I’m a double-stack sort of guy. I carry concealed everyday, and I’ve gotten accustomed to 15 rounds of 9mm in the magazine. I feel naked without the weight of the gun. But the weather is warming up, finally, and I’m not going to be able to wear my coat through the summer. So its time to look for something a bit more svelte. Time to lose some weight. Time to stop being lazy about the extra mag in the front pocket. Time to dust off the single-stacks.
I’ll give up half the rounds, but I’m not willing to carry anything smaller than a 9mm. So what are the best options for lightweight, single-stack, easily concealed 9mms? Here’s my list:
By far my favorite in this short list, the XD-S is a gun I’d trust with my life.
The Springfield Armory XD-S
Buy one now–https://gunsameirca.com/Sprinfield Armory XD-S
The XD-S is a formidable gun. As it is available in both .45 ACP and 9mm, the XD-S offers options most of the others in this list won’t. So you can still entertain the age-old debate of which is better–the 9mm or the .45 ACP.
As for me? I could care less. I have made some incredibly long shots with my XD-S 3.3″ .45. I once broke a clay on the first shot at over 100 yards. It may well have been luck, but it shut up a bunch of people, and I didn’t have to repeat the shot–I just holstered the gun and walked off.
But I’m inclined to choose the 9mm. I really respect what Springfield did with the 9mm version of this gun. It isn’t so small that you sacrifice control, yet it is thin enough to hide almost anywhere. The XD-S is about the biggest gun you can fit in your pocket, perfect for appendix carry, and ideal in the small of the back.
If you want more capacity than the .45, functional sights, aggressive texture (I recently heard the grip texture compared to truck tires), this is it. Capacity: 7+1
Cost: I’ve seen them as low as the $460 range.
As a shield, it is small, but as a gun, the shield works quite well.
The Smith & Wesson Shield
Buy one now–https://gunsamerica.com/smith & wesson M&P shield
Smith has nailed this design. It is almost sleek, and very easy to conceal. Now that it is available without a thumb safety, it is even better for concealed carry. If you are fun-sized, and you want an tool you can trust, the shield is a great way to go.
The Shield is making headway for Smith & Wesson, too. They used to own a much larger share of the pistol market–but that dissapeared as everyone else made guns that worked just as well, or better. Now the M&P line is growing in popularity, and will be the entrant into the modular handgun trials, which (if Smith were to win) would make the Shield have back-up gun. Capacity: 7 + 1
Cost: $449.
If I only had a Kahr/wouldn’t be here in this bar/ trying to get to you.
Kahr CW9
Buy one now–https://gunsamerica.com/kahr CW9
Kahr has made a commitment to concealed carry basics that makes these guns very appealing for small framed shooters. The lines are clean and the performance is unbeatable.
One of my favorite things about the Kahr is the slide. The wide spaced serrations on the rear make it easy to rack. And, if you are having something of an emergency and must rack from the front, the angular cut at the end of the slide is easy to hold onto.
And here’s something I’ll say about Kahr that I won’t say about the competition: the trigger rocks. Kahr triggers are incredibly safe and very responsive. Off all of the guns in the list, this is the easiest to shoot. Capacity: 7+1
Cost: MSRP $449
Ruger’s LC9 set the bar high for compact affordability. It is a fine working-man’s gun.
Ruger LC9
Buy one now–https://gunsamerica.com/Ruger LC9
Ruger is better known for their revolvers and rifles, but they’re pistols are worthy of mention. The LC9 is thin, with classic lines built into its polymer frame. It is a snappy gun, but one capable of surprising accuracy. If you want a thin gun that won’t break the bank, this is it.
Of all of Ruger’s pistols, this one has always felt a bit loose to me. That isn’t to say that it doesn’t work effectively, and some shooters like looser tolerances, as they feel like it ensures an ability to run while gummed with pocket lint and grime. Maybe so.
I’ve never had a failure from an LC9. The sights are superb, too. Capacity: 7+1
Cost: MSRP $443, but it comes in significantly lower when the available stock is riding high. As far as I can remember, I’ve never seen a used one for sale in a brick-and-mortar store.
It is hard to remember when Kel-Tec made news with a compact 9mm, but these guns are still worthy of attention.
Kel-Tec PF-9
Buy one now–https://gunsamerica.com/Kel-Tec PF9
I have seen the occasional PF-9 for sale used. I don’t think that is a bad thing, really–or a testament on quality. The PF-9 is often a first-gun for some. My first pistol was a Kel-Tec and I wish I’d never sold it. The Kel-Tec is solid, well built, and just cheap enough that it won’t ever feel precious.
As I would with all of these pistols, I recommend a lot of range time with the PF-9. The trigger isn’t going to win any awards. And if you are accustomed to larger grips, the PF-9 is going to feel odd. The width is only .88 inch. Capacity: 7+1
Cost: $333 MSRP.
So what did I leave out? Anything worthy of note? The single-stack 9mm is hardly a rarity. Almost everyone makes one. Almost. Mossberg seems to be a notable exception. And maybe Remington, at least until they get the R51 back in circulation.
While I agree with some of this list, I am bothered by the inclusion of the Ruger LC9. The LC9 was a refinement of the LC380, bumped up to 9mm and retaining the DAO trigger set.
Subsequently, the LC9 was refined into the best of the series as the LC9s, the “s” moniker pointing to it’s now striker fired system. With its slim and trim design, manual thumb safety, 7 round magazine, and striker system, the LC9s brings a lot to the game. Presenting the older LC9 in the article does a disservice to both Ruger and potential customers. While some may point to the articles 2015 timeline, the LC9s was released in 2014.
I think the Walther PPS M2 would be a great addition to the list.
What is all the fuss about a thumb safety on the shield? If you do not like it, do not use it. Having a safety or not does not affect accuracy, speed or ability to protect yourself.
My choice is the Taurus PT709 Slim. It’s perfect for the small of the back carry. The features and lifetime warranty along with the sub $300 price make it hard to beat. I’ve been carrying this weapon for about two years and put hundreds of rounds through it with not one problem. Found a couple of extra mags which are small enough to carry with ease. The mag extenders are a must for comfort and control. If you are in the market for a great carry weapon you owe it to yourself to take a good look at this reliable Taurus offering.
The PF9 made news when it was used by George Zimmerman…
I’m pretty sure that was the P3AT.
The NEW LC9-S is currently top dog in this category
Note the S Designation
Re: the Kahr- Owned one. It shot everything I fed it but… grip area ‘texture’ was kind of sharp and hard on clothes and skin. Then there was the trigger… Looong pull, not much room in trigger guard for even mid sized fingers. Even my fiance remarked the trigger was harder to shoot than a Smith revolver. I now own the Shield. Both of us can shoot it better. Digests everything- even cast reloads, without issue. Fiance enjoys the trigger much more. I was initially hesiteant with the notion that it had a magazine safety but it does not. For some that is not a deal breaker, but it is for me. I wish the Ruger didn’t have one- I’d like to give them a try.
Love my Springfield!!
Sig P290rs. About the same size as the xds, but has a good dao trigger and night sights. Retail for $450, comes with a 6 and 8 rd mags, paddle holster, and hard case. Great little gun.
I have the LC9 and like a lot about it, but not a fan of the ponderous creep and soft wall in the trigger.. Really wish I would have waited to get a LC9s.
Had a Kahr CM9, but sold it to buy the LC9 because the Kahr’s trigger was so terrible. The LC9 trigger is slightly better, but the real advantage is the thinner feel of the Ruger which makes pocket carry easier than with the thicker slide on the Kahrs.
sig 938, or glock 43
good list over all. But I am shocked the LC9 made it in the top 5. I bought one and didn’t make it through 10 rounds before wanting to get rid of it. Awesome looking gun, but terrible trigger..
I replaced it with a DB9 which functions comfortable and flawless regardless of reviews.
I carry a Smith and Wesson SW99c .40 cal. And i love it. Never had an issue with the thing. Its not as small as my lc9, but i find it easier to carry as it fits my body better, and i like the trigger pull a lot more. They also come in 9mm and .45 acp so no issues there. As a plus it accepts the mags from my full size sw99, which i find highly appealing from a preperation standpoint.
Sig P938; for those of us familiar with the 1911, this little 9mm is a dream come true.
My Nano kicks all their butts
The Bersa Ultra Compact 9mm single stack holds 13 +1
Sig P239 with Hogue rubber grips for belt carry under a jacket (sport/suit/outer), I like hammer models and the decocker too. For deeper cover the S&W Shield with safety (don’t want to shoot my PP off when reholstering). There are many good products out there; which is great as we all have different likes (much better than the few choices we had years ago).
KMacK, maybe you can run some R.I.P. in your Modelo to make that old friend more effective.
Radically Invasive Projectile – https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=6sas9N3OmuM
Otherwise you have a couple ass kickers here.
Small carry pistols that hold 9 + 10 rounds, and their short barrels wont diminish their lethality at close range.
GLOCK G33 Gen 4 .357 magnum – http://us.glock.com/products/model/g33gen4
GLOCK 29 Gen 4 10 mm.
One thing that puzzles me about these pistols: the barrel length. While the .45acp round is good to go out of a short barrel, in my experience a short barrel on a .380acp pistol compounds the basic problem of power. The .380acp needs at minimums a 4″ barrel to develop any serious energy from the powder and most of these pistols in .380acp have barrels short enough to handicap even a .45acp. What gives? Can’t the makers provide decent barrel length and still make something concealable? I have a WWII vintage Beretta Modelo 1934 in 9 mm kurz (.380acp) and it tucks away nicely AND has a decent length barrel. It’s also very pleasant to shoot and more accurate than I’ll ever be. Why the short barrels with a marginal cartridge?
I have a Kahr CT9, concealable 9mm polymer single stack with 4″ barrel. There’s also a CT380, CT40, and CT45.
I have both the XDS and the Shield. Love them both, easy to conceal although the XDS is a little bulkier even though it is a 9mm. The Shield is .40 cal. yet conceals very well. I also own a sig 938 which is my “dress-up” weapon. Light weight, easy to shoot, accurate, and reliable.
I too was going to mention the Baretta Nano. It seems to have the least amount of things on the surface of the gun to get caught in things. I picked the Nano and the Ruger LCP in .380. I haven’t shot either one yet but was vacillating on what to get and got both. Recent gelatin tests show that the .380 with the right bullet can be lethal so I don’t feel underpowered with a .380 like what used to be the consensus. Costs more to shoot the .380 which makes the .380 a more expensive choice to practice with. The LCP came with a free Viridian laser so that pushed me in that direction.
Let’s not forget Sig….. My p290 will never get replaced..
I have a Beretta Nano that is a pretty good shooter after the first 100 rounds. But, my daily carry is the all metal, single stack, Sig Sauer P239. 8 + 1 rounds and a really sweet shooter. I picked mine up used for $500 with next to no barrel wear.
I carry the Taurus M709 slim. Love it. My only complaint is the lack of availability of extra magazines.
When the 709 Slim came out all the sales info said an extended mag was available. I can’t remember if it said one standard and one extended were included. Mine came with 2 standard mags. I spent much time in calls, letters, and emails trying to find extended mags with several sources saying they were to be available “soon” including Taurus. Then someone said they will not be available for a couple of years. Not long ago I located a brochure online for the 709 and it didn’t mention an extended mag at all. No one in the aftermarket is making any either, at least that I have been able to locate. At the cost of replacing a standard mag the extended may be too expensive to look at anyway.
My winter carry pistol is a M&P 9c, several years ago I purchased a Sig P290 in 9mm for a summer cargo pocket gun. I had over 2000 rounds through it without a hiccup. My wife got her CPL and saw my Sig and now she carries it everyday. That was just after the XDS came out and I bought the .45. I do really like that pistol, but this weekend at the range the trigger locked up, and after unloading it the trigger safety and spring fell out. Very surprised! Nobody ever mentions the P290 9mm in these tests, it is a fantastic pistol. Try one if you ever get the chance, you won’t be sorry.
I own the Kel-Tec PF9 and it is very nice to carry, but, it is so light it is hard to keep on target. Also it has one and the longest and worst trigger pulls I think I have ever been associated with.
If you ever own a P11 KelTec you will think the PF9 trigger is great lol
Have had 2 P11s and never could shoot them straight because of a 15 pound trigger pull and rough pull.
My PF9 has been much better and smoothed out even more as I put many rounds through it.
I had a Ruger .380 LC and traded up to a 9mm Ruger w/Crimson Trace Laser they had on consignment at a local gunshop for $397 Love it though I’m not laser crazy. I am hoping for a Glock 9mm in their new Model 42 style this year, I keep hearing rumors, hope they do it.
Forgot the Sig Sauer P290RS, Bought mine used, never shot for $350…has seen the same one as high as $549 at rural king
I have a Ruger LC9s. I have a friend who had a LC9. The difference on trigger pull between my LC9s and her LC9 was night and day. Her husband ended up trading her LC9 for a Glock because she hated the trigger pull that much. She loved my gun. I love my gun and I am so glad I got it.
I love my Sig P938, I thought for sure it would be on here!!
Kahr PM 9 has been my summer Cary gun for several years real reliable and accurate. Winter I carry a M&P Shield 40 S&W. The best small carry gun I have found.
WHAT ABOUT THE DB9 ??
The Bersa BP9CC mentioned at the top of the list is one of my faves – great gun; fantastic trigger, wonderful price! The Springfield XDs, the Shield & the Walther PPS are also great (I got the Walther 9mm after getting a .40 when the PPS first came out and just loving it). I also have the Kahr CW9 and I expected the trigger to be better, from everything I read before I bought it. The Beretta Nano also has not lived up to its hype, at least so far. Another terrific gun that doesn’t get mentioned often is the SCCY CPX-2 – great price and wonderful trigger.
I like the Sccy and the price is very reasonable but the grip is a strange size and did not seem comfortable in my small hand. I wish that they would change the design of the grip.
The SCCY is incredible Raymond.
I love that pistol.
It’s small & ergonomic.
It comes in many colors.
It’s designed with great care and built with quality materials.
It operates under extreme conditions, and is durable as hell ( like an AK ).
Cheap as can be, with a no questions asked, lifetime ( of the gun, not owner ) guarantee. $225. @ Buds http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/advanced_search_result.php?keywords=SCCY++9mm&x=0&y=0
I would own a few and give them out as gifts to friends and family.
Only one little problem;
I live in shithole California, where Democrats have cheated our vote and taken over.
They have a superior intelligence, and feel they know what’s best for us all.
We’re too stupid, and cant be trusted to make decisions on how to protect ourselves.
Much like any great firearms or hi cap magazine, the SCCY CPX 9mm. is not available to us.
If I were you people in what’s left of America, I’ ld purchase some of these now.
Check them out—>
Torture text–> https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=kbYbIxmWnec
History & review–> https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=sPVrRkHnpwM
My favorite by far is the Springfield XDS 4.0 in 45cap. Recoil is minimal for a lightweight 45 cal pistol.,easily conceals . And a overlooked revolver is Tauras 686 chambered in 9mm. Easy recoil and accurate . Have no idea why this trusty and reliable revolver is overshadowed by Tiger and S&M. Guess money talks by larger co. Now I am a huge fan of Ruger and own rifles and pistols and fan of S&W too.,but for concealed carry Tauras is only one with hammer .
Good choices, I’m sure, but as a 1911 and CZ fan, I’ll share a recent discovery. SARB6P- yes it’s made in Turkey, reasonably priced, and accurate. Surprised me, and has become one of my favorites, actually replacing my beloved CZ.Functions flawlessly, and feels good in the hand. Try it before dropping your dollars on a pistol you may bet your life on.
I carry a Sig P938 9mm. A little pricey but it fights my hand the best. If not I go with my KAHR CW9 9mm. Another great carry option here in Arizona.
I know the list is for “Single-Stack” Pistols, but Springfield Mod-2 is just as slim and small as the ones listed, yet it carries 13-16 rounds… It should have been mentioned….Right??
The one gun I expected to be on this list was not… The Taurus 709 Slim? I went in search of a Concealable Carry gun 5 years ago and was not impressed with the Ruger LC9 or the KelTek PF-9 (both basically the same gun before the arrival of the LC9s). The Taurus 709 Slim offered a better feel, slightly more substantial grip without being much larger. Better sights (adjustable), and a much better trigger being strikerfired instead of a hammered gun and allowed for second strike capability! The Taurus has a “safety trigger” and although it has a frame mounted safety lever as well, I don’t HAVE to use it (but it is comforting to have the frame safety engaged when holstering in my IWB).
Not bad at all Chris Leabo
Taurus PT709 Slim Review, Crucible Arms
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TkI8k4Fd4Jg&feature=player_detailpage
Good review, but should have included the “Taurus” 709 Slim. I’ve had my eye on a SPRINGFIELD ARMORY XD-S for some time now. Almost did it untill I stumbled across the Taurus 709 Slim. First of all the price ($219.00 + S/H & transfer fee) was an unbelievable deal. My first polymer frame pistol was a Taurus 609 PT I bought (slightly used) from a friend. Nice gun, but was not a warm weather concealble carry gun for me.
The 709 Slim not only has a price that makes “as offer you can’t refuse “, but the features are by far the best I found. Adjustable rear sights, an external safety (deal breaker for some) plus “Glock” like trigger safety and easy “Glock” like breakdown also. The D/A S/A trigger is great! Will give you a second strike capability on a hard primer. The one thing a lot of shooters will like is this gun will fire a chambered round if you drop the magazine!
An extra magazine can be a little challenge to find sometimes, but worth the effort. When you add it all up plus the lifetime warranty it’s really worth taking a second look at like I did. You just might be convinced as I was and keep that XD-S on the top of your wish list just a bit longer till you have a little extra money too burn.
After having owned several Taurus revolvers I can say with confidence; ” I would rather my sister work in a whorehouse than own another Taurus firearm.”
Well they have a lifetime no questions asked warranty so you might want to consult your sister and perhaps send your gun to Taurus.
Old Taurus revolvers have a lot to be desired. I bought my 1st Taurus when I turned 21; a 9mm PT-92. I have shot over 1000 rounds through it with only 2 or 3 miss-feeds when I first bought it. I bought the 709SS polymer 9mm when the 2nd Gen came out. It is a great carry gun: http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/product_info.php/products_id/55284
Fully adjustable rear sight and deadly accurate at 25+ yards. Easy to double tap! This gun could have been on the list, but there are too many Taurus haters out there that have not owned a Taurus.
I also own a Sig P239. This is my favorite gun to carry daily and could be considered for this list as well. It is a better pistol than the 709, but it cost at least 3X as much. Very accurate carry gun. http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/product_info.php/products_id/90524/Sig+2399SCPN+P239+9mm+Scorpion+Hogue+G-10+Piranha+Grip+FDE+F
I’m not likely to buy another Taurus either due to problems I had with 2 NIB guns. I’ve had numerous other guns that cost a little more but never missed a beat. I’ll leave the risks to someone that likes to gamble.
Anything but a Kel Tec. I am sure some people have good luck with Kel Tec but my experiences have been horrible. For every person that says they have good luck with a Kel Tec another has had bad experiences. I had a P3AT. Right out of the box it spent 5 months in FL for warranty repairs. Finally the gun is repaired. During the few years I kept the P3AT I broke the take down pin, ejector, extractor and I had to replace the magazine springs to make the gun reliable. I also have a P11 that I had to put the finishing touches on to make it reliable, at least I bought the P11 used for $100.
Recently I bought a Ruger LCP. I have put over 400 rounds through the LCP with no malfunctions at all. Many of those rounds have been fired by inexperienced shooters who limp wrist the pistol. Quality wise (fit and finish) the LCP makes any Kel Tec look like something that came out of Family Dollar.
Has this site every run a comparable list of concealable revolvers?
own or have owned all five, and the only one I would disagree with is the kel-tec PF9,. mine was a piece of junk.
jammed, and the disassembly pin wouldn\’t push out, called kel-tec and they told me to hammer it out from the back (right) side with a thin screw driver, and if that didn\’t work send it back to the factory. didn\’t work, so the gun went south.
own or have owned all five, and the only one I would disagree with is the kel-tec PF9,. mine was a piece of junk.
jammed, and the disassembly pin wouldn’t push out, called kel-tec and they told me to hammer it out from the back (right) side with a thin screw driver, and if that didn’t work send it back to the factory. didn’t work, so the gun went south.
I own a eaa witness, and I just love the gun. shoots great, feels good in my hand, and just the right size. and with 16 + 1 can not beat the price!!!
I looked at EVERY single stack out there about 2 years ago… I shot most, and talked to every gun store and gun owner that would listen… What I ended up with was the Sig 938. All metal but still light weight, 7+1 capacity, Sig quality, night sights, etc etc etc… YES – you have to carry it cocked and locked, which required you to practice and be 100% comfortable drawing it / taking the safety off – but ALL weapons require practice…! That being said, everyone I have let shoot the pistol marvels at the trigger (assuming most have been used to DA/SA..) and the accuracy a lighter first pull gets you… ALl in all, I STILL think I made a great choice… I don’t think YOU would be disappointed with th 938 either – and if you are one of those that likes a variety of “colors”, grips, slide treatments, etc – Sig has you covered.. just look for them – they’re all out there…! good luck…
I could agree more. This will probably be my next purchase. I already have a Sig 1911 .45, and a Sig P238 and I love them. Both very accurate. You can’t go wrong.
I’m lost.
938 DA/SA?
938 good trigger?
My 938 is stiff at about 10 lbs.
Not a bad pistol IMO if you carry a 1911 as a primary side arm IMO IMO IMO.
I thought he PPS and Kimber solo would have been on there but then realized this was for polymar single stack 9’s which would obviously rule out the 938 and solo.
Good read. Thanks.
Bob,your are right on the money.The SIG.938 -9 is a prefix light weight carry gun,l think the guys at Sig. for maken it
Great article. I have been looking at the baby 9″s and you answered many of the questions I had.
Thanks
My favorite is still the diamondback DB9. Nothing e
Se comes close in terms of concealment ability and perhaps it is just me, but I shoot this gun very well and have never had any issues.
Hi!
You missed the Sig 938 9mm. VERY accurate, never fails to fire, light weight, 7+1 with ext mag, well built, easily maintained and smooth slide effortless to operate. Safe to carry in condition 1
Thanks!
Bob
Not polymer, but my favorite too.
The P938 is my carry gun , but…..it is not polymer.
Had one, but practically impossible to field strip so got rid of it.
You left out a great little 9mm: the CZ Rami. It is a real blaster! It is reliable, has a great fit in your hand, conceals easily, shoots any type of ammo and costs somewhere in the mid $400’s
Not single stack…the point of the article
The RAMI is definitely a great gun, but no, it’s not a single stack, and if you can find one for under $500, BUY IT! They’re getting harder to find, and I have yet to see one for less than $550 these days.
Hey Glock where is your offering at?
Glock is releasing it’s first single stack this summer 🙂
Yes, after I bought a Kahr… the Kahr is pretty neat though, runs good so far, it’s a C model and not finished very well inside. Not recommended for shooting lead and barrel is more likely to get lead fouling than a Glock, even though the Kahr has standard rifling.
Walther PPS
Walther PPS. Absolutely one of the best.
I agree!
But my PPQ M1 is the very best.
For going CCW and more compact, S&W M&P in hard to beat.
S&W M&P Shield update; https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=SH9Yl_gmh_Q
Bersa BPCC 9mm. Ruger LC9S Pro. Boberg. Walther CCP. And many others.