Glock 19 is the most proven compact semi-automatic handgun on the market today. Chambered in 9mm Luger, the Glock 19 is a versatile compact version of the standard Glock option.  It’s great for use as a backup weapon, concealed carry, or service pistol.  The Gen 5 in particular has made some great improvements which include an ambidextrous slide stop lever, flared mag-well, and upgraded barrel design, just to name a few. The G19 has been a favorite amongst police agencies and military units and for good reasons. This gun is simple to operate and easy to maintain, making it a great first gun, CCW, or home defense weapon.

The Glock G17 adheres to the elements of Glock you’ve come to expect. With a 9mm chambering, the full-size semi-auto pistol features familiar Glock ergonomics and performance. It’s a reliable shooter and durable — it won’t stop until you do. For slightly smaller versions, check out the G19 (midsize) or the G43X (compact).

The VP9 is HK’s entry into striker-fired pistols. It’s reliable with great ergonomics and an incredibly clean trigger. The VP9 features a light, premium trigger, customizable grips, ambidextrous controls, an extended Picatinny rail, and an advanced striker-fired slide. Price on the VP9 is also quite reasonable – competitive with Glocks. The VP9 comes with different configurations, available in multiple colors and mag counts. The recent variants of the gun features optics-ready slides, a normal mag release button, and 17-round mags.

“The Walther PDP is extremely well done. Whether you are a concealed carrier, home defender, or officer on the street, it is an excellent option. Its grip is superlative, the accuracy is very good, and I’ve only experienced a couple of issues I likely caused. In short, the gun is highly reliable in my mind. The controls are well-placed, and the trigger is superb for a striker-fired weapon.” – Sean Curtis

The P-10 C is CZ’s entry into the world of compact, striker-fired, 9mm polymer handguns. They were able to bring an ergonomic, accurate, reliable, well-priced firearm to market in a race filled with stiff competition.

The CZ P-10 C focuses on reliability, ergonomics, and providing a good trigger in order to create a rugged, duty-ready ready compact pistol that stands out among the competition. This striker-fired pistol features a 4.02-inch barrel, fiber-reinforced polymer frame, metal sights, and a 15-round capacity.

The Sig P320 is a great pistol and an alternative for Glock, XD, M&P.  For a Sig, it’s an entry-level gun and quite subpar compared to Sig’s legacy P-series. That said, this gun is reliable, accurate, and modular. As the Army’s newest sidearm, the P320 is a good choice for a first pistol and/or carry gun.

The P320 comes in different models and calibers. For gamers, the RX model is equipped with a factory red dot that looks promising. The Tacops Carry model is perfect for conceal carry with it’s full-length grip, compact slide, tall SIGLITE Night Sights, and 21-rd mags.

“The Smith & Wesson M&P M2.0 is a full-size, striker-fired, steel and polymer gun with a 17+1 capacity. During testing, I found it to be reliable and extremely accurate.” – Sean Curtis

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.