CCW Reviews: Handguns, Holsters, & More

The SIG Sauer P365 XL is a larger version of the popular P365, with a longer slide and barrel for improved accuracy and a larger grip for better control. The pistol features a number of elements that make it highly versatile and easy to use, including an extended sight radius and a flat trigger. The P365 XL has a 12+1 capacity and is chambered in 9mm, making it a highly capable option for personal defense.

The pistol also features a number of customization options, including an optic-ready slide with iron night sights and a variety of aftermarket accessories. Overall, the SIG Sauer P365 XL is a highly versatile and reliable option for those looking for a larger concealed carry pistol with a high capacity and a variety of customization options.

Springfield Armory’s Emissary 1911 is where classic meets modern.  It functions just like an old school 1911 but has modern touches such as the full-length guide rod and a heavy-profile, bushingless bull barrel.  This gun looks and feels quality.

“The METE SFT by Canik offers another striker-fired, polymer 9mm pistol in an already crowded market. But priced just over $500 and with a bunch of extras, I think it offers a nice choice for those that want to carry without spending a ton of money. The SFT would make a decent addition to any concealed carry setup.” – Johnny B.

“The venerable CZ-75 is a classic design that still serves in many militaries around the world…and it’s a great addition to any firearm collection. Chambered in 9mm, it offers an all-metal design with DA/SA operation. And its most modern version, the CZ 75B is a solid and well-built pistol with great ergonomics and a tough, dependable reputation. For that, we can’t recommend it enough.” – Travis Pike

The FN 509 is designed to be a duty weapon. This striker-fired 9mm is a nice gun packed with small features that add up to a lot. From interchangeable backstraps to an accessory rail, this gun has enough going for it to justify the price. While not a budget option, it’s a mid-tier that offers reliability and smooth shooting.

The FN 509 is a polymer pistol with a weight of around 26 ounces and a length measuring 7.4 inches. It features a fixed 3-dot sight system with combat-style sights and a capacity of 17 rounds (or 10-round mags available for states that require that). The trigger pull comes in around 5.5 to 7.7 pounds and it feels smooth while shooting. The gun is ambidextrous right out of the box, great for those lefties! The FN is a nice pistol that is worth the money.

“The CZ P-01 is a small pistol that doesn’t know it. Most smaller guns feel like small guns, but CZ found the magic though and built the P-01 so that it’s smaller but doesn’t feel like it. Between an excellent cold hammer-forged barrel and outstanding design, it is the most accurate compact I have in my safe. While there is an argument to be made that it isn’t as important as some might claim it is, the P-01 has a very low bore axis. Combined with the metal frame and it simply eats recoil. Everything about the P-01 adds up to being a great pistol.” – David Lane

The Smith & Wesson M&P9 M2.0 Metal builds on the previous M&P line with the addition of a lightweight, rigid metal frame that pushes the performance of that platform. A 4.25-inch barrel and 17-round capacity make for a balanced pistol that distributes the weight well for a low-recoil shooting experience. Excellent ergonomics and a good flat-faced trigger help shooters reach the accuracy and speed potential of the gun.