The subcompact 9mm pistol category is currently one of the most popular and fastest-growing in the handgun world.
Subcompact pistols have gained more traction for concealed carry and home defense, especially among smaller shooters.
They are perfect for those who want a small pistol that still packs plenty of firepower and capacity.
These smaller guns are also great if you want something lighter and easier to conceal in your everyday clothing.
There are many benefits to owning a subcompact 9mm handgun as your secondary or primary concealed carry weapon.
Smaller shooters tend to find them easier to handle than larger pistols.
They are also great if you want something easy to store in a drawer or nightstand without taking up too much space.
Below are the 12 Best Subcompact 9MM Pistols For 2023.
Table of Contents
#1. Glock G43X 9mm Subcompact Pistol
- Barrel Length: 3.41”
- Overall Length: 6.5”
- Weight: 1.17 lbs
- Capacity: 10+1
The Glock G43X 9mm Subcompact Pistol is an excellent pistol for home defense, concealed carry, and the range.
With a 5.4-pound trigger pull with a short trigger distance and a beavertail, you will have superior control of your firearm for consistent performance.
They crafted it with a Slimline frame with an nDLC black finish, which provides extra durability and longevity.
This Glock has a subcompact frame with an overall length of 6.5” and weighs only 1.17 lbs making it an excellent choice for concealed carry.
Glock constructed their G43X with a 3.41” barrel match-grade GLOCK Marksmanship Barrel (GMB) with a 1:9.84” twist ratio for enhanced performance and accuracy.
With its slim design, you still get an excellent 10+1 capacity, giving you plenty of rounds to engage your target in any situation.
If you want the reliability of a Glock in a subcompact frame, the Glock G43X 9mm Subcompact Pistol is your best bet.
It is available from Palmetto State Armory. Here’s where to buy it: www.PalmettoStateArmory.com
#2. Taurus G2S 9mm Subcompact Pistol
- Barrel Length: 3.25”
- Overall Length: 6.25”
- Weight: 1.24 lbs
- Capacity: 7+1
The Taurus G2S 9mm Subcompact Pistol is a double action only 9mm subcompact that is perfect for those on a budget.
As one of the most affordable options on this list, the Taurus G2S is an excellent option for novices or those who want to get into shooting.
With its lightweight design and short 6.25” overall length, the G2S makes an excellent daily concealed carry.
It features a 3.25” stainless steel barrel with a 1:10 twist ratio, an alloy steel slide, and a polymer frame for added durability and longevity.
For precision shooting, it comes with adjustable three-dot sights to quickly engage your target.
It also includes two seven-round magazines and an accessory rail to mount your flashlight or laser.
If you are looking for a budget subcompact without compromising comfort and performance, the Taurus G2S 9mm Subcompact Pistol is an excellent choice.
It is available from Palmetto State Armory. Here’s where to buy it: www.PalmettoStateArmory.com
#3. Beretta APX A1 Carry Subcompact 9mm Pistol
- Barrel Length: 3”
- Overall Length: 5.63”
- Weight: 1.24 lbs
- Capacity: 6+1, 8+1
Beretta’s APX A1 Carry Subcompact 9mm Pistol is the most compact pistol on this list, with an overall length of 5.63”.
Pairing the compact size with the super light 1.24 pounds design makes it perfect for an all-day concealed carry.
It comes with a six-round flush magazine and an eight-round extended grip magazine, providing plenty of ammo for home defense or concealed carry.
They crafted the APX A1 Carry with modularity in mind, with the ability to install your favorite red dot sight or switch the grip frame for a custom fit.
It also has several other features making it perfect for concealed carry, including a crisp six-pound trigger pull, a reversible magazine release, a low-bore axis, aggressive slide serrations, and an ergonomic design.
If mobility and small overall size are important to you, the Beretta APX A1 Carry Subcompact 9mm Pistol is a simple choice.
It is available from Palmetto State Armory. Here’s where to buy it: www.PalmettoStateArmory.com
#4. S&W M&P M2.0 Subcompact 9mm Pistol With Thumb Safety
- Barrel Length: 3.6”
- Overall Length: 6.6”
- Weight: 1.58 lbs
- Capacity: 12+1
Smith & Wesson’s M&P M2.0 Subcompact 9mm Pistol with Thumb Safety is an excellent choice for your daily carry, home defense, or a day at the range.
For enhanced control and comfort, it features an optimal 18-degree grip angle for a natural feel, and it comes with four interchangeable palmswell grips for a custom fit.
They constructed the pistol with an extended rigid embedded stainless steel chassis and a low bore axis to reduce muzzle rise, flex, and torque for an excellent shooting experience.
The M&P M2.0 Subcompact has a light trigger pull with a tactile and audible trigger reset.
Its 3.6” stainless steel barrel with a 1:10” twist is accurate, and its Armornite finish provides enhanced protection against corrosion and damage.
It also includes two 12-round magazines, a lifetime service policy, and a limited lifetime warranty.
The Smith & Wesson M&P M2.0 Subcompact 9mm Pistol with Thumb Safety is a solid performer and would make an excellent home defense or concealed carry weapon.
It is available from Palmetto State Armory. Here’s where to buy it: www.PalmettoStateArmory.com
#5. HK P30SK V3 DA/SA Rear Decocker 9mm Pistol
- Barrel Length: 3.27”
- Overall Length: 6.42”
- Weight: 1.5 lbs
- Capacity: 13+1
If you are looking for a self-defense pistol you can easily conceal, look no further than the HK P30SK V3 DA/SA Rear Decocker 9mm Pistol.
They equipped this powerful handgun with six grip panels and three backstraps to ensure a comfortable and secure grip every time you pull the trigger.
The rear decocker makes it easy to use, while the non-radioactive luminescent three-dot sights ensure that you always have a clear line of sight.
With a single action/double action, the P30SK V3 is perfect for both beginners and experienced users.
It includes two 13-round capacity magazines, which means you can always have plenty of ammo, and the 6.42” overall length makes it easy to carry with you wherever you go.
Plus, the 1.5 lb weight makes it an excellent choice for those looking for a lightweight yet powerful pistol.
The slide also includes multiple serration points for easy gripping.
If you are looking for a sleek and powerful subcompact with an excellent capacity, the HK P30SK V3 DA/SA Rear Decocker 9mm Pistol is a perfect choice.
It is available from Palmetto State Armory. Here’s where to buy it: www.PalmettoStateArmory.com
#6. Springfield XD Subcompact 10 Round 9mm Pistol
- Barrel Length: 3”
- Overall Length: 6.25”
- Weight: 1.63 lbs
- Capacity: 10+1
The Springfield XD Subcompact 10 Round 9mm Pistol is perfect for anyone looking for a small, easy-to-use firearm that packs a big punch.
The XD Subcompact has an ambidextrous magazine release and optimized controls that make it easy to use.
Plus, it comes with two ten-round magazines, so you can get plenty of shots off before having to reload.
They crafted it with a 3” hammer-forged steel barrel treated with a Melonite finish, ensuring you have a strong, durable gun that will last you for years.
The 6.25” overall length makes the XD Subcompact easy to carry and conceal.
It weighs only 1.63 lbs and making it lightweight and easy to handle.
The steel three-dot sights make it easy to aim and take a shot.
Plus, the dual captive recoil spring ensures that the gun cycles smoothly and reliably every time.
So, if you’re looking for a powerful, easy-to-use gun that you can rely on, the Springfield XD Subcompact 10 Round 9mm Pistol is the perfect choice for you.
It is available from Palmetto State Armory. Here’s where to buy it: www.PalmettoStateArmory.com
#7. Heckler & Koch – VP9SK Subcompact 9mm Luger Handgun
- Barrel Length: 3.4”
- Overall Length: 6.61”
- Weight: 1.44 lbs
- Capacity: 10+1
The Heckler & Koch VP9SK Subcompact 9mm Luger Handgun is a sleek, lightweight handgun that is perfect for those who want a powerful self-defense weapon that is easy to carry around.
The VP9SK comes with two ten-round magazines, making it easy to keep extra ammo on hand.
They crafted it with a polymer stock that makes the gun comfortable to hold and easy to grip, while the 3.4” cold hammer forged barrel ensures a precise shot every time.
With a 6.61” overall length, it is easy to conceal, while the limited lifetime warranty ensures it will last a lifetime.
The Picatinny rail on the bottom allows you to easily add accessories, while the serrated steel slide helps provide a better grip.
The captive flat recoil spring helps reduce the recoil, making each shot even more accurate.
Plus, the interchangeable backstrap makes it easy to adjust the gun to your hand size.
So, whether you are looking for a self-defense weapon or just want something fun to shoot, the Heckler & Koch VP9SK Subcompact 9mm Luger Handgun is a perfect choice.
It is available from Brownells. Here’s where to buy it: www.Brownells.com
#8. Mossberg MC2sc Subcompact Tritium Sights 9mm
- Barrel Length: 3.4”
- Overall Length: 6.25”
- Weight: 1.22 lbs
- Capacity: 11+1, 14+1
The Mossberg MC2sc Subcompact is a powerful handgun that is perfect for self-defense.
It comes with one 11-round double stack magazine and one 14-round double stack magazine, so you can easily reload.
The Tritium pro night sights make it easy to see your target, and the serrated 416 stainless steel slides with black DLC finish give the gun a sleek, stylish look.
An optic-ready slide allows for easy direct mounting of Micro Dot optics.
They constructed the frame from high-tensile strength glass-reinforced polymer grip with aggressive grip texturing, ensuring that the gun stays firmly in your hand, even during a stressful situation.
Its flat-profile trigger gives you a comfortable and consistent pull every time for pinpoint shooting.
If you are looking for an optics-ready subcompact with an impressive capacity, the Mossberg MC2sc Subcompact Tritium Sights 9mm is a top pick.
It is available from Brownells. Here’s where to buy it: www.Brownells.com
#9. H&K P30SK Subcompact V3 9mm Luger 3.27in Black Steel Pistol
- Barrel Length: 3.27”
- Overall Length: 6.42”
- Weight: 1.49 lbs
- Capacity: 13+1
The H&K P30SK Subcompact V3 9mm Luger 3.27in Black Steel Pistol is a must-have for anyone looking for a powerful and reliable firearm.
Its non-radioactive luminescent three-dot sights make it easy to aim in any lighting conditions, and the V3 double action/single action with a spurred hammer makes it easy to use.
The no-snag design and six grip panels make it comfortable to hold, while the three backstraps ensure a perfect fit.
Its 3.27” barrel and 6.42” overall length make it easy to carry around, and the 13-round capacity means you’ll always have plenty of ammo on hand.
With a Picatinny rail on the bottom, it is easy to add accessories like a flashlight or laser sight, and the ambidextrous controls make it easy for left- and right-handed shooters to use.
Finally, the ergonomic design and 1.49 lbs weight make it comfortable to use for extended periods.
Whether you’re a seasoned veteran or just starting out, the H&K P30SK Subcompact V3 9mm Luger 3.27in Black Steel Pistol is a great choice.
It is available from Sportsman Warehouse. Here’s where to buy it: www.Sportsmans.com
#10. CZ P-10S 10 Round Subcompact 9mm Pistol With Night Sights
- Barrel Length: 3.5”
- Overall Length: 6.6”
- Weight: 1.53 lbs
- Capacity: 10+1
The CZ P-10S 10 Round Subcompact 9mm Pistol with Night Sights has a sleek and ergonomic design.
It is ambidextrous and features a reversible magazine release and slide release.
It has tritium night sights making it easy to aim in low light conditions, and the fiber-reinforced polymer frame ensures durability.
The flat earth finish gives it a sleek, stylish look, and the ten-round capacity ensures you have plenty of firepower on hand.
The 3.5” barrel and 6.6” overall length make it perfect for concealment, and the overall weight of just 1.53 lbs makes it easy to carry all day long.
Whether you’re looking for a new everyday carry (EDC) pistol or a backup gun for your primary firearm, the CZ P-10S is an excellent choice.
It is available from Palmetto State Armory. Here’s where to buy it: www.PalmettoStateArmory.com
#11. Canik TP9 Elite Subcompact 3.60in Black Pistol
- Barrel Length: 3.6”
- Overall Length: 6.71”
- Weight: 1.53 lbs
- Capacity: 15+1
The Canik TP9 Elite Subcompact 3.60in Black Pistol features Warren Tactical three-dot sights, a corrosion-resistant black Cerakote finish, and an interchangeable backstrap to ensure a comfortable and perfect fit.
Plus, it comes with a 12-round magazine and a 15-round magazine for plenty of ammunition.
The Canik TP9 Elite Subcompact 3.60in Black Pistol also has black grip panels to help you maintain a firm hold on the gun during use.
It is also lightweight and compact, making it perfect for those who want a powerful firearm that they can easily carry with them.
With its 6.71” overall length and 3.6” barrel, the Canik TP9 Elite Subcompact 3.60in Black Pistol is easily concealed and perfect for those who want to take their self-defense to the next level.
It is available from Sportsman Warehouse. Here’s where to buy it: www.Sportsmans.com
#12. Shadow Systems CR920 Elite 3.41” 13rd 9mm Pistol
- Barrel Length: 3.41”
- Overall Length: 6.37”
- Weight: 1.11 lbs
- Capacity: 13+1
The Shadow Systems CR920 Elite is a pistol that is truly out of this world.
With its polymer frame, aggressive texture, green tritium dot steel sights, beautiful black and bronze hardware, and match-grade 3.41” spiral-fluted barrel, this gun is sure to please even the most discerning shooter.
The weight of 1.11 lbs makes it comfortable to hold and easy to keep up with, while the beautiful black and bronze hardware gives it a stylish look.
The flat-faced trigger has a 4.5-5 lb trigger pull and is ideal for those who want a more precise shot, and the directional serrations in the front/rear and topside make it easy to grip your slide.
If you’re looking for a pistol that performs as good as it looks, then the Shadow Systems CR920 Elite is the gun for you.
It is available from Palmetto State Armory. Here’s where to buy it: www.PalmettoStateArmory.com
Why Buy a Subcompact
Subcompact pistols are an excellent way for new shooters to try their hand at concealed carry.
They are small, lightweight, and easy to conceal, making them ideal for backup pistols on the go or as an everyday carry option.
The below Youtube video does a great job of explaining the differences (and similarities) between compact and subcompact for EDC purposes:
What to Look for in a Subcompact
There are a few things to look for when purchasing a subcompact.
Trigger
One thing you should look for when choosing a subcompact pistol is the trigger.
A good trigger will allow you to pull it without applying too much force.
It should also have a short reset, so your shot does not take too long to fire.
Capacity
A good subcompact will have the capacity needed for its task.
However, the smaller the weapon, the smaller the capacity, which is a trade-off for the size.
Barrel Length
The length of your barrel has a direct relationship to your sight radius.
For the best sight picture, look for a longer barrel.
Grip Size
Subcompacts are perfect for shooters with small hands, but if you have larger hands, you will want one with an extended grip for better control.
See Also
He enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in 2004 and has served over 18 years as a communications maintenance technician with three deployments to the Middle East.
He graduated with a bachelor’s degree in English and Creative Writing from Southern New Hampshire University and a bachelor’s degree in Information System Security with a concentration in Digital Forensics from American Military University.
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Beretta PX4 storm subcompact. Hands down!! 21 rounds in this little package. Haven’t shot one? DO IT!!!!!!!!!
I carry a Sig P365. I’d never consider anything else.
I agree, Kevin. I actually bought a Sig 365X back in January of this year, but believe it or not hadn’t shot it until about a month after publishing this article. I think I’m going to edit this article to include it shortly, thanks for your feedback!
Rob V.
OMK Founder