9mm pistols are among the most popular and versatile firearms for self-defense, concealed carry, law enforcement, and recreational shooting.
This article will review the top 10 best 9mm handguns based on their features, performance, and quality; we will also provide some tips on selecting the right 9mm pistol.
They offer a balance of power, accuracy, capacity, and reliability that is hard to beat. But with so many models and brands available, how do you choose the best one for your needs?
List of Best 9mm Handguns
Glock 19 Gen 5
The Glock 19 Gen 5 is the latest version of the most popular pistol. It is a compact, polymer-framed, striker-fired pistol that can be used for concealed carry, home defense, or range fun.
The Glock 19 Gen 5 has a 4-inch barrel, a 15+1 round capacity, and a black finish.
The Glock 19 Gen 5 is the best overall pistol for most shooters who want a versatile, dependable firearm that can handle any situation.
Sig Sauer P365
The Sig Sauer P365 is the best pistol for concealed carry. It is a subcompact, polymer-framed, striker-fired pistol that has a revolutionary design.
The P365 has a 3.1-inch barrel, a 10+1 round capacity (or 12+1 with extended magazines), and a black finish.
It features a stainless steel slide with front and rear serrations, a nitron coating, a crisp trigger with a short reset, and an integrated accessory rail.
The P365 also has a unique staggered-stack magazine that gives it a high capacity in a small frame.
Walther PPQ M2
The Walther PPQ M2 is the best pistol for ergonomics. It is a full-size, polymer-framed, striker-fired pistol with a sleek and comfortable design.
The PPQ M2 has a 4-inch barrel, a 15+1 round capacity (or 17+1 with extended magazines), and a black finish.
It features a polymer frame with interchangeable backstraps, a smooth front and rear serrations slide, a reversible magazine release button, and an accessory rail.
The PPQ M2 also has one of the best triggers on any striker-fired pistol: a short journey, a light pull weight, and a tactile reset.
The Walther PPQ M2 is the best pistol for ergonomics for those who want a smooth and comfortable firearm that can adapt to any shooter’s preference.
Smith & Wesson M&P 2.0
The Smith & Wesson M&P 2.0 is the best pistol for durability. It is a full-size, polymer-framed, striker-fired pistol with rugged and robust construction.
The M&P 2.0 has a 4.25-inch barrel, a 17+1 round capacity, and a black finish. It features a polymer frame with an extended stainless steel chassis, a textured grip with four interchangeable palm swell inserts, an enhanced trigger with an audible and tactile reset, and an accessory rail.
The M&P 2.0 also has an aggressive slide with fish-scale serrations, a steel-reinforced polymer magazine, and an optional manual thumb safety.
Walther PPQ Q5 Match
The Walther PPQ Q5 Match is the best pistol for competition. It is a full-size, polymer-framed, striker-fired pistol with a competition-ready design.
The PPQ Q5 Match has a 5-inch barrel, a 15+1 round capacity (or 17+1 with extended magazines), and a black finish.
It features a polymer frame with interchangeable backstraps, a ported slide with front and rear serrations, a fiber optic front, an adjustable rear sight, and an accessory rail.
The PPQ Q5 Match also has the same excellent trigger as the PPQ M2: short travel, a light pull weight, and a tactile reset.
Sig Sauer P320
The Sig Sauer P320 is the best pistol for modularity. It is a full-size, polymer-framed, striker-fired pistol that has a modular design.
The P320 has a 3.9-inch barrel, a 15+1 round capacity (or 17+1 with extended magazines), and a black finish.
It features a stainless steel slide with front and rear serrations, a nitron coating, a crisp trigger with a short reset, and an integrated accessory rail.
The Sig Sauer P320 is the best pistol for modularity for those who want a flexible and versatile firearm that can change with their situation.
Springfield Armory XD-S
The Springfield Armory XD-S is the best pistol for simplicity. It is a subcompact, polymer-framed, striker-fired pistol that has a simple and straightforward design.
The XD-S has a 3.3-inch barrel, a 7+1 round capacity (or 9+1 with extended magazines), and a black finish.
The XD-S also has some safety features, such as grip safety, trigger safety, and a loaded chamber indicator.
The Springfield Armory XD-S is the best pistol for simplicity for those who want an easy and effective firearm that can do the job without fuss.
Beretta 92FS
The Beretta 92FS is the best pistol for tradition. It features a metal frame with a checkered front and back strap, a slide-mounted safety/decocking lever, a double/single action trigger, and an accessory rail.
The 92FS also has a chrome-lined barrel, a three-dot sight system, and a disassembly latch.
The Beretta 92FS is known for its tradition, accuracy, and reliability. It has a smooth recoil, a consistent trigger, and an iconic design.
It has been used by the US military since 1985 as the M9 pistol and by many other militaries and law enforcement agencies worldwide. The 92FS is one of the most classic and proven pistols today.
CZ 75 SP-01
The CZ 75 SP-01 is the best pistol for accuracy. It is a full-size, metal-framed, hammer-fired pistol that has a superb design.
The SP-01 has a 4.7-inch barrel, a 10+1 round capacity (or 18+1 with extended magazines), and a black polycoat finish.
It features a steel frame with an extended beavertail, a slide-in-frame design, a manual safety lever, a double/single action trigger, and an accessory rail.
The SP-01 also has a cold hammer forged barrel, a fixed night sight, and rubber grips. The CZ 75 SP-01 is the best pistol for accuracy for those who want a precise, consistent firearm that can hit any target.
Heckler & Koch VP9
The Heckler & Koch VP9 is the best pistol for innovation. It is a full-size, polymer-framed, striker-fired pistol with an advanced design.
The VP9 has a 3.4-inch barrel, a 10+1 round capacity (or 15+1 with extended magazines), and a black finish.
It features a polymer frame with interchangeable backstraps and side panels, a lightning-cut slide with front and rear serrations, an ambidextrous magazine release lever and slide stop lever, and an accessory rail.
The VP9 also has unique features, such as a striker-fired indicator, a loaded chamber indicator, and rear-mounted charging supports.
It incorporates some of the latest technologies and features in pistol design. The VP9 is one of the most modern and innovative pistols on the market today.
The Heckler & Koch VP9 is the best pistol for innovation for those who want a cutting-edge and versatile firearm that can deliver outstanding results.
Advantages of a 9mm Pistol
There are many reasons why the 9mm pistol is a popular choice for many shooters, such as:
- Power: The 9mm Luger has enough power to stop most human threats with proper shot placement and ammunition selection. It can penetrate about 12 to 18 inches of ballistic gelatin, considered the optimal range for effective wound creation. It can also cause significant tissue damage and blood loss with expanding bullets.
- Accuracy: The 9mm Luger has a relatively flat trajectory and low recoil, which makes it easy to shoot accurately and follow-up shots quickly. It can also be fired from longer barrels for increased accuracy and velocity.
- Capacity: The 9mm Luger has a small case size and bullet diameter, which allows for higher magazine capacity than larger calibers. Most full-size 9mm pistols can hold 15 to 17 rounds, while some compact models can hold 10 to 12 games. This gives the shooter more chances to hit the target and deal with multiple threats.
- Reliability: The 9mm Luger is a proven cartridge used for over a century by military and law enforcement agencies worldwide. It is known for feeding and functioning reliably in most pistols and conditions. It can also withstand various environmental factors, such as temperature, humidity, or dirt.
- Affordability: The 9mm Luger is one of the most affordable pistol calibers on the market. It is widely available and produced by many manufacturers in different quality levels and price ranges. It can also be reloaded quickly and cheaply for further savings.
Tips for Buying a 9mm Handgun
When purchasing a 9mm handgun, making an informed decision is crucial. Here are some tips to guide you:
Try before you buy
Visit a shooting range or gun store that allows you to test different models before purchasing.
Consider your specific needs and preferences:
Determine how to use the handgun and prioritize features accordingly.
Research and read reviews
Gather information from reputable sources, such as gun magazines and online forums, to learn about others' experiences with the models you're considering.
Seek professional advice
Consult with experienced shooters, trainers, or law enforcement officers who can provide valuable insights and recommendations.
Take training and practice seriously.
Owning a handgun is responsible for training and practicing regularly to ensure proficiency and safety.
Factors to Consider When Choosing the Best 9mm Handgun
These factors will help you evaluate each option based on your needs and preferences. Here are the crucial aspects to keep in mind:
- Reliability: Reliability should be a top priority when choosing any firearm, and 9mm handguns are no exception. Look for a handgun with a proven track record of reliability, as malfunctions can have severe consequences in self-defense or critical situations.
- Accuracy: Accurate shot placement is vital for both self-defense and target shooting. Consider a handgun with a reputation for consistent accuracy, preferably with a good trigger and sights that suit your shooting style.
- Size and Weight: The size and weight of the handgun will affect its ease of carry and concealability. Strike a balance between a compact size for concealed carry and a weight that allows for comfortable shooting and recoil management.
- Magazine Capacity: One of the advantages of the 9mm caliber is its high magazine capacity. Consider handguns with magazines that hold at least ten rounds, although higher capacities are available.
- Recoil Management: Recoil can impact your ability to shoot accurately and quickly. Look for a handgun with good recoil management through design features, such as a recoil spring or a recoil-reducing mechanism.
- Ergonomics and Grip: A comfortable grip and ergonomic design are crucial for a secure and natural shooting experience. Ensure that the handgun feels comfortable in your hand and allows for easy manipulation of controls.
- Sight Options: The sights on a handgun play a crucial role in acquiring and tracking targets. Look for handguns that offer adjustable or night sights, depending on your needs.
- Aftermarket Support and Accessories: Consider the availability of aftermarket support and accessories for the handgun you choose. This includes holsters, magazines, sights, and other upgrades that can enhance your shooting experience.
- Price Range: Set a realistic budget for your 9mm handgun purchase. While quality firearms come at a price, excellent options are available in various price ranges.
Choosing the best 9mm handgun requires careful consideration of various factors such as reliability, accuracy, size, magazine capacity, recoil management, ergonomics, sight options, aftermarket support, and price range.
You can decide based on your specific needs and preferences by evaluating these factors and exploring the top 5 choices for concealed carry, home defense, and target shooting.
Remember to try before you buy, seek professional advice, and prioritize training and practice for responsible handgun ownership.
Read More
- Best 9mm Pistols For Law Enforcement – You Must Know
- Top 9 Best 9mm Pistols For Military Use – Complete Guide
- Top 11 Best 9mm Pistols For Home Security: You Must Know!
- Top 4 Best Home Protection Handgun: Safe Your Family !
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