Best Micro-Compact 9mm Handguns for 2024

There is no doubt that ultra-thin, micro-compact guns have become the standard for people who want to carry concealed firearms every day.

You have a wide range of choices when it comes to micro-compacts.

Manufacturers are always trying to get more performance and capacity out of their micro-compact guns.

In order to prioritize concealability, we looked primarily at the small versions of each micro-compact.

If you’re interested in a 9mm Micro-compact, read on to find out our opinion!

We tested each pistol at different distances, both on steel and paper targets. We tested the accuracy and reliability of various FMJ and JHP ammunition types.

We test for reliability, accuracy and ergonomics as well as aftermarket support.

Best Micro Compact 9mm Pistols

1. Editor’s Choice: Sig Sauer P365

Sig changed the world of guns when they released the P365 in 2018.

The P365 is a game changer. Although Kel-Tec pioneered the industry with guns such as the P11 and other similar models, it offers a performance-to-size ratio previously considered impossible.

The core of the firearm is the modular Fire Control Unit. The serialized component of the gun allows for the interchangeability of grips and slides without the need to purchase a new firearm or transfer.

The foundation of this gun is excellent ergonomics, an acceptable trigger, a slimmer profile and a 10 round capacity. Add to that the 3-dot night sights and optics-ready slide that are included as standard, and you’ve got a real winner.

Sig makes the gun available with or without a safety manual, and they also offer magazines that have a larger capacity. Even a newer version of the.380 ACP is available for those with recoil sensitivity.

The P365 has been hailed as the best-selling handgun of all time in the United States due to its performance and aftermarket.

2. Smith & Wesson M&P Shield Plus – Best Value

Smith and Wesson’s original Shield helped to popularize polymer single-stack CCW pistols.

They had to find a way to make the Shield more powerful to compete with newer micro compacts, like the P365 or the Hellcat. Shield Plus was born.

The Shield Plus is a compact weapon that packs a lot of punch. It has a 10+1 capacity when using flush-fit mags, and a 13+1 capacity when using the extended magazine included.

A flat-faced trigger with a crisp, clean break allows for easy, repeatable shooting. An enhanced grip texture aids in gun retention and recoil management when it counts most.

Shield Plus has a slightly ovaler grip. Our team is divided on how it feels. Some love it, and others are not so sure. This is subjective but it’s always a good idea to try one out before buying.

Smith and Wesson The Shield Plus, with or without thumb safety. There are also models that can be equipped with optics.

Shield Plus is available in 9mm and.30 Super Carry. This offers an incredible 13+1 capacity (flush), or 16+1 (extended).

Holster availability for the Shield Plus is great, as it fits into most Shield holsters. These guns also have great aftermarket support.

These guns are cheaper than their competitors. You can find them for around $300-450 and often, frequent manufacturer rebates are added to the aggressive pricing.

3. Springfield Armory Hellcat is the best for CCW

Now let’s turn to Springfield Armory Hellcat, which is described as the most powerful micro-compact pistol in the world.

The standard magazine can hold 11+1 while the extended version offers 13+1.

The Hellcat is also packed with a number of solid features.

The adaptive grip texture gives the gun a grip that bites under recoil, while remaining soft on your skin when it is holstered.

The Picatinny slot is also a real one, making it much easier to attach accessories. The tritium-green front sight is high-vis and matches the U-dot rack rear sight, which has a tactical look.

The recoil rod is slightly oversized and also doubles as a device to hold the muzzle. The frame is textured with memory finger rests, and the front serrations are excellent. The gun is a masterpiece.

Springfield offers both pure iron-sight and optics-ready OSP (Optical Sight Package) models.

It is true that the gun’s slim profile creates a snappy impulse but this is only a slight increase over its competitors.

When it comes to small guns, this little bit could be the difference between success and failure. The recoil impulse is not as good as it could be, but the features and the capacity of the Hellcat keep it near the top.

4. Taurus GX4 – Most Affordable

Taurus has lowered the entry barrier for micro-compacts with the GX4’s MSRP of just $393. The street prices are around $250-300.

The GX4 has a similar design to the Hellcat, and offers the same capacity of 11+1 flushed and 13+1 extended.

Recently, we tested the T.O.R.O. Taurus Optics Ready Option is the name of this version.

It’s not the best magazine release, but this is a carry-gun, and most carry-guns have smaller controls. After a little practice, the mags dropped out easily.

It feels less snappy when I shoot it. The extended magazine is a great help when managing the gun or controlling recoil with large hands.

The trigger reset was shallow, but it still felt good. The P365 has a crisper and more defined pull, but it is heavier. Not bad, but nothing spectacular.

It’s a good gun for accuracy. I was able to average 1.5 inch groups on a 7 yard target right out of box.

Overall, the experience was enjoyable and I began to appreciate this little gun. It didn’t malfunction during a 200-round test.

We’ve run other GX4s on the range, and in other videos. They have all had 100% accuracy. This is the most important thing for a gun designed to be concealed carried.

The GX4 is a bit like Goldilocks, not too large and not too tiny. The GX4 is also a budget-friendly option for consumers who are looking to save money.

5. Mossberg MC2c – Best For Larger Hands

We are breaking the rules here AND adding our “dark horse” pick.

The Mossberg MC2c has a slightly larger gun. It is more comparable to the P365XL, or Hellcat Pro. We sneak in one larger gun because we are aware that some people have bigger hands, such as our resident content manager Sean Curtis.

He complains that he can’t get a grip on small guns. But a gun with a longer grip, while still maintaining a slim profile, really helps.

Mossberg is not the first brand that springs to mind when thinking of handguns. However, the MC2c pistol has been a reliable weapon for us.

The trigger is flat and weighs about 5.5 pounds. The break is clean and the reset is good.

The slight palm swell and grip shape are both very comfortable. However, I think the grip could be a bit more aggressive in certain areas.

Tritium night sights are also available. Mossberg offers both the standard and optics ready configurations of the MC2c.

The features include front serrations, Picatinny accessory bar, and standard 14+1 capacity with an optional 16-round extended magazine.

Why did it make the top 10 list, besides just being bigger? Sean shot a 1,000-round burndown with the MC2c in one session and experienced no stoppages. Oh, and street price is around 300-350.

Honorable Mentions

This section is reserved for firearms that we think are worthy of mention, but didn’t make the cut due to their features or prices or because we have less testing experience.

6. Glock G43X MOS

In the comments, some of you yelled that we had excluded the Glock at the beginning. Here you are. We listened.

The G43X features the familiar Glock aesthetic in a smaller package than a standard G17 or G19.

The OEM magazines only hold 10 rounds, so even if the grip is longer you still have to limit yourself to the single stack. We didn’t include it in the original list because of this.

Shield Arms’ 15-round flush fit magazines are a great way to avoid this issue.

This gun also snaps when fired, just like the other guns on our list. This is to be expected.

It feels more manageable than the Sig P365. The slightly longer grip allows for better recoil control.

It feels similar to a Glock when it comes to shooting. It is similar to its larger brethren in that it has a low bore axis, and a trigger of average quality. The 43X, despite its lack of a stock capacity is one of the most sought-after carry guns today.

7. Canik Mete MC9

The Mete MC9 from Canik is another small toy worth considering. This 9mm micro-compact comes with 12+1 and 15+1 magazines.

All MC9s are optics-ready, with 100% cowitness capabilities. Picatinny rails are also available for those who want to add accessories.

The hard case comes with all the magazines mentioned above, a mag loader and IWB holster. It also includes three backstraps and a tool kit, a punch and pinky rest. All for less than $450 .

As with all Caniks we’ve reviewed, this one has a top-of-the-line trigger. It has a clean break at around 4 pounds and a crisp, short reset.

The Mete MC9 is a great value for money. Check out our written review for more details or watch the video below.

Final Thoughts

Our experience has shown that it is best to choose the 9mm compact micro option that suits your needs. Each member of the team has different opinions about the guns listed.

We always recommend that you try these guns out in a store nearby or rent them at a range, if this is possible. The ultimate goal is to have a gun you can carry comfortably and that gives you confidence.

Our list will hopefully help you find the answers to your questions.

What is your favorite micro compact? Comment below to let us know. Do you want to learn more about your carry options? See the 12 Best Concealed Carry Guns (by Popular Caliber).

Latest Updates

• June 25, 2024: Removed Beretta APX A1 Carry, Ruger LCP Max, Sig Sauer P365XL. Add Sig Sauer MC2c, Mossberg P365. Glock 43X moved to honorable mentions.
• May 14, 2020: Removed Sig Sauer P365X and added more information about the Canik Mete MC9. We also added supplemental data for each product.
• October 4, 2020: Added Canik Mete MC9 Carry and Beretta APX APX A1 to Honorable Mentions.