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 delivers a reliable, fairly ergonomic full-sized 9mm pistol in a very affordable package. Plus, the wide range of aftermarket parts and accessories available allow you to customize your G17 to exactly what you want.

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 Glock 26 is affectionately known as the “baby Glock.” This 6.41-inch long sub-compact handgun is the smallest of Glock’s 9mm models.  And while it’s a great concealed carry gun, the G26’s small size makes the handgun difficult to handle for people with large hands. The G26 didn’t get the nickname “baby Glock” for no reason – it’s tiny.

When Glock released the G26 Gen 4, they added two great features — adjustable backstraps and a magazine-release button that’s easier to access. While these modifications helped make the handgun easier to handle, the gun’s small size may take some getting used to.

Like with other Glock products, the “baby Glock” is designed to be just as durable and accurate as its predecessors. It comes with a 10-round magazine, so you don’t get as much firepower as you would with bigger 9mm Glocks. Don’t let the size fool you though, the G26 is just as strong as full-sized 9mms.

The G26 is designed for one primary purpose: concealed carry. If you’re looking for a gun that’s guaranteed to be comfortable and easy to lug around, you won’t find a better match. Its small size makes the G26 the best gun for shooters who need compactness over versatility.” – Brandon Harville

The Beretta APX A1 was created by taking feedback from various professional and recreational shooters and applying it to their already successful APX platform. Improved ergonomics, aggressive slide serrations, and an upgraded trigger provide a better hand feel and shooting experience than its predecessor. The low bore axis helps reduce muzzle flip and recoil, improving accuracy. Additionally, it features a blacked-out rear sight and tritium front sight combo and is also optics-ready out of the box. Ambidextrous capable controls and interchangeable backstraps round out the feature set and ensure that the APX A1 is a fit for any hand.

“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 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 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 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 IWI Masada is a 9mm polymer, striker-fired pistol that provides a low bore axis, improved and adaptable ergonomics, fully ambidextrous controls, and an optics-ready slide, all at a reasonable price point. Its 4.1-inch button-rifled barrel and 17-round capacity make it an ideal size for those seeking a reliable duty weapon.

“Named after an ancient fortification, the Masada is everything you would expect from a modern carry/duty firearm. Roughly the same size profile as the Glock 19, this gun is good to go right from the box.” – David Lane

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.