The Springfield XD-M Elite chambered in 10mm offers up a concealed carry pistol with an 11+1 capacity. Built on the infamous XD design, the Elite takes the platform further with fiber optic sights and an optics-ready slide.

“The Smith & Wesson Shield EZ is a great gun for those that need a little help in the racking department. The slide rides smoothly on the rails, making it easy to load a round in the chamber. Ergonomics are pretty good, except for the slide release which is just okay. Overall, it’s a soft and smooth shooter — perfect for those with hand difficulties, new shooters, or older shooters.”

“The Shield 9 Plus is about as small as you can go and still have an easily useable platform with ergonomic controls across a range of hand sizes…any smaller and compromises begin to occur. That said, Smith did an excellent job with this pistol, making it accurate, easy to use, and wholly concealable.” – Sean Curtis

“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 S&W M&P Sport II was long considered the best budget starter AR-15, but those days are well behind us. These are well-built and reliable guns, but a lack of updates to the furniture, barrel twist rates, and gas system length has led to other guns in the same price bracket taking the place of the Sport II.