Finding the best full size 9mm handgun is challenging especially if you're working with a budget. But that's not to say it's an impossible task. This list will help you find the handgun fit for your preference without burning a hole in your pocket.
RELATED: Hunting Guns | Top 11 Rifles, Shotguns, And Handguns For Hunting
Best Full Size 9mm Handguns You Can Buy Without Breaking the Bank
Click here to jump to the best full size 9mm handguns instructographic.
1. Springfield XD9
When it comes to handguns, there is no one-size-fits-all option. After all, what suits one person well may be uncomfortable for another.
The good news is you can buy handguns for sale that match your personality and your budget. One of these is the Springfield XD9.
This polymer-framed handgun has a slew of safety features and is reliable. Unless you live in a magazine-restricted state, this pistol in its full-size form is capable of holding 16+1 bullets.
What Is a Magazine-Restricted State? It refers to the states that limit or ban certain high-capacity round magazines. The definition of these mags can vary among the states.
Anyone can throw in just about any type of ammo and use it to shoot thousands of rounds without experiencing a single malfunction. The average price for this best full size 9mm handgun is currently $499.
2. Glock 19 Gen 4
Glock firearms revolutionized the handguns market, especially when the striker-fired, polymer-framed Glock gen pistol came out. Since then, Glock 19 (and 17) has been the go-to pistol for police and civilians all over the country.
It usually ranks as one of the best full size 9mm handguns for home defense. Its price at around $645 over at truegunvalue.com makes it even more attractive.
This semi-auto pistol is also reliable and easy to take down. The magazine holds 15+1, which is right where it should be for a service pistol.
They are also easy to customize with different sights and backstraps.
3. S&W M&P M2.0
Smith & Wesson is one of the trusted American gun manufacturers for years. Almost everything it makes is good.
The M&P 9's price range is right where Springfields and Glocks are.
At an average price of $390 at truegunvalue.com, it is every bit as reliable as any semi-auto pistol or revolver on our list. It should not be surprising since the company designed it to meet the needs of law enforcement and the military.
It is made of Stainless Steel – Armornite® Finish which highlights extended stainless-steel chassis and a low barrel bore axis for reduced muzzle rise and faster aim recovery.
The magazines of the M&P can hold 17+1 rounds of the 9X19 parabellum self-defense cartridge. Plus, you can order them with a threaded barrel, laser, and optional manual thumb safety.
4. Beretta 92
The 92, a 9mm pistol Beretta, is another of the handguns that meet military and police standards. It is, therefore, accurate, and durable.
It is a hammer-fired DA/SA pistol with a 10+1 magazine capacity. The gun retails at around $699 at truegunvalue.com and is available in stainless steel.
5. Beretta PX4
Beretta is a known brand in the market for its great products. Most of all, it's one of the oldest arms manufacturers in the world, so it is no surprise the next item on this list is also from the team.
Beretta PX4 is an SA/DA, hammer-fired pistol with varying sizes of magazines of 10 and 17 rounds. You can also exchange its backstrap for something more comfortable.
Most owners love this Beretta handgun since it fits snugly in the hand. Even better, you can own one for less than $540 over at sportsmans.com.
RELATED: 36 Best Handguns You Will Ever Need
6. Ruger LCR
This list won't be complete without at least one wheel gun on it. If you want the affordability of the 9mm Parabellum with the point-and-shoot simplicity of a revolver, look no further than Ruger's LCR 9mm.
You do have to use moon clips with this Ruger 9mm handgun, which has its pros and cons.
Once reloading with the clips becomes familiar to you, it is a breeze to use it. The downside is it is only a 5-shot revolver.
Still, at no more than $809 at ruger.com, it is a solid revolver for your consideration.
7. HK VP9
Are you looking for ambidextrous, polymer-framed, striker-fired handguns? HK VP9 is one of your best bets.
The suggested retail price for VP9 is around $629 at sportsmans.com, which may seem expensive to some. The other options above, though, will show there are pricier ones.
One of the VP9's claims to fame is its supposed most ergonomically comfortable grip on a pistol. If the grip it comes with doesn't fit your hand size, no worries.
This firearm includes complementary items to improve your hold and increase your accuracy when firing.
8. CZ75
The CZ75 has been around for decades, so it has proven itself to be a top contender in more ways than one. If you are looking for a steel-framed, hammer-fired pistol with a high-capacity magazine, this is a great pick.
It also comes with smaller or compact options. You only need to sacrifice two rounds of ammo at 14+1.
Plus, it doesn't break the bank. The suggested price for this pistol is in the $800 range according to truegunvalue.com.
9. Springfield XDM
Anything Springfield Armory makes is going to be high quality. This pistol is no different, which currently retails at around $560 at sportsmans.com.
One of the benefits of this pistol is it comes in a variety of sizes.
You can choose a compact model with a 3.8″ barrel. Something bigger such as the 5.25″ barrel makes it a competition model.
Magazine capacity can be as high as 19, depending on the size of the pistol you choose.
10. S&W SD9
When you want the best full size 9mm handgun but can't afford to spend a fortune, get an S&W SD9. You will own a Smith & Wesson firearm but won't have to sell one of your kidneys for it.
A striker-fired, polymer-framed pistol also comes with a magazine capacity of 10+1, which works well if you live in a magazine-restrictive state.
You can also get the model that carries a 16+1 magazine capacity. The suggested price for SD9 is under $400, but you can find one at your local shop for even less than that.
11. Kahr CT9
For those of you who don't know, Kahr Arms makes one of the best-feeling triggers on the market. Even their pocket pistol lineup offers great triggers with a crisp break. The CT9 is Kahr's take on a value-priced pistol. It is a full-size, polymer-framed gun with a 4″ barrel and 8-round magazine.
It's a top contender for the best handgun for concealed carry. You can find this handgun in your local gun shop for around the $400 mark.
Here’s an instructographic guide. Don’t forget to download, save, or share this handy best full size 9mm handguns instructographic for reference:
How does this list stack up? Keep in mind the price points for these recommended best full size 9mm handguns can change over time. These prices are already excellent, but if you still find them steep, perhaps you can wait a bit.
Other options include buying one from your local gun shop or bidding in an auction. Either way, these handguns won't disappoint.
Loading ...Do you know of other affordable but best full size 9mm handguns? Share your list in the comments section below!
Up Next:
- 7 Best Handguns For New Shooters
- Best Low-Cost Pistol Options For Your Budget
- Buying Used Guns | How To Shop Gun Blue Book Value Prices
Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Pinterest!
Disclaimer: All content on this site is for informational purposes only. Please read our full disclaimer here.
Editor’s Note: This post was originally published on October 22, 2016, and has been updated for quality and relevancy.
i know to some,they haven’t yet come across the canak tp9-sa because it hasn’t been around that long but let me tell you this…for $350 to $400 range, this pistol is as ,if not better, than any glock i’ve fired…absolutely no hangups,no misfires and best of all minimal recoil…sights up dead on…holds 18+1…turkish army has dropped the 1911 and the glock for this piece to be the standard sidearm…truly a mechanical dream…when i die,i’m taken it with me…
My ccw peace is a Smith & Wesson m&p full size, great gun , no jams no issues. $475.00 new at local gun shop. Wife carries the same on compact, also a great gun for the price and they come with lifetime warranty. Any thing with the Smith & Wesson logo on it its going to be good. I also have 2 of the ar-15/22, lots of fun to shoot with no issues regardless of brand if amo.
A Hi pointe 9mm is the best. Made in America. It has a fixed barrell. You can drive nails with it. You can get the pistol, a box of shell and the bk ground check for under $300. Those other prashooters are crap.
HIGH PRICED!
You want a cheap good gun? For the house, a Hi-Point. You want carry SCCY.
under $300.00 LIFETIME WARRANTY. any Questions?
I almost thought you knew what you where talking about until I saw you include not one but two Baretta sidearms, and your ex military to boot, you should know better. the baretta sidearms are probably the worst combat pistol ever entered into military service which would explain why so few use it as their secondary weapon. breakdown is a @#$%^ and if you even look at them wrong they jam. get them dirty and you might as well throw them at your adversary for any good that’ll do.
It’s Beretta, and ‘you’re’ not ‘your’.
really? that’s your take? your a grammar Nazi? wow good for you.
Their is always one. Nothing more important that criticizing someone else. You did see what I did there with the first their didn’t you Mikial?
I am glad you mentioned that, which gives me a full consensus now, and I never plan to buy one, either. I will stick with my Glock and Ruger….
you should include the eaa witness !!!!!! an excelent gun for the price , very accurate , and
easy to handle.
Not one of the many 1911 variants available in 9mm, yet two crappy Beretta’s. Rubbish. Several highly touted, and non-ergonomic pistols as well. Humph.
Sig Sauer SP2022
My wife,and I both carry this tool. Magazines,ammo,everything the same. We train together,and practice getting to each other’s C C. position. The reason we do this is obvious,but the underlying reason was–she shot mine at the range,and was going to take it. So,we came to this decision by nessesits. It’s awesome to know that you’re wife can pull your weapon out if something happens,and use it the same as hers.
I just love that concept ! –Disabled Vietnam Vet: 68-70. My humble Blog: TOM’S JOURNAL.
Thank you for your service to this country. I will check your blog out.
Good to hear that DB. It was the first firearm I bought and I know the guy who sold it to
me know but then didn’t. He says,”These Sigs are growing on me.”He was a Glock guy.
I said sold and go the TACPACK with the holster and laser light combo. I’m very happy.
I just got the HI Point 995TS and I don’t care what anyone says it is awesome!!
All my best to your wife.
Highest regards,
Vilkus
My wife and I were at the range,and she was putting some rounds through her 380. I had the new Sig,and was going to try it out. I put about 50 through it,and asked her if she wanted to try it out. We were packing to leave,and I caught her trying to put it in her C.C. purse. I asked what she was doing with my gun,and she said”I really like this”!
I said it’s mine,and she continued to try to put it in. I KNEW it was over then. 2 weeks later she had her own. Since then,new purse,accesories,etc.,have cost me a small fortune. But it is awesome to know that she can pull mine if she is behind me,and I can’t get it. Sometimes,I don’t have to carry because she has hers,and I can get to it. It just works out good. And she loves to shoot. The range,and IHOP is date night for her. How cool is that?
Sir, Your fine wife is worth a pile of pure gold !! God bless you two ! My email: [email protected] — I also write a Christian based Blog, TOM’S Journal, is geared to helping other combat Veterans, with PTSD, Depression, and navigating thru the corrupt VA system. I live in Northern MI… in the U.P. —Jesus is Lord— Something HUGE might happen to the USA this very next week, and I HOPE and PRAY that I am wrong ! Be Safe —Be Prepared. —Tommy Schuckman
We to believe,and follow our Lord, and Saviour Jesus Christ
We are in the desert,just outside of Tucson..
I have a sister that lives near you, too. I have a big time WARNING to give to good folks like you….. IF you email me soon enough.
???
It’s about something that will happen on April 21 st….
That is super cool DP. Thanks!
Highest regards,
Get rid of the ghetto gun Hi-Point ASAP! I bought one and after about a1000 rounds one blew out the top of the barrel. Truly a POS, get a half decent AR if you can’t afford a good AR, believe me you will chuck your Hipoint in the closest pond or pig stye.
Thanks for the advice but I’ll keep it.
Good list. We own Glocks, XDs, and a couple of Beretta 92’s and like them all. We also own a couple of 1911’s, but don;t consider them good EDC guns because of their capacity and reliability issues. I carry a G21 (.45ACP) and love it, and my wife carries a Beretta 92.
1911 Reliability hiw long have you been alive on this earth Bill Wilson Combat laughs as well As Mike Seeklander and many 3 gun Shooters Benny Cooley etc.,I have even a RIA 1911 Compact in 9 mm at 30 yards it drop’s a reaction steel target. I will carry my P250,226229 and my 90 series 1911 Nightmare SA DA-SA DAO Model pistols before I carry a Beretta any thing.
Sorry, you may indeed have more experience than me since I’ve only been shooting 1911s since 1978. so you may have shot and carried many more of them than than I have, in which case I bow to your greater experience. Your comment is a bit difficult to decipher, but it sounds like you listed at least three Sigs (P250, 226 and 229 [none of which are 1911s] although it’s hard to tell for sure) before your 1911, so not sure just what you are getting at. Are you saying you like non-1911 Sigs more than the Sig 1911 Nightmare competition pistol you mention? Please let us know why that is.
You do realize that competition pistols have extremely tight tolerances to make them super accurate under controlled competition conditions, as opposed to pistols designed for combat that have deliberately loose tolerances to help ensure reliability. Yes?
At any rate, having carried everything from Glocks to Berettas to Kimber 1911s to Browning Hi Powers in Iraq, I can say that the Glock and the Beretta are both great guns that I feel comfortable taking into a desperate situation without the benefit of being able to clean it and make sure it is loaded with top of the line ammo. The Kimber was by far smoother and more accurate, but also more finicky in the desert conditions.
But, please, share you experiences with us. And by the way, Sigs are a lot more than $750.
I’ll agree that most Sigs are more than $750 but picked up my SP2022 (in .40 – thanks for mentioning it Vilkus) for $400.00 new in box. The French have run a lot of ammo through ’em and mine shoots fine. Terry Hutchison mentioned the EAA Witness, got a poly-framed one the other day (in 9mm & 16+1) at the same place I got the Sig and paid $234.00 new in box for it. Haven’t shot it a lot yet but the first box of ammo went without a hitch and was on target, nice ergonomics for me on it too.
I learn very much from all you folks. THANKS!
I have the 9mm and suggest replacing the push rod.. That’s it.
Highest regards,
Vilkus
If you’re referring to replacing the recoil spring guide rod in the SP2022, I removed the plastic one and replaced it with a black satin stainless steel one (from Amazon, no less) for $18.00. Aside from a slight “squeaking” of the recoil spring, there’s not much difference but I did notice that some small chips were already coming from the plastic one. I understand that you can get aftermarket recoil springs that are slightly larger in the ID that won’t make any noise but I sort of like the sound – ’bout like my 870 bein’ racked, if you know what I mean.
Yea…. recoil spring rod.. thanks.. I did that but kept the original spring.
Keep racking… Thanks for your reply.
Highest regards.
And may I be allowed to say that you seem to be an excellent example of Robert Heinlein’s quote, “An armed society is a polite society. Manners are good when one may have to back up his acts with his life.” Always glad to hear from someone who flies in the face of those who feel that gun ownership is indicative of mental illness or low IQ.
HI. Great quote! I had not heard that one. I joined a Sportsman Club out here
in CA and it was only then I met the best people I had ever met in CA.
I shot a black powder musket Sunday! What a hair trigger.
Firearm citizens are the best citizens. They are smart, polite and ready to
help others. Thanks for your compliment. I am off the to club now.
Have a great day.
Thanks again.
Highest regards to you and yours.
Vilkus
I paid $550.00 for my Sig P320. It was chambered in .40 when I got it (and is how I still carry it) but I got the caliber exchange kit for it so now I can do a 2 minute change to 9mm (which I often use to practice more and spend less). This gun has the sweetest trigger I have ever seen in a stock firearm… It comes stock with great night sights, and it’s modularity makes it extremely versatile…. best of all, I shoot very tight groups with it. It is the new choice of the US Army for general issue.
Sig SP2022 is well priced and a great firearm.
Highest regards,
Vilkus
I live in California and you suggesting that myself or the state I live in is somehow Communist takes away your credibility. We may be a blue state but our republican governor at the time Arnold Schwarzenegger signed the bills making it so difficult to get most guns in California today.
H&K VP9 they are available for under $700 and are worth every penny. My department issues them and I have carried it for over a year. It is rouged and dependable. Best of all is the trigger and reset both are as good as it gets. The trigger is as good as the $300 target triggers for the Glock the trigger assembly on the H&K are more dependable. The accuracy is next to none. This is a good SHTF hand gun.
Test out the EAA SAR B6P 9mm. This handgun is use by Militarys and Police around the World and is more accurate than most of the $700 or more handguns on the markets today and these EAA B6P’s are solid sidearms. I have put over 3,000 rounds through mine without a single issue and can hold 3 inch groups at 15 and 20 yards and the cost is around $280 to $299. I also agree that the H&K VP9 is a very good sidearm, extremely solid firearm.
Thank you for the reply. I agree the EAA SAR B6P 9mm is a very good choice. I have shot it several times. It just doesn’t fit my big hands comfortably. The VP9 can be customized so that it not only fits my hand but can be made to fit my 5.0′ wife’s small hands. The sights on the EAA SAR B6P 9mm are quite nice but when compared to the VP9 the VP9 wins. Again thank you for your reply.
What happened to the Ruger SR9, and 9C. Excellent 9mm pistols and very reliable. and can pick one up for half of the $750 limit.
Who puts these lists together? I can come up with guns of equal or better quality for much less. How about the EAA SAR B6P? $280.00 plus or minus?? Polymer frame, 13+1, 3.4″ barrel, one drawback, safety is hard to reach one handed but you can carry 1/2 cock one up the pipe safely! Kydex holster on Ebay $12.00 free shipping!
What do you have against all the great Taurus 9mms? The PT-111 Millenium Pro is a great carry gun as is the ‘Slim’. Or, what about the SCCY? They make a great little carry gun. Or maybe even the Kel Tec?
It appears that you are a tad BIASED towards the S & Ws and Berettas. One mention about all the different S & W models is enough. Same with the Beretta. Try writing an article without all this bias and you would have something.
I have a sig 320 in 9 for under $600 and also have two Hi points one in 9 and one in 45 shot hundreds of rounds in all three and have no (that’s zero) failures in any of them, this is in the sand with dropped magazines and dust, spray some gun scrubber in, wipe them down at the end of the day and good to go, If you get shot with a High point are you less dead that if from a more expensive defensive hand gun? If it shots where you point it and its comfortable for you to shoot and its in your budget that’s the one for you. I have found that the Hi points are just as accurate as the “better” guns at 25 yards, just don’t have the great name.
But they are heavy for EDC. Shoot fantastic, but uncomfortable carrying all day
I have and extensive background in various handguns and I am a Certified NRA Handgun Expert. That being said one of the best handguns in 9mm on the market for the budget minded is the EAA SAR B6P which runs around $299. I have put my EAA B6P up against various S&W 9mm, Glock 17 & 19, and the EAA B6P out performed them all. Several Police and Militarys around the world use the EAA SAR B6P for their sidearm. Also, I see you put down Taurus Firearms, you should go back to Handgun 101 basics for your statement. I have 4 Taurus Handguns and have put them up against other so called name brand handguns and the Taurus out performed them 7 out of 10 times. Yes Taurus had issues many years ago, but the Taurus Handguns hitting the market today are of high quality. I have put at least 3,000 rounds of .40 Cal S&W Ammo through my Taurus G2 24/7 .40 S&W with out a single issue and I have put at least 4,000 round through my Taurus 809C 9mm without a single issue, and the Taurus G2 24/7 .40 S&W cost me $400 and the Taurus 809C 9mm cost me $329. These handguns are all reliable for self-defense and home protection. All I see in this article is name brand handguns that are not that cheap. There are handguns out there like I just point out that out perform that name brands and the only reason these are name brands is because they have more money to run AD’s in their budget and by NO WAY does that make these handguns better. Anyone that has done any real research knows this. Hope this help the readers find a solid handgun that is a real value and not waste their money on these name brand, in my eyes, rip-off! May God bless and watch your six!
I have 2 myself. A real nice Tauras 24/7 45 that holds 12 in the clip. And my carry PT709 that will deliver 9mm (8) on the red dot with the Tracer grip laser attached.
“Certified NRA Handgun Expert”???. There is NO designation by the NRA. Instructor, RSO, CRSO. Trainer, or Coach.
Shotgun. Any shotgun, enuf said.
So what is wrong with anything made by Tauras? I like them & trust my life with them.
I had a Ruger P95 in 9mm. I used to qualify with. I must have put over 500 rounds through it. Great gun!
Walther PPQ M2 9mm is the straight up bombdiggity! Multiple back straps. Extremely ergonomic, and a fabulous smooth trigger. As a female with small hands, this is the only double stack I’ve found that I can PROPERLY grip without modifications.
What’s wrong with the 1911 in 9mm? I’d rather have one of these than the ones you picked.
you missed one… Walther PPQ. $600 OTD
You missed the 1911’s by ATI and Rock Island/Armscor MSRP $650.00 to $$700.00.
I carry the 1911A2MS Rock Island in the 9 mm configuration. I paid $680.00 from a local outlet in Alaska ( I support local as well as I can, I know I could have shaved a net of $20.00 to $30.00 from the internet).
I can agree with a couple of the pistols mentioned but The EAA Tanfoglio Witness, Steyr M-A1, IWI Jericho and SIG’s P320 should be mentioned!
Haven’t bought one yet, but the IWI Jericho/Magnum Research Baby Eagle twins
sig sp320
No mention of the Walther PPQ??. All of these must be paid ads. Walther doesn’t nee the advertisements.
Sssshhhhhhh… let them wallow in their ignorance. PPQ is the best kept secret in the handgun world.
while the XD 9 is a great gun but it just didn’t feel right in my hand so I went with the XD mod.2 9 and I love shooting this pistol.the only modification I made was night sights which are great when I walk at night, Hell sometimes I can’t even see my pistol let alone the sights but the night sights really stand out. great gun.
Arex,,,
How in the hell is the Walther PPQ not on this list…? lol