10 Best Subcompact Carry Pistols 

Facts

Yup

It’s like cocaine for a gun nut.

Get in line, Pal. EVERYBODY is watching as soon as they come out.

You've got a lot of company! 😁

Stoeger SC?

Salute sir

I hate lists like this. I live in California (don't say it, I've lived here all my life and never voted for any of the craziness) and as of today I can buy exactly two of the guns on this list. We can get Glock 26s (Gen 3 of course, no 4 or 5 is legal here) and the VP9SK was just added to the DOJ's handgun roster at the end of January. That's it. Walther only sells .22 autos here, Wilson Combat only sells .45s. Ruger only sold revolvers until just a little while ago, and the pistols they've added are micro-nines (Max 9) and .22s. Staccato is too new a company, so is Canik. The only P365 you can buy here is the bare bones one, which of course you have to modify the hell out of after...though it does have an optics mount, which is shocking (almost no California-approved handguns are optics-ready). The CZ list available here is all larger guns, too. I can legally buy any of the guns on this list new, from a person who resides in California. They have to move house here and bring the guns with them. This means they're available...at massively increased prices, because everyone wants one and almost none are available. I've seen Glock 43s going for $1500, used.

@@davidnicholas7516you hate lists like this, or you hate the fact that you live in a communist state?

​@@BirdDogey1YES! MY EDC FOR 2 YEARS. NEVER FAILS

Taylor Freelance makes a nice metal backstrap for that I thought it was a fantastic upgrade for mine. They are great shooters.

Great choice. I'm not sure why ppl crap on those. Maybe because they're made in Turkey. I have a Rival and 3 other Caniks and have had no issues at all.

Welcome to the club! Consider joining some gun rights organizations and becoming active to preserve your right to own firearms if you haven't already.

@@derekdavis614 From what I've seen (and for whatever reason), the Turkish shotguns can be disappointing but the pistols are solid.

I have one, I did wind up putting a Taylor freelance backstrap on there. I like it, especially for the price. I’m not a fan of the Canik red Dot I have on it though.

Totally agree!! 👍🏾

My first pistol was a CZ P-10F OR and I fear I spoiled myself. I think Honest Outlaw most consistently addresses their rightful place in the market.

The P-10 series and the P-07 are very overlooked. The reason why I sold both mine is because at the time you couldn’t find extra mags for them.

I’ve got the P10c and the P07 and they are awesome in their own way, also have the Canik tp9 elite sc and yes it’s another fine pistol, Tuesday I go pick up my S&W shield plus to add to the rotation, since Chris has this one as his carry I figured it must be a great one to have.

I got one used for $250 and the guy said it was sitting there a long time.

How many rounds does the magazine hold?

@@hecsan69ifycomes with a 12 rd and 15 rd mag. The one in the video is the 12 rd

@@hecsan69ify The Canik TP9 Elite SC has 3 different capacity magazines available: 12+1, 15+1, and 17+1.

It's just a better G26 basically.

@@KwarterCraft the TP9 Elite SC is *much better* than the Glock 26, basically.

These recommendations are into me for about a grand so far. 😄

@@erikn8897 Only one? You are doing well!

what's your favorite that you own? Or top 3 if it's too hard to pick just one..

Factsssssss

@@jijjr Shield 2.0, Canik SF. Kimber Pro Raptor II in .45 Caliber.

I conceal carry a Canik mete mc9, absolutely love it!

Canik is owned by an izlomic Turkey corporation. NO thanks. Erdoğan's daughter takes aim at Christianity: "The crescent will win over Cross of the West" Erdogan is the President of the izlomic country of turkey. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan ranked first place in the 2019 edition of the World's 500 Most Influential Moozlims Erdogan commented on the term “moderate Izlom”, often used in the West to describe AKP and said, ‘These descriptions are very ugly, it is offensive and an insult to our religion. There is no moderate or immoderate Izlom. Izlom is Izlom and that’s it.” Izlom’s goal is to subjugate the world under the barbaric immoral sharia law. Don’t become a dhimmi slave. Mohamagoat was a pedo and a false profit which is Not a good example for humanity. Don’t support the izlomic supremacist. Let’s see how long this post is allowed. Misspellings to stop the censorship clowns Do you see the insanity going on in Sweden, Germany, UK, France, Spain, etc, etc… Coming to America because of the Biden regime open border policies. Numerous encroachment on US military bases. Two Chechen men who spoke broken English were found near the soldier's home. The family alleges the suspected intruder, 35-year-old Ramzan Daraev of Chicago was taking photos of their children.

My kid has 1. I'm impressed with it.

Absolutely. I have one and I love it. It is the same length and height as a S&W M&P Shield Plus, but has a capacity of 13+1 instead of 10+1. It is a tad chunky, but the chunkiness gives you the extra 3 rounds.

It is discontinued.

Does it cycle?

Ooof.. Hope you life will never depend on it.

​@@tyquanwashington.8510 curious as to why you said that. I've my MC9 for almost a year. Never had a issue.

@@waynemessner9691 go look on the canik subreddit. That gun is a lemon and fortunately you got lucky.. Cracked slides, deformed barrels, magwell/grip out of spec, magazines not seating, recoil springs breaking, failure to return to battery and a plethora of other reliability issues... Everyday there's at least 3-5 posts about that gun failing and people's half-assed attempts at fixing it. Canik hasn't properly acknowledged the issues nor fixed it. PS I'm a canik owner and love my Rival but the mc9 needs to be recalled.

i used to carry mc9 until it wouldn't feed. they sent a new recoil spring. 75 rounds later it jammed on the feed ramp and double fed. sent it back. they replaced the spring with yet a different type and a new barrel with wider feed ramp. shield plus PC is my new carry

I think that Bersa is under rated.

@@ElainesDomain Agree, but Bersa marketing team is to blame that more people haven't heard of that model yet. Very reliable gun at a reasonable price.

@@beli4780 My LGS has them but around here the Canik is the go to.

I definitely see your enjoyment of that series. Personally, I like the Bersa Thunder Plus .380. 15 rds in a PPK esque frame.

It doesn't seem that Chris is a huge DA/SA fan in general, but I've been hoping the Bersa TPR9C will make it on his radar to test. DA/SA seems to be out of style nowadays for concealed carry, but given my personal preference of appendix carry with no safety (or safety off), I like that little extra peace of mind that comes with a heavy first-shot trigger pull. Anything to reduce the chances of unintentionally neutering myself while drawing is a good thing for me. Not that there seems to be a market for it but I would LOVE for one of the reputable manufacturers to develop a "for real" micro DA/SA with similar capacity/size to the likes of a P365 or Hellcat. The TPR9C is still squarely in the sub-compact size range; still not a micro. Related: I was super excited when S&W introduced the CSX..... until I saw it was SAO. :-( If they ever offer a DA/SA version I will immediately proceed to my favorite gun store to buy one!

I have the hellcat pro it’s really good but my next will be the M&P compact 3.6

If you like slim, you're on the right track with Hellcat Pro and P365XL, Macro or AXG Legion. I own all of those and they're the perfect balance of thin, shootable, concealable, comfortable. I switched from Compacts like G19 and M&P compact to slim for EDC and it seems that's a trend based on sales at the LGS where I work. Macro and HC Pro are our best sellers followed by Shield+ and Glock 43X/48.

If the Canik fits your hand well, it would be a no brainer. People always refer to it as a great “budget pistol”. Bottom line it’s a great pistol. VERY ACCURATE. And the trigger. Wow. It just runs. I would never sell mine.

Try out the Shield Plus as well (it’s what Outlaw carries most of the time). I know it’s considered a micro compact, but the recoil is surprisingly low and it’s super easy to conceal with a t shirt.

Except very top-heavy, and impossible to find parts & often mags. I *like the TP9eSC, but it's a few tweaks short of great.

Canik is owned by an izlomic Turkey corporation. NO thanks. Erdoğan's daughter takes aim at Christianity: "The crescent will win over Cross of the West" Erdogan is the President of the izlomic country of turkey. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan ranked first place in the 2019 edition of the World's 500 Most Influential Moozlims Erdogan commented on the term “moderate Izlom”, often used in the West to describe AKP and said, ‘These descriptions are very ugly, it is offensive and an insult to our religion. There is no moderate or immoderate Izlom. Izlom is Izlom and that’s it.” Izlom’s goal is to subjugate the world under the barbaric immoral sharia law. Two Chechen men who spoke broken English were found near the soldier's home. The family alleges the suspected intruder, 35-year-old Ramzan Daraev of Chicago was taking photos of their children.

I carry a PPK, a great carry piece.

I have a Bersa Thunder (PPK clone) and I love it. Excellent carry piece.

Sar also makes some really well made guns for a budget price. I like my sar9 more than a glock.

Canik does the reverse engineering and lets others do the innovation. Screw Canik.

Canik is owned by an izlomic Turkey corporation. NO thanks. Erdoğan's daughter takes aim at Christianity: "The crescent will win over Cross of the West" Erdogan is the President of the izlomic country of turkey. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan ranked first place in the 2019 edition of the World's 500 Most Influential Moozlims Erdogan commented on the term “moderate Izlom”, often used in the West to describe AKP and said, ‘These descriptions are very ugly, it is offensive and an insult to our religion. There is no moderate or immoderate Izlom. Izlom is Izlom and that’s it.” Izlom’s goal is to subjugate the world under the barbaric immoral sharia law. Mohamagoat was a pedo and a false profit which is Not a good example for humanity. Did you see the BBC story about how young Turks like trans women (men in dresses) prostitutes over real women. Or maybe you like goats which is allowed under the demonic sharia law. Yeah, it is in the Reliance of the Traveller sharia law manual.

@@JD-tn5lz Canik objectively gives you the best value for your money. That's not an opinion. Name another gun that gives you a top-tier trigger, optic ready slide, aftermarket sights, and a plethora of accessories for $400 (sometimes even less) BRAND NEW. I'll wait.

​@backfire_station you waited 2 months but sure. Walther does, they're p99 another handguns especially trigger is top tier. These days shot up in price but originally they're 400 to 500ish. And yes, canik is a clone. Even their trigger is a walther made trigger. Also tho it's questionable, some glocks do as well. Especially the 19x compact that was meant to be used by us soldiers. Ruger does as well at higher quality might I add

canik triggers are practically identical to the shield plus performance center

@@dh5341 Well, if that's true, I'm glad they smartened up!!

Canik is owned by an izlomic Turkey corporation. NO thanks. Erdoğan's daughter takes aim at Christianity: "The crescent will win over Cross of the West" Erdogan is the President of the izlomic country of turkey. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan ranked first place in the 2019 edition of the World's 500 Most Influential Moozlims Erdogan commented on the term “moderate Izlom”, often used in the West to describe AKP and said, ‘These descriptions are very ugly, it is offensive and an insult to our religion. There is no moderate or immoderate Izlom. Izlom is Izlom and that’s it.” Izlom’s goal is to subjugate the world under the barbaric immoral sharia law. Don’t become a dhimmi slave. Mohamagoat was a pedo and a false profit which is Not a good example for humanity. Don’t support the izlomic supremacist. Let’s see how long this post is allowed. Misspellings to stop the censorship clowns. Maybe you have see the insanity go on in Europe and America’s universities.

I believe they are gearing up to release a new model or an updated version of this one. Thus, clearing out the old inventory.

@@hoffpbassI hope so. I love H&K and the VP9SK is my EDC, but because of the slimmer profile and extra rounds of the Sig P365 XMacro, I may make a switch soon.. unless of course H&K comes out with something better

Where are you seeing these deals? What websites?

@@RoyaltyGotHits I had been seeing them for a solid week on the “daily deals” section on Handgun Hero. Not sure if they are there anymore though.

Canik is owned by an izlomic Turkey corporation. NO thanks. Erdoğan's daughter takes aim at Christianity: "The crescent will win over Cross of the West" Erdogan is the President of the izlomic country of turkey. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan ranked first place in the 2019 edition of the World's 500 Most Influential Moozlims Erdogan commented on the term “moderate Izlom”, often used in the West to describe AKP and said, ‘These descriptions are very ugly, it is offensive and an insult to our religion. There is no moderate or immoderate Izlom. Izlom is Izlom and that’s it.” Izlom’s goal is to subjugate the world under the barbaric immoral sharia law. Stop giving your money to an ideology that wants to enslave you and r@p# your women and children. Do you see what is going on in Europe?? America’s universities?? Dhimmi slave??

Hopefully you catch this before buying....but here are a few things I have learned...1. Don't hold/try out more than 5-7 pistols in one trip. For me, if I hold more than that, I get an information overload, and I then can't remember much of, or get confused about what I looked at. Take several trips, especially when you start narrowing it down. 2. Take notes if need be. Brand/model and what you like and don't like. 3. Once you start narrowing down, hold those again. Keep narrowing down until you have reached a decision.

My advice? Find a gun range that you can rent before you buy and like @joe said, don't handle too many at a time.

Poor time to start. So many good guns available right now that you may go crazy. Welcome to the club.

You are in the right place my friend

@@JoeSpringer97 Welcome, Joe! I got my CCW and my first 9mm three years ago. After doing some research, I decided on the Canik TP9 Elite SC, based on reviews and best value. I love it. And by shear coincidence, Chris rated it his #1 in this video. So I'm even happier with my choice! But as other commenters mention, it's best to go to the range and shoot a few different models before going all in. Good luck.

I absolutely love canik I had the tp9 elite sc but I sold it and got the mete mc9 and I am in love with it. I'm more accurate with it and it's easier to carry (for me)

Canik is a CRAP TON better than a freaking Taurus by a MILE, I've personally owned 34 different Taurus handguns over the years and have been around many more with being a range officer at a very busy local range and if you like to shoot a Taurus just will not hold up, they shoot themselves to pieces in short order because thier metalurgy just flat sucks PERIOD, people don't like to hear that but it's the truth, my advice is dumb the taurus and get the Canil especialy if you shoot it better, another things about Taurus that sucks crap is parts, pick any part of your taurus and try to buy that part online,, sometthing as simple as say a recoil spring and buffer or replacement striker, I am pretty sure you will find your only recourse is to go to the dealer, and good luck on that one because that can be a long drawn out nightmare dealing with those A**holes, ask me how I know have been there not once not twice but no less than 4 times in my life and one of those times got tired of trying to deal with it and them that I just offed the gun fpr pennies on the dollar because after 2 years just couldn't handle the fact that I still could not get from them the part needen nor would they warraty it and it was a current production gun, had the same issue with another taurus gun that after a year had a gunsmith make the needed part because taurus basicalkly to me tough s**t on the warranty and piss off and would not get me the part, that cost me nearly the price of a new gun, you will not have those issues witgh Canik because the stuff is VERY available online from many sources and one part often will fit many models (unlike taurus that change as much as you change your underwear or more), you will also find some pretty good aftermarket support for Canik theese days< i cahllenge you to just do a google search of Canik parts and accesories versus the same for taurus you will see what I meen about taurus parts I do believe.

@@looseballs1966 we did pick up the canik tp9 SC my new favorite

@@Northernred628 cool, it will serve you well

Canik is owned by an izlomic Turkey corporation. NO thanks. Erdoğan's daughter takes aim at Christianity: "The crescent will win over Cross of the West" Erdogan is the President of the izlomic country of turkey. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan ranked first place in the 2019 edition of the World's 500 Most Influential Moozlims Erdogan commented on the term “moderate Izlom”, often used in the West to describe AKP and said, ‘These descriptions are very ugly, it is offensive and an insult to our religion. There is no moderate or immoderate Izlom. Izlom is Izlom and that’s it.” Izlom’s goal is to subjugate the world under the barbaric immoral sharia law.

he did he prefers sig ammo. his ammo cabinet has more ammo than most stores

I am out of “need” and finding excuses hard! This list certainly helps me zero in on gunitus fix!

Bersa is notoriously unreliable😅

@@cccboarding I’ve never seen any evidence of Bersa being notoriously unreliable. The finish isn’t top notch and the .380’s can be picky with underpowered ammo. That being said, the tpr9c is regarded pretty highly in nearly all reviews I’ve come across.

I scratch that itch with the p30sk

So you rely your life on your cheapest gun... Holster wear doesn't matter if your dead.

@@zmarchal1699 A gun does not have to be expensive to be utterly reliable. MILLIONS of people attest that the Taurus G-series pistols run perfectly. You apparently have never used one.........................elsullo

@@zmarchal1699 Calm down Karen. You don't know me or what I do.

Barely rates above a high point, but you do you

use a leather holster

Snappy and had to get rid of it after 8k rounds. Light strikes and failure to feed that could not be fixed by sending in for service.

​@toddtzm not to mention at 1.35 inches wide its thicc af

Stoeger str-9c

I have the F-series. Wanted to love it for carry but for anyone with large hands, it is not going to be your ideal. It was built for smaller hands and that's why I bought it, for my Wife. With lokgrip brass on the backstrap, magazine plates and magwell.. now shoots less snappy and she loves it. A zone hits all day from a new shooter like her is a win. For me the full size PDP is my comfort zone, but could never find a compact or subcompact that accommodates larger hands. Going to give the Canik a try, everyone says she's a thicc pistol, but maybe that's what I need.

The F is about the same size as a 19. It's just too big for this list. I'm still patiently waiting for Walther to release a PDP subcompact/micro.

Is it me or is the grip gigantic on that thing? Is it hard to conceal?

Isn't that on the heavier side tho?

A top 5 9 mm pistols would be tough. 😂

@@HonestOutlawReviewstop ten 🤷🏻‍♂️

Great Call,.. the Rami is the most underatted sub pistol,..and I also love the 365.

Why do people rotate carry guns?

@@douglasds7265 Different clothing, shorts or jeans, but dry fire and live fire with both to maintain handling.

Because you own one right?

Cool! Anything else changed? What mags you running?

@@Torikkaa Just the factory 12s.

@@EDKguy Not thinking of useing CZ +2 base?

@@Torikkaa I have not seen those. I'll have lo look for them. Thanks for the tip!

Then show your list order!!!

@@CHEECHMUN Lost all of mine in a boating accident.

P2000

Plus the VP9SK mags are harder to find, never ever find bargain ones in used categories, and the mags cost nearly twice as much. I love me some HK too, got a bad addiction, but Glock and HK shouldn't switch spots. Plus besides, my Glock 33 has a barrel that makes it a G27 and a conversion barrel that turns it into a G26...so in the sense that my G33 is also a 26, it beats the VP9SK three ways to Sunday. Versatility and adaptability matters. Can't change a VP9SK into anything else. Not knocking the HK (and the P2000SK is a beast too), great guns, but Glock deservedly beats it.

Occasionally you can find the VP9SK for $599 for the button mag release version. Currently it's on sale online. It's a fantastic subcompact at that price. The CZ P10 in any size is a great gun at $400. Something better than a Glock but less customization.

Hk is ridiculously overpriced for what it is. The money you save by not wasting it on a Hk can be spent on ammo. I’ve owned a VP9 and USP. I’ve shot a P30, P200, USP45, VP9, and VP9SK. Would much rather have a Glock or CZ P-07

Canik is owned by an izlomic Turkey corporation. NO thanks. Erdoğan's daughter takes aim at Christianity: "The crescent will win over Cross of the West" Erdogan is the President of the izlomic country of turkey. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan ranked first place in the 2019 edition of the World's 500 Most Influential Moozlims Erdogan commented on the term “moderate Izlom”, often used in the West to describe AKP and said, ‘These descriptions are very ugly, it is offensive and an insult to our religion. There is no moderate or immoderate Izlom. Izlom is Izlom and that’s it.” Izlom’s goal is to subjugate the world under the barbaric immoral sharia law. Ever hear of dhimmi slaves?? grooming gangs in the UK?? moo zlime immigrants in Germany calling for a new caliphate?? How many jihadists have crossed the open borders into Western countries??

don't know how new your canik is but get some rounds thru the MC9. known for jamming on the feed ramp. newer models have different barrels and springs

@@dh5341 bought mine in June last year. Haven’t kept count specifically put I’d say I have 600+ rounds through it. Runs like a champ.

I love my mc9 and by the look of your name you're in the same city as me. 412.

@@keithwatkins2643 Yes sir, North hills area.

​@@Steelcity77 me too

Canik is owned by an izlomic Turkey corporation. NO thanks. Erdoğan's daughter takes aim at Christianity: "The crescent will win over Cross of the West" Erdogan is the President of the izlomic country of turkey. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan ranked first place in the 2019 edition of the World's 500 Most Influential Moozlims Erdogan commented on the term “moderate Izlom”, often used in the West to describe AKP and said, ‘These descriptions are very ugly, it is offensive and an insult to our religion. There is no moderate or immoderate Izlom. Izlom is Izlom and that’s it.” Izlom’s goal is to subjugate the world under the barbaric immoral sharia law. Steel city, why do you give money to a group of people that wants to enslave you as a dhimmi slave??

True. I don’t think he has reviewed that gun.

Mine had reliability issues so I sold it for a p365 and haven't looked back. I also have a 48. Either way the micro class is far superior for carry.

@@hardcase-69 that’s too bad. I like my 365 too but I just shoot the shield plus so much more accurately than everything else. No reliability issues either.

​@@hardcase-69crazy to think you had problems with the shield plus they are great guns and just run I haven't had one problem with mine and feed it everything

I tried the Hellcat pro against the P365 and Equalizer. The Hellcat Pro was very jumpy compared to those two, and felt like you were firing larger ammo than 9mm. I don't get why so many like the Hellcat Pro so much. To me, it had way too much recoil.

Now I'm seeing them with the Springfield promotion of 5 mags in the 390-420 range. Now that's a bargain.

Canik is owned by an izlomic Turkey corporation. NO thanks. Erdoğan's daughter takes aim at Christianity: "The crescent will win over Cross of the West" Erdogan is the President of the izlomic country of turkey. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan ranked first place in the 2019 edition of the World's 500 Most Influential Moozlims Erdogan commented on the term “moderate Izlom”, often used in the West to describe AKP and said, ‘These descriptions are very ugly, it is offensive and an insult to our religion. There is no moderate or immoderate Izlom. Izlom is Izlom and that’s it.” Izlom’s goal is to subjugate the world under the barbaric immoral sharia law. Mohamagoat was a pedo and a false profit which is Not a good example for humanity.

43x is a micro 9 and as such did not meet the criteria for this list.

I think he may not consider it a sub compact. Maybe more of a micro.

I wouldnt call the 43x a mico by any means in the world of small 9mm pistols.

@@El_Camionero Understand the micro/subcompact criteria, although the grip is more along the lines of a subcompact vs micro, at least IMHO.

​@@mt24CarsonI agree with you. Short barrel, thin, but fairly large grip that leaves a decent print when concealed

The 3.5" pdp didn't even make the list!!! Chris!!!!!!!! Noooooooo

@@sergeantdwz5783since when is there a sub compact pdp? There’s 4”,4.5” and 5”. Unless it’s brand spanking new, like in the last few days, they haven’t made a 3.5”

@@JasonLeeDeeCee I have a 3.5" on my hip as we speak. Better check again lol

@JasonLeeDeeCee it's the f series. Designed for females or guys with small hands. I have xl hands and with the thicker backstrap it's awesome. A must buy from someone who's carried the sigs, hks, caniks, and now walther.

@@sergeantdwz5783 I knew about the f series didn’t know there was 2 barrel sizes already. I’ve 3 different PDPs, 2 full size grips and one compact grip and none of them seem to fit my hand right. Maybe the f series would do it but I’d still like more barrel.