The concealed carry market continues to gather much interest. From compact, snub-nosed revolvers to double-stack 1911s with double-digit magazine capacities, there is something here for anyone who wants to have a defensive handgun on them wherever and whenever possible.
Beretta | 80X Cheetah Tactical Urban
A threaded barrel and an extended, 15-round magazine add versatility to this proven platform. Put a suppressor on it for safe and comfortable range work, and carry it with the thread protector on for a reliable CCW pistol on your hip.
▶Vertec frame
▶Frame-mounted decocker/safety
▶Reversible magazine release
▶Interchangeable grip panels
Specifications
Caliber: .380 ACP
Magazine Capacity: 15 rounds
Barrel Length: 4.4 inches
Overall Length: 7.3 inches
Weight: 25 ounces
MSRP: $749
(800) 545-9567 berettausa.com
Bond Arms | DT47
Celebrate our 45th and 47th President with this special, laser-engraved pocket derringer. Not only do both sides feature laser-engraved images and inspirational quotes, the gun is also versatile, as it can chamber both .45 Colt and .410-bore ammunition and is incredibly easy to conceal.
▶B6 resin grips
▶Rebounding hammer
▶Crossbolt safety
▶Spring-loaded locking lever
Specifications
Caliber: .45 Colt/.410 bore
Capacity: 2 rounds
Barrel Length: 4.25 inches
Overall Length: 6.5 inches
Weight: 24.8 ounces
MSRP: $545.47
(817) 573-4445 bondarms.com
Canik | Mete MC9 Prime
The popular Mete line gets a useful makeover in this new model sporting many features normally found on much more expensive pistols. New grip stippling, a new trigger design, a comped barrel and slide and MRDS compatibility add meat to this Mete, which is also available with MeCanik MO4 optic pre-installed (for an additional $200).
▶Lightening cuts in slide
▶Flat-face trigger
▶Compensated barrel
▶Night Fision tritium night sights
Specifications
Caliber: 9 mm
Magazine Capacity: 17 rounds
Barrel Length: 3.64 inches
Overall Length: 6.73 inches
Weight: 23.38 ounces
MSRP: $649.99
(561) 908-7993 canikusa.com
Charter Arms | Mag Pug Combo
The Mag Pug Combo revolver comes with two interchangeable cylinders—one for .357 Mag. and one for 9 mm, using patented “no moon clip” technology for simplified ammo changes. It’s also available with a 4.2-inch barrel.
▶Fixed front and rear sights
▶Ported design with diamond cuts
▶Stainless-steel or black passivated finish
▶Options for classic walnut or professional backpacker wooden grips
Specifications
Caliber: .357 Mag.
Cylinder capacity: 5 rounds
Barrel Length: 2.2 inches
Overall Length: 6.75 inches
Weight: 22 ounces
MSRP: $637
(866) 769-4867 charterfirearms.com
Diamondback | SDR
Diamondback adds a 9 mm model to its growing SDR line of revolvers. With replaceable sights, rubber grips and a polished-stainless finish, this stylish revolver offers both form and function.
▶Three TK Custom moon clips included
▶Pushbutton cylinder release
▶Hogue rubber grips
▶Fiber-optic sights
Specifications
Caliber: 9 mm
Cylinder capacity: 6 rounds
Barrel Length: 2 inches
Overall Length: 6.53 inches
Weight: 21.2 ounces
MSRP: $821
(321) 305-5995 diamondbackamerica.com
EAA | MC 14T X
Thanks to its tip-up design, users with limited hand strength can chamber a round without racking the slide. The latest addition to EAA’s popular MC line features a spiral-fluted barrel, an enhanced trigger and a threaded muzzle.
▶Low-profile sights
▶G10 grips
▶Two-tone Cerakote finish
▶Accessory rail integral to dustcover
Specifications
Caliber: .380 ACP
Magazine Capacity: 13 rounds
Barrel Length: 5 inches
Overall Length: 7.3 inches
Weight: 22.4 ounces
MSRP: $519
(321) 639-4842 eaacorp.com
FN America | FN Reflex XL MRD
Like many double-stack, micro-compact 9 mms, the Reflex gets bigger to enhance shootability with the new XL version, which elongates the grip. Available in black or FDE, it comes with both a flush-fit 15-round magazine (shown) and an 18-round, extended version in the box. State-compliant 10-round versions are also available.
▶Tritium front sight
▶Available with or without manual safety
▶Reversible magazine release
▶Interchangeable backstraps
Specifications
Caliber: 9 mm
Magazine Capacity: 18 rounds
Barrel Length: 3.8 inches
Overall Length: 6.5 inches
Weight: 20 ounces
MSRP: $719
(703) 288-3500 fnamerica.com
Glock | G43X Aimpoint COA
Available in several standard-size Glocks as well as Slimline models, the Glock’s Aimpoint COA pistols are a package resulting from a collaboration between Glock and Aimpoint. Utilizing the A-CUT interface allows the COA ultra-compact red-dot sight to sit lower on the slide for strength and durability, as well as to co-witness with the polymer sights.
▶A-CUT interface
▶Aimpoint COA red-dot sight
▶Gen5 trigger
▶Hexagonal bore
Specifications
Caliber: 9 mm
Magazine Capacity: 10 rounds
Barrel Length: 3.43 inches
Overall Length: 6.5 inches
Weight: 19 ounces
MSRP: $1,002
(770) 432-1202 us.glock.com
Heckler & Koch | CC9
The long-awaited H&K entry into the red-hot micro-9 carry pistol market has proven worth the wait. With outstanding ergonomics combined with traditional H&K quality, it is rapidly gaining fans. In addition to meeting NATO standards, the CC9 is offered in both optics-ready or optic-equipped variants.
▶Interchangeable backstrap inserts
▶DLC-coated slide and barrel
▶Picatinny rail
▶Cold-hammer-forged barrel
Specifications
Caliber: 9 mm
Magazine Capacity: 12 rounds
Barrel Length: 3.32 inches
Overall Length: 6.03 inches
Weight: 21.6 ounces
MSRP: $699
(706) 568-1906 hk-usa.com
Heritage | Roscoe
Available with either a 2- or 3-inch barrel, the Roscoe is a tribute to the classic wheelgun used by the likes of lawmen, plainclothes detectives and hard-boiled cinematic sleuths of the 1930s, ’40s and ’50s.
▶Exposed hammer
▶Fixed front and rear sights
▶Checkered wooden grips
▶Glossy-black finish
Specifications
Caliber: .38 Spl. +P
Cylinder capacity: 5 rounds
Barrel Length: 2 inches
Overall Length: 4.8 inches
Weight: 22 ounces
MSRP: $364
(800) 845-3776 heritagemfg.com
Kahr | X9
Kahr, a brand long known for its excellent single-stack carry guns, has now moved into the double-stack market with the X9, a polymer-frame, DAO pistol with a 10-round capacity. It brings with it Kahr’s reliability, ergonomics and compactness, but also adds an optics cut, making it ready for an MRDS.
▶Blackened stainless steel slide
▶Deep-inset backstrap
▶DAO trigger
▶Accessory rail
Specifications
Caliber: 9 mm
Magazine Capacity: 10 rounds
Barrel Length: 3.54 inches
Overall Length: 6.1 inches
Weight: 17.8 ounces
MSRP: $549
(508) 795-3919 kahr.com
KelTec | PR57
KelTec opted for outside-the-box (magazine) thinking with the stripper-clip-fed, internal magazine PR57. It’s the lightest and least expensive pistol in 5.7×28 mm currently available.
▶Internal, non-removable magazine
▶Rotary-barrel operation
▶Optics ready
▶Single-slot accessory rail
Specifications
Caliber: 5.7×28 mm
Magazine Capacity: 20 rounds
Barrel Length: 4.64 inches
Overall Length: 7.16 inches
Weight: 13.86 ounces
MSRP: $399
(800) 515-9983 keltecweapons.com
Kimber | CDS9
Featuring a slim-line design for discreet everyday carry, the CDS9’s slide is optics-compatible with all MRDS having an RMSc footprint and features custom serrations front and rear to provide ample purchase.
▶Ambidextrous controls
▶Reversible magazine release
▶VZ grips
▶Flat-faced trigger
Specifications
Caliber: 9 mm
Magazine Capacity: 15 rounds
Barrel Length: 3 inches
Overall Length: 6.2 inches
Weight: 21 ounces
MSRP: $1,075
(888) 243-4522 kimberamerica.com
Nighthawk Custom | Double Agent
Nighthawk Custom joined forces with Agency Arms to create a Commander-size double-stack carry pistol. Nighthawk’s precision results in performance, but style is not neglected as the Double Agent is one of the best-looking double-stack 1911s on the market. It’s available with the IOS interchangeable iron/MRDS system.
▶Heinie Straight 8 Slant Pro rear sights
▶Flat trigger
▶Knurled slide
▶Discreet aluminum grip frame
Specifications
Caliber: 9 mm
Magazine Capacity: 16 rounds
Barrel Length: 4.25 inches
Overall Length: 7.85 inches
Weight: 33.3 ounces
MSRP: $5,899
(877) 268-4867 nighthawkcustom.com
Palmetto State Armory | Rock 5.7 Compact
A 5.7×28 mm pistol that’s easy to carry, the striker-fired Rock 5.7 Compact has a slide that’s cut for direct mounting of optics that use the Shield RMSc footprint. Two plates are included for RMR- and Doctor-footprint optics.
▶Striker-fired
▶Compatible with Glock-style iron sights
▶Fluted carbon-steel barrel
▶Undercut trigger guard
Specifications
Caliber: 5.7×28 mm
Magazine Capacity: 21 rounds
Barrel Length: 4.3 inches
Overall Length: 7.4 inches
Weight: 21.9 ounces
MSRP: $499.99
(877) 560-7229 palmettostatearmory.com
Rost Martin | RM1S
After the debut of its full-size pistol, Rost Martin has followed up with a compact version for easier concealed carry. Despite its size, it retains the top-shelf feature set of the full-size pistol with things like aggressive stippling, fully ambidextrous controls, built-in magazine well and a trigger pull of slightly less than 5 pounds.
▶15-round magazine available
▶Pre-cut, optic-ready slide
▶Funneled magazine well
▶Two-slot Picatinny rail on frame
Specifications
Caliber: 9 mm
Magazine Capacity: 12 rounds
Barrel Length: 3.6 inches
Overall Length: 6.7 inches
Weight: 19.8 ounces
MSRP: $469
(844) 237-2890 rostmartin.com
Ruger | RXM
The result of collaboration between Ruger and Magpul, the RXM blends welcome versatility and customization, with the robust design elements and quality consumers associate with both of these legendary brands.
▶Removable fire-control insert
▶Direct optics-cut slide
▶Textured grip
▶Tritium night sights
Specifications
Caliber: 9 mm
Magazine Capacity: 15 rounds
Barrel Length: 4 inches
Overall Length: 7.2 inches
Weight: 23 ounces
MSRP: $499
(336) 949-5200 ruger.com
SAR Arms | SAR9 SC Gen3
Building on the Gen2 improvements to the SAR9 series of firearms, the Gen3 shaves weight from previous models while adding an accessory rail and an optics cut for mounting a micro-red-dot sight.
▶Lightening cuts on slide
▶Single-slot accessory rail
▶Pinkie rest magazine floorplate
▶Ledge-style rear sight
Specifications
Caliber: 9 mm
Magazine Capacity: 15 rounds
Barrel Length: 3.3 inches
Overall Length: 6.42 inches
Weight: 19.37 ounces
MSRP: $479.99
(833) 727-4867 sarusa.com
Savage | Stance XR
Continuing the success of Savage’s line of polymer handguns, the company’s new Stance XR refines the design by slimming the frame for enhanced concealment and improved overall handling. Two interchangeable backstrap enable a custom fit.
▶Available with a Crimson Trace CTS-1500 red-dot sight
▶Ambidextrous fire controls
▶Snag-free night sights
▶10- and 13-round magazines
Specifications
Caliber: 9 mm
Magazine Capacity: 13 rounds
Barrel Length: 3.2 inches
Overall Length: 6.2 inches
Weight: 23 ounces
MSRP: $659
(800) 370-0708 savagearms.com
Smith & Wesson | Bodyguard 2.0
Doubling the capacity of the original Bodyguard while staying extremely close in size, the 2.0 version also adds an improved trigger, better sights and excellent ergonomics. It ranks with the best micro-compact .380 ACP pistols yet created.
▶Tritium front sight
▶Aggressive slide serrations
▶Flat-face trigger
▶Flush-fit 10-round magazine
Specifications
Caliber: .380 ACP
Magazine Capacity: 12 rounds
Barrel Length: 2.75 inches
Overall Length: 5.5 inches
Weight: 9.8 ounces
MSRP: $449
(800) 331-0852 smith-wesson.com
Smith & Wesson | CSX E-series
Listening to consumer feedback, Smith & Wesson redesigned the CSX platform. Featuring interchangeable backstraps to better fit the pistol to the user’s hand, the new CSX E-series also has an improved trigger and grip texture from the original, as well as now having the capability to attach an electro-optic.
▶12- and 15-round magazines available
▶Modular grip adaptor
▶Holosun K-series optics cut
▶Enhanced E-series trigger
Specifications
Caliber: 9 mm
Magazine Capacity: 17 rounds
Barrel Length: 3.1 inches
Overall Length: 6.1 inches
Weight: 19.7 ounces
MSRP: $699
(800) 331-0852 smith-wesson.com
Smith & Wesson | Model 36 Classic No Internal Lock
Removing the much-maligned internal lock, the classic look of the Model 36 exposed-hammer small revolver is designed to appeal to the discerning wheelgun enthusiast. Smith & Wesson also released Model 10 and Model 19 revolvers in this new No-Lock line.
▶Wooden diamond grips
▶Blued finish
▶Fixed-blade front sight
▶Classic cylinder release
Specifications
Caliber: .38 Spl. +P
Cylinder Capacity: 5 rounds
Barrel Length: 1.88 inches
Overall Length: 6.94 inches
Weight: 19.64 ounces
MSRP: $849
(800) 331-0852 smith-wesson.com
Springfield Armory | Echelon 4.0C Compact
Springfield’s Echelon gets a trimmed grip and slightly shorter barrel and slide in this more carry-friendly version that keeps the innovative optics-mounting system. It comes with one 18- and one 15-round magazine, and is also offered in OD green and FDE.
▶Modular trigger
▶Cocking ledge for easier charging
▶Thumb-indexing platform
▶Accessory rail
Specifications
Caliber: 9 mm
Magazine Capacity: 15 rounds
Barrel Length: 4 inches
Overall Length: 7.25 inches
Weight: 24 ounces
MSRP: $679
(800) 680-6866 springfield-armory.com
Springfield Armory | 1911 DS Prodigy 4.25” Compact AOS
Springfield Armory puts decades of single-stack experience into the double-stack DS Prodigy line, creating a modern-capacity pistol with all the advantages of the 1911 platform. The Prodigy is offered in black and coyote brown versions, and is also available with a 3.5-inch barrel.
▶Front and rear cocking serrations
▶Lightweight, three-hole trigger
▶Agency Optic System (AOS) dot-mounting system
▶Tritium front sight, black serrated rear sight
Specifications
Caliber: 9 mm
Magazine Capacity: 15 rounds
Barrel Length: 4.25 inches
Overall Length: 7.8 inches
Weight: 29 ounces
MSRP: $1,549
(800) 680-6866 springfield-armory.com
Springfield Armory | XD MOD.3 OSP 4”
The XD Series is a proven platform, and the Mod.3 gives you all the features that made the original series a bestseller, at a very attractive price point. The striker-fired, DAO pistol accepts mounting plates to accommodate a range of popular red-dot sights.
▶Red fiber-optic front sight, white-dot rear sight
▶Optics-ready slide
▶Accessory rail
▶Rear grip safety
Specifications
Caliber: 9 mm
Magazine Capacity: 16 rounds
Barrel Length: 4 inches
Overall Length: 7.3 inches
Weight: 27 ounces
MSRP: $325
(800) 680-6866 springfield-armory.com
Staccato | HD P4
Staccato has taken the bold step of expanding its much-loved product line with the introduction of the HD series of pistols. Factoring in feedback from both law enforcement and armed citizens, the company made the new pistols compatible with Glock magazines. It also made them slimmer, ambidextrous and more ergonomic, and did away with the grip safety.
▶HOST optic-mounting system
▶Co-witnessing rear sight
▶New grip angle
▶Bull barrel
Specifications
Caliber: 9 mm
Magazine Capacity: 18 rounds
Barrel Length: 4 inches
Overall Length: 7.6 inches
Weight: 32 ounces
MSRP: $2,499
(512) 819-0656 staccato2011.com
Stoeger | STR-9 Thinline
The new “Thinline” series for the STR-9 offers a slim, 1-inch width while maintaining significant magazine capacity. In addition, it allows a direct-mount option for RMSc-footprint optics.
▶14-round flush-fit magazine
▶Night sights
▶Tactile loaded-chamber indicator
▶Compensator cuts in slide
Specifications
Caliber: 9 mm
Magazine Capacity: 16 rounds
Barrel Length: 3.29 inches
Overall Length: 6.77 inches
Weight: 21.69 ounces
MSRP: $529
(800) 264-4962 stoegerindustries.com
Taurus | 650
A compact, DAO revolver, the 650 was designed for concealed carry and personal defense. Its snag-free, enclosed-hammer design makes it quick and easy to draw while maintaining a low profile. The 650 is also available with a 3-inch barrel and a black finish.
▶Internal hammer
▶Rubber grips
▶Replaceable serrated-blade front sight
▶Transfer-bar safety
Specifications
Caliber: .357 Mag.
Cylinder Capacity: 5 rounds
Barrel Length: 2 inches
Overall Length: 6.5 inches
Weight: 22 ounces
MSRP: $469.99
(800) 327-3776 taurususa.com
Taurus | 22TUC
Lightweight and user-friendly, this rimfire pistol sports a tip-up barrel for easy loading without racking the slide, making it a great choice for new shooters or those with minimal hand strength. Easily carried and concealed, it proves that the .22 you have on you is better than the .45 you left at home.
▶Tip-up barrel
▶Orange-dot front sight
▶Double-action trigger
▶Also available with stainless finish
Specifications
Caliber: .22 LR
Magazine Capacity: 9 rounds
Barrel Length: 3.6 inches
Overall Length: 6.6 inches
Weight: 11 ounces
MSRP: $333.99
(800) 327-3776 taurususa.com
Taurus | GX2
Entry-level pricing doesn’t require compromising on quality, and the Taurus GX2 seeks to prove that notion with panache. It combines user-friendly features, reliability and modern design in a versatile package that is backed by Taurus’ Limited Lifetime Warranty.
▶Glock-compatible front and rear sights
▶Stippled frame with multiple contact points
▶Bladed trigger safety
▶Multiple frame colors available
Specifications
Caliber: 9 mm
Magazine Capacity: 13 rounds
Barrel Length: 3.38 inches
Overall Length: 6.19 inches
Weight: 20.08 ounces
MSRP: $309.99
(800) 327-3776 taurususa.com
Tisas | 1911 Carry B9R Double Stack
Tisas is expanding its line of double-stack 1911-based pistols chambered in 9 mm. The new 1911 Carry B9R Double Stack is designed for concealed carry, with a 4.25-inch barrel. A similar pistol with a 5-inch barrel and geared toward duty is also offered.
▶Ambidextrous thumb safety
▶Bushingless bull barrel
▶RMSc-footprint optic cut
▶Steel slide and frame
Specifications
Caliber: 9 mm
Magazine Capacity: 17 rounds
Barrel Length: 4.25 inches
Overall Length: 7.9 inches
Weight: 32 ounces
MSRP: $749.99
(865) 604-6894 tisasusa.com
TriStar | Protégé X Sub Compact Tungsten
In addition to an overall snag-free design, the Protégé X Sub Compact boasts a handful of concealed-carry-oriented features, including a wide and scalloped ejection port and broad slide serrations to facilitate easy racking.
▶Grip with attractive vertical ball-mill flutes
▶Ambidextrous fire controls
▶Snag-free sights
▶Magazine contains an integral pinky extension
Specifications
Caliber: 9 mm
Magazine Capacity: 7 rounds
Barrel Length: 3.2 inches
Overall Length: 6.2 inches
Weight: 17 ounces
MSRP: $549
(816) 421-1400 tristararms.com
Walther | PP SD .32 Stainless
A functional piece of history you can own, the Walther PP is of interest to both collectors and shooters. Offered in .380 ACP as well as .32 ACP and in a choice of black or stainless steel, the hammer-fired PP is a reintroduction of one of the pistols upon which Walther’s reputation was built.
▶Integral sights
▶Slide-mounted safety
▶Rowel hammer
▶Suppressor-ready threaded barrel
Specifications
Caliber: .32 ACP
Magazine Capacity: 8 rounds
Barrel Length: 3.9 inches
Overall Length: 6.9 inches
Weight: 24 ounces
MSRP: $1,199
(479) 242-8500 waltherarms.com
Read the full article here