However, compared to the other best sub-compact 9mm handguns in its class, you’d be hard-pressed to find another that offers that same accuracy and handle as this pistol does. Smith & Wesson M&P9 Shield EZ does not classify as a target gun. You can easily use these for concealed carry applications, and most shooters should be able to handle the four-inch barrel pretty easily. We highly recommend the MC2c to any looking for the best 9mm compact handgun under $500. It does not have the fine-tuning and refined mechanism high-end pistols do, but most shooters should have no problem cocking the barrel or pressing down on the trigger. Plus, the MC2c offers excellent value for your money, considering you can get one for $450. Fortunately, Mossberg improved this feature with the MC2c. Unless your target is standing right in front of you and you’re shooting point-blank, you might need a few seconds to adjust the optics and aim the barrel. However, like many other 9mm handguns in its class, the MC1sc was hard to impossible to handle. It gas light, compact frame that most average-sized shooters can easily squeeze in their pants without even having to untuck their shirts. Mossberg’s original MC1sc was already a reliable handgun. It features a slightly larger four-inch barrel, weighs 21 ounces, and has a magazine capacity of either 15 + 1 rounds or 13 + 1 rounds. The MC2c is the later variant of the MC1sc-the first handgun Mossberg introduced to the market in the past century.

RELATED: Where to Get Your Ammo And What You Need to Consider 3. The low price tag paired with the possibility for aftermarket upgrades makes this the best compact 9mm pistol for beginners looking into exploring gun ownership for the first time. You can already get a standard model at most gun shops for less than $310. You can easily squeeze this inside your trousers for concealed carry applications in various situations.Īnother feature most shooters might appreciate is its pricing. At just 3.2 inches, it has one of the smallest barrels on the market-even smaller than its predecessor: the G3.

What sets the Taurus G3c apart from any other handgun on this list is its small, compact frame. Shooters can choose between a 10 + 1 and 12 + 1 magazine capacity. The Taurus G3c features a semi-automatic, recoil-operated 9mm handgun equipped with a 3.2-inch stainless steel barrier and a 4.5-pound trigger with restrike capability. If you have an extra grand and want to invest in a quality handgun, definitely add this to your prospective list. The Sig Sauer P365 XL is an overall excellent handgun for self-defense and everyday carry. Over time, however, you will quickly get used to it and might even find that it also helps one gain control over the gun.

New users might find the textured handgrip irksome to use. And since the Sig Sauer P365 XL only measures six inches, most hands would seem comparably large for this pistol. It has a flat, 2.61-inch trigger with a lengthier pull that is generally easier to pull and handle if you have large hands. One feature that sets the P365 apart from its predecessors is its trigger. The model variants range from $700 to $900. Although, the muzzle has an extra three ounces, which makes the pistol easier to aim and shoot compared to other options in its class. The Sig Sauer P365 XL has a standard 3.7-inch barrel and weighs a meager 17 ounces. RELATED: Top 7 9mm Carry Ammo For Self Defense Top 5 Best Compact 9mm Handguns for Self-Defense Shooting 1. Where do you even start? Luckily, we’ve narrowed down the options to the best compact 9mm handguns for self-defense, open carry, and concealed carry applications. Beginners might find it challenging to navigate through the dozens of 9mm handguns on the market.

Best sub compact 9mm