350-$380
Polymer frame. Weight: 11.0 oz., Barrel: 3.00", Magazine: 6 rounds If the Diamonback DB9 in 9mm Luger shoots like their 380, they will have a winner. Only 5lb DAO trigger! The DB9 is one of the best looking pocket pistols on the market. Made in USA! I think if Glock made a small single stack pistol, it would look like this.
Diamondback WebsiteShooting Diamondback DB9
Hi Point C9 Compact: Haggle Price $150-$180
Polymer frame. Weight: 25.0 oz., Barrel: 3.50", Magazine: 8/10 rounds Hi-Point pistols come with a lifetime unconditional warranty. Rated for +P ammo. 3-dot, fully adjustable sights. High-impact grips. Last round lock open. Magazine disconnect safety. 100% American parts & assembly. I owned a Hi-Point and it was a fun and reliable gun! Bend the magazine feed lips inward every so often, and it will shoot forever. The fixed barrel makes blowback pistols very accurate.
Hi-Point C9 PageReview of Hi-Point C9Shooting C9 VideoBuy Hi-Point
Kahr CM9: Haggle Price $400-$430
Polymer frame. Weight: 15.9 oz., Barrel: 3.0", Magazine: 6 rounds The Kahr CM9 is on my wish list. It does cost more than the Kel-Tec or Diamondback, but I never hear of anyone ever having problems. The CM9 is just the right size to carry in a vest or pants pocket. Very good trigger. Many cops just swear by Kahr firearms as backup pistols. I am saving up for this one.
Kahr CM9 Review Video
Kahr CW9: Haggle Price $390-$420
Polymer frame. Weight: 17.7 oz., Barrel: 3.60", Magazine: 7 rounds Trigger cocking DAO; lock breech. "Browning - type" recoil lug. Passive striker block. No magazine disconnect. Drift adjustable white bar-dot combat rear sight, pinned in polymer front sight. The Kahr CW9 has a matte stainless steel slide. One of the smallest pistols that is still fun to shoot. What many don't realize is the CW9 is about the same size as the Kel-Tec PF-9! See Photo Kahr SiteCW9 Overview Video Buy Kahr Handguns
Kel-Tec PF-9: Haggle Price $280-$310
Polymer frame. Weight: 12.7 oz., Barrel: 3.10", Magazine: 7 rounds The PF9 is one of the lightest and flattest 9 mm ever made. Firing mechanism is Double-Action Only with an automatic hammer block safety. The PF-9 will be available in blued, parkerized, and hard chrome finishes. Grips will be in black, grey, and olive drab.
Kel-Tec PF9 ReviewKel-Tec Pistols For SalePF-9 Video
Ruger LC9: Haggle Price $370-$400
Polymer frame. Weight: 17.1 oz., Barrel: 3.12", Magazine: 7 rounds Slim Sub Compact hammer-fired, locked-breech pistol with a smooth double action only trigger pull. Control and confident handling of the Ruger LC9 are accomplished through reduced recoil and aggressive frame checkering for a positive grip. The Ruger LC9 features smooth "melted" edges for ease of holstering. The LC9 is one of the best selling pistols this year!
Ruger LC9 siteRuger LC9 VideoBuy Ruger Pistols
Sig Arms P290: Haggle Price $560-$590
Polymer frame. Weight: 20.5 oz., Barrel: 2.9", Magazine: 6 or 8 rounds The P290 is a unique 9mm pistol is the perfect small defense handgun that meets the demands of today's law enforcement professionals as a backup duty gun, and responsible citizens as a conceal carry gun. The removable grip plates allow for customization with aluminum, wood, and polymer.
P290 Review Video
Taurus PT709 Slim: Haggle Price $350-$380
Polymer frame. Weight: 18.5 oz., Barrel: 3.28", Magazine: 7 rounds Brand new Taurus PT709 Slim CCW pistol that is only .961 inch wide! The PT-709 is striker fired with only an 5.75 lb trigger pull, and is twice as good as DAO triggers. The reviews say the Taurus PT 709 Slim is one of the best! I hear the G2 Slim is even better!
Read a nice PT 709 review here.PT709 Slim VideoTaurus Pistols For Sale
Walther PPS: Haggle Price $510-$540
Polymer frame. Weight: 19.4 oz., Barrel: 3.2", Magazine: 7 or 8 rounds I am sure one of the "P"s in PPS means pancake as the slide is only .91 inches wide. As far as I know, this is one of the few sub-compacts you can swap out backstraps for hand fitment. The PPS is expensive, but you are buying a Walther!
PPS Video Review
Zastava M88: Haggle Price $220-$250
Steel frame. Weight: 28.0 oz., Barrel: 3.60", Magazine: 8 rounds Is this Europe's answer to the U.S. made Hi-Point pistols? I had a chance to shoot a M88 at the range the other day. This is a popular pistol in Europe. The one I fired was imported by EAA in 9mm Luger. It is a nice shooter! Smooth single action trigger. 8 round magazine. No ammo feeding problems. The price tag is attractive.
Zastava M88 Wiki
Double Stack Compact 9mm Pistols
Baby Eagle Compact Haggle Price $480-$510
Polymer frame. Weight: 27.5 oz., Barrel: 3.64", Magazine: 12 rounds This is the new model BE9912BL from Magnum Research. This is a very sweet looking little gun. I want one!
BE9915RSL Compact
Beretta PX4 Sub-Compact Haggle Price $480-$510
Polymer frame. Weight: 26.1 oz., Barrel: 3.00", Magazine: 13 rounds The Beretta Px4 Storm Sub-Compact pistol is the most advanced sub-compact sidearm of its kind. Built around Beretta's latest Px4 modular technology. Concealed carry handling with large frame firepower.
Beretta PX4 Storm Sub-Compact
Beretta PX4 Compact Haggle Price $480-$510
Polymer frame. Weight: 27.3 oz., Barrel: 3.20", Magazine: 15 rounds The full size PX4 Storm cut down a little in length and height. The rule for a CCW weapon is to carry the biggest pistol that is comfortable to conceal. Since there is less than 1/2 ounce difference between the full and compact models. you may want to look at both.
Beretta Gun Store
Bersa Thunder Pro 9 UC Haggle Price $400-$430
Alloy frame. Weight: 23.0 oz., Barrel: 3.25", Magazine: 10/13 rounds Compact and powerful, the Thunder Pro UC is an excellent choice for those who need stopping power without bulk. The safety, cocking lever, slide stop levers and magazine catch are completely ambidextrous making this a perfect fit for right or left handers.
Buy Bersa
Polymer frame. Weight: 20.0 oz., Barrel: 3.30", Magazine: 10 rounds Cobra offers a lifetime warranty on their firearms. The Patriot provides premium quality at a very good price. The Cobra Patriot is a little more stout than other "pocket" pistols. Cobra pistols are made in the USA.
Cobra Firearms
CZ 2075 RAMI: Haggle Price $490-$520
Alloy frame. Weight: 24.0 oz., Barrel: 3.00", Magazine: 10 or 14 rounds The CZ 2075 RAMI is a sub-compact semi-automatic based on the proven CZ 75 line of pistols. The trigger mechanism operates in selective DA and SA mode depending on the shooter's preferences. Also check out the new 2075 RAMI with a polymer frame that weighs a few ounces less.
CZ USA 2075 RAMI pageCZ Pistols For Sale
Glock G26 Sub-Compact: Haggle Price $500-$530
Polymer frame. Weight: 19.8 oz., Barrel: 3.50", Magazine: 10 rounds The Glock 26 was specially developed for concealed carry. The G26 is a good backup companion pistol for those that carry the full size 9mm Glock. There are tons of accessories and holster choices for the Glock 26. The most popular police backup pistol of all time.
Glock 26 webpage
Polymer frame. Weight: 14.0 oz., Barrel: 3.10", Magazine: 10 rounds Thanks to its locking dynamics and superior ergonometry, perceived recoil and practical accuracy are comparable to much larger guns. Accepts S&W 59 series clips. The P-11 is especially suited for plainclothes police officers. This was my EDC gun for 4 years. My wife had trouble with the long 9 pound trigger pull. I hear the trigger on the new P11 pistols are better. Great handgun for CCW.
Kel-Tec websiteKel-Tec P11 Video
Ruger SR9c: Haggle Price $400-$430
Polymer frame. Weight: 23.4 oz., Barrel: 3.50", Magazine: 10 rounds See the full sized Ruger SR9 review on the main page. Cool feature: It comes with a second magazine that features a grip adapter and holds 17 rounds, instantly transforming the smaller, compact grip into a full-sized 9mm grip. Make sure to get the SR9c with the "D" shaped mag release button, as it has all the updates.
Ruger SR9c pageRuger SR9c Review Video
Polymer frame. Weight: 21.0 oz., Barrel: 3.50", Magazine: 12 rounds Reinforced polymer chassis, superior ergonomics, ambidextrous controls, with proven safety features. The new standard in reliability. With the M&P compact pistol you can swap out backstraps to fit small or large hands. Good backup for coppers that carry the full size M&P. Look for rebates.
S&W Pistols For Sale
SCCY CPX-1 Generation 2: Haggle Price $230-$270
Polymer frame. Weight: 15.0 oz., Barrel: 3.10", Magazine: 10 rounds SCCY had some problems with their first generation of pistols. The new Generation 2 models are excellent. SCCY went quality overkill with the Gen 2, and are reliable as any CCW pistol on the market. The CPX-1 has a thumb safety. The CPX-2 is the same but without the saftey. Both models are DAO and come with Two Magazines. The recoil reducing Gen 2 backstrap is nice. My buddy's new CPX-2 Gen 2 has 400+ trouble free rounds through it so far. Lifetime warranty! If we had a "best buy" award, the new SCCY would get it. Nice SCCY CPX-2 Pic SCCY Firearms SiteSCCY ForumsSCCY CPX Video Review
Springfield XD Subcompact: Haggle Price $480-$510
Polymer frame. Weight: 21.0 oz., Barrel: 3.10", Magazine: 10 or 16 rounds Forged stainless steel slide. Combination grip and trigger safety. Great backup pistol for cops that carry the full size Springfield XD9. This XD is a very robust little pistol with an excellent reputation.
Springfield XD9 Subcompact Article ReprintBuy XD Pistols
Taurus 24/7 Pro Compact: Haggle Price $360-$390
Polymer frame. Weight: 27.0 oz., Barrel: 3.50", Magazine: 10, 13, or 17 Features include Strike Two capability for incredible reliability, contoured thumb rests, a new trigger safety and balanced spring pressure for extraordinarily fast shooting. The G2 upgrade 24/7 pistols are even better! Also see the new compact version of the PT-809.
Video shooting 24/7 Pro Compact
Polymer frame. Weight: 18.7 oz., Barrel: 3.25", Magazine: 12 Rounds The Taurus PT111 has an ergonomic grip design, with enhanced finger indexing. Heinie "Straight Eight" sights! Light, powerful and technically advanced, the Millennium PRO is the choice for concealment and back-up carry. The DA/SA version has a better trigger. However the DAO trigger pull is a smooth 6 pounds. The PT 111 is a good shooter and was my CCW piece for several years.
Taurus PT 111 Millennium Pro PageShooting PT111
Taurus PT 2011 DT Hybrid: Haggle Price $390-420
Polymer/steel frame. Weight: 24 oz., Barrel: 3.2", Magazine: 13 Rounds The PT-2011 DT Hybrid is a new concept with a combination of polymer and steel for the frame. This makes the PT-2011 a very stiff and accurate pistol while at the same time reducing weight. The PT2011 is sized between a pocket pistol and a compact. Fun size to shoot, but small enough for concealed carry. Perfect for a IWB or hip holster. The PT-2011 is also available in 40 S&W.
Taurus PT 2011 DT Hybrid
Walther P99c AS: Haggle Price $560-$590
Polymer frame. Weight: 19 oz., Barrel: 3.50", Magazine: 10 rounds See the Walther P99 review on the main page. The frame backstraps are interchangable so that the pistol will fit in a wide variety of hand sizes. The pistol will not snag in clothing when it is drawn, thanks to rounded edges. The P99c has hammerless striker system and safety devices. It's a Walther!
Walther P99 PageWalther Pistols For Sale
Duty Size Compact 9mm Pistols
Baby Eagle Semi-Compact Haggle Price $480-$510
Polymer frame. Weight: 29.5 oz., Barrel: 3.93", Magazine: 15 rounds This is the new model BE9915RSL from Magnum Research. It is a duty size pistol that will work for concealed carry. It may be a little heavy, but is made to last a lifetime. Israeli Intelligence weapon of choice. Cops should love it. It should be an awesome shooter!
BE9915RSL Semi-Compact
CZ 75 P-01: Haggle Price $550-$580
Alloy frame. Weight: 27.2 oz., Barrel: 3.90", Magazine: 14 rounds NATO certified! The P-01 has a 3.9" barrel, decocker, and is light as many polymer handguns. At only 27.2 ounces, the alloy framed P-01 would make a nice concealed carry, or detective pistol. The trigger reach is closer than the 75b, making a good choice for smaller hands. Excellent trigger. The NATO certification is a big deal, as most pistols on the market can't pass the testing! The P-01 was ranked #11 on our main page before we moved it here. Also see CZ 75 PCR.
P-01 ReviewCZ P-01 Video
CZ P-07 Duty: Haggle Price $430-$460
Polymer frame. Weight: 27.0 oz., Barrel: 3.80", Magazine: 16 rounds This is the new duty carry pistol from CZ. It combines the reliability of the CZ 75 in a nice size package. The P-07 has a new trigger with fewer moving parts. What you end up with is a target quality trigger in a carry pistol. Sweet shooter at a good price! It is almost identical in size to the Glock 19 so it will work for CCW. Holsters for the Springfield XD work great.
CZ 75 P07 VideoBuy CZ P-07
Glock G19 Compact: Haggle Price $500-$530
Polymer frame. Weight: 21.0 oz., Barrel: 4.02", Magazine: 15 rounds Even though the Glock 19 is a very popular police duty pistol, it works well for concealed carry because of the light weight. You want a G19 that is near perfect? Check out the sweet Gen 4 series for $50 more.
Glock Pistols For Sale
Jimenez JA-Nine: Haggle Price $170-$200
Alloy frame. Weight: 30.0 oz., Barrel: 3.75", Magazine: 12 rounds The Jimenez JA-Nine has features you would expect from higher priced firearms. Loaded chamber indicators, manual safety, magazine out safety, cocked indicator, rear adjustable sights, attractive finishes and each pistol includes 2 magazines The Jimenez JA-NIne comes with a lifetime warranty. Made in Nevada USA.
Jimenez JA-Nine Page
Sig Arms P250 Compact: Haggle Price $390-$420
Polymer frame. Weight: 26.5 oz., Barrel: 3.9", Magazine: 15 rounds The Sig P250 is a modular pistol. The removable steel frame housed in a polymer grip module allows you to change caliber, pistol size(subcompact, compact and full), trigger length and grip size. Modular is cool! For me, the compact shoots better than the full size! Price is great! Sig also offers a sub-compact version with an 3.6" barrel and 23 ounces weight.
Sig Sauer SiteSig P250c Review VideoSig Pistols For Sale
Smith & Wesson SW9VE Sigma: Haggle Price $290-$320
Polymer frame. Weight: 24.7 oz., Barrel: 4.0", Magazine: 16 rounds If you can live with the 9.1 pound DAO trigger, it is a very nice quality gun. This is still one of Smith's best selling pistols. I never hear of anyone having problems. Reliable as a claw hammer! Some police and the border patrol have used the Sigma, so the heavy trigger pull might be fine for them. The SW9VE is one of the best selling handguns of all time! Can you believe the low price! Made in USA.
SW9VE Test Article
Springfield XDm 3.8" Compact: Haggle Price $540-$570
Polymer frame. Weight: 27.0 oz., Barrel: 3.8", Magazine: 13/19 rounds If the XDm 3.8 Compact shoots anything like the full size XDm, Springfield has a real winner! Easy to conceal the XDm 3.8 with the 13 round mag. It can double as a duty gun with the 19 round magazine. Big advantage the Xdm has over the standard XD, is you can swap out backstraps for hand size.
XDm 3.8 Review Video
Polymer frame. Weight: 25.0 oz., Barrel: 4.05", Magazine: 16 rounds The 4 inch barrel XD9 is another popular pistol for police and security use. Saftey and reliability have always been the two biggest selling points. Check out the 20,000 round torture test done by one of the gun magazines.
Springfield XD Sales Video
Taurus PT 911 & 909: Haggle Price $420-$450
Alloy frame. Weight: 28.2 oz., Barrel: 4.00", Magazine: 15/17 Rounds Compact pistol based on the awesome PT 92. Shorter trigger reach, thus a good wifey pistol. Spend the extra money for the stainless finish. The PT909 is about the same but has the 1913 accessory rail. Great detective gun.
Pt 909 and 911 User Feedback
Witness P Carry Compact: Haggle Price $450-$480
Polymer frame. Weight: 27.0 oz., Barrel: 3.60", Magazine: 15 rounds The P Carry is a hybrid design, using a polymer frame, and compact slide, taking the "Commander" style pistol to a new level. The Witness P Carry Compact features the Tanfoglio cone lock barrel system for enhanced accuracy and positive lockup and special low profile snag resistant sights. For those of you that are into pain, it comes in 45 ACP and 10mm too. The Rock Island (Armscor) MAPP is the same pistol!
EAA Corp SiteBuy Witness Handguns
Smaller and lighter weight 9mm compact pistols and guns for concealed carry ( CCW ) and police backup. Bersa Thunder 9 Ultra Compact Best pistol for wife or girfriend. Handgun for lady or girl. SCCY CPX-2 and CPX-1 Gen 2 Generation 2 review Witness P Carry Cobra Patriot 9. Kel-Tec PF-9 P-11 Women guns wifey firearms with less recoil. CZ 2075 RAMI Wife with mall hands pistol LE LEO. Buy smaller and Glock G26 light weight S&W M&P Compact 9mm compact pistols SKYY CPX-1 for best concealed carry Hi Point C9 Bersa Thunder 9 Ultra Compact and police backup. Kahr CW9 CCW. Taurus PT-111 Millennium Pro Springfield XD Subcompact XD9 We didn't do a best list as requirements differ with 9mm sub compact pistols Firestorm Mini 9 FN FNP-9m for concealed carry Baby Eagle Poly MR 9900BL Witness P Carry CCW and S&W 908 detective or Cobra Patriot 9 LE undercover police use gun Glock G26 LEO, best CCW subcompact handgun. S&W 908 Best Taurus PT111 Millennium Pro Pistol for wife girfriend lady women Hi Point C9 Springfield XD Subcompact XD9 handguns Kel-Tec PF-9 P-11 Firestorm Mini 9 9mm compact pistols for concealed carry handgun and police use pistol. Good pistol for wife or girfriend Beretta PX4 Sub-Compact S&W M&P Compact. CZ 2075 RAMI or FN FNP-9m Great Handgun for lady or girl. Kahr CW9 Baby Eagle Poly MR 9900BL CCW Women SKYY CPX-1 guns wifey firearms with less recoil. Wife with mall hands pistol LE LEO. New SCCY CPX-2 Gen 2 review and SCCY CPX-1 Generation 2 review
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