Single stack 9mm handguns have gained popularity due to their small build and lightweight characteristics. Their slim design makes them ideal for every day concealed carry. They don't pull down your belt, stick out from your shirt, or bulge in your pants.
In this article, let's dig into the 5 best single stack 9mm handguns this 2022.
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5 Best Single Stack 9mm Handguns | Top Concealed Carry Options
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1. Wilson Combat EDC 9 Compact
The EDC 9 Compact is the latest addition to Wilson Combat's line of 9mm concealed carry pistols.
Gun Specs
- Barrel length: 4 inches
- Total length: 7.6 inches
- Width: 1.3 inches
- Height: 5.1 inches
- Weight (when empty): 38 oz
- Weight (when loaded): 42 oz
- Magazine capacity: 9 rounds
Performance
One of the enhancements that Wilson Combat incorporated into this single stack 9mm is the external extractor. This boosts the gun's primary extraction. Plus, it can eat any type of ammo–from 147 grain to 115 grain, to NATO, ball, and jacketed hollow point or JHP.
The recoil of the EDC 9 Compact is strong, perhaps due to its alloy frame construction. But you'll be surprised with this gun's trigger as it's incredibly light, measuring around 3.5 lbs.
If you own other Wilson Combat handguns, you'll notice that this trigger pull is lighter than the rest. But this won't pose any issue at all! It's just that if you prefer a heavier trigger, then you may want to look at your other options.
When it comes to this gun's reliability, we must say that it's top-grade! It's a Wilson after all. You can trust your life with it, and expect that you won't experience any failures.
2. Glock 43X
Glock pistols stand out in the world of firearms because they're simple but accurate and reliable. The brand keeps updating and upgrading their pistols, and the 43X is one of their most improved guns.
Gun Specs
- Barrel length: 3.41 inches
- Total length: 6.5 inches
- Width: 1.1 inches
- Height: 5.04 inches
- Weight (when empty): 18.70 oz
- Weight (when loaded): 23.07 oz
- Magazine capacity: 10 rounds
Performance
If you're searching for a single stack 9mm that lies somewhere in between a carbine and a traditional handgun, then the G43X might just be the one you're looking for.
The Glock 43X features a design that's similar to the Glock 43 model. But the slide of the G43X is now subcompact-slim and covered with a protective coating.
Serrations are added in front and back, making the slide easy to grip and pull. It's also amazingly light, weighing more than just a pound, even with a loaded magazine!
The length is compact-size, and a beaver tail has been built in to make the grip versatile enough for a variety of shooters. All of these features make the G43X a perfect carry pistol.
And remember, this single stack 9mm comes in 10 rounds. So, if a concealed carry weapon with a decent capacity is your priority, then the Glock 43X is for you.
3. Nighthawk Counselor
The Counselor is the thinnest, smallest, and lightest 1911 pistol Nighthawk Custom has ever manufactured. While this single stack 9mm has shortened its size, it didn't cut its performance.
Gun Specs
- Barrel length: 3.5 inches
- Total length: 7.01 inches
- Width: 1.1 inches
- Height: 5.12 inches
- Weight (when empty): 27.9 oz
- Magazine capacity: 8 rounds
Performance
The Nighthawk Counselor comes in aluminum frame with smooth, rounded edges. It has slim grips and low-profile sights, which make this single stack 9mm ideal for every day carry.
It also features an ultra-high, undercut trigger guard. This means that shooters even with full-size hands can still hold the grip comfortably.
But perhaps the most interesting characteristic of the Counselor is its flush-fitting magwell. Nighthawk manufactured this handgun to have similar length as an officer frame, but with an incorporated magwell.
To achieve this, Nighthawk trimmed an officer frame then attached a passage for the magwell. The magwell keeps the sear spring in place, which is actually a feature that has never been done before.
The Counselor isn't just your ordinary defensive carry pistol. It's an all-around shooter packed in a small package. And its small build with a magwell included makes it a one-of-a-kind concealed carry weapon.
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4. Sig Sauer P938 Legion Micro-Compact
If you opt for a single stack 9mm that offers something extra when it comes to durability, then the Sig Sauer P938 Legion is your most ideal option.
Gun Specs
- Barrel length: 3 inches
- Total length: 5.9 inches
- Width: 1.1 inches
- Height: 4.3 inches
- Weight (when empty): 17 oz
- Magazine capacity: 7 rounds
Performance
The P38 utilizes a durable, well-built, lightweight alloy frame. Its slide is made of stainless steel, with serrations at the back part for easy pulling and sliding.
This single stack 9mm lives up to its name “micro-compact” as its barrel might be the shortest you'll ever see. It measures only three inches, with an overall length of fewer than six inches, making it the perfect solution for compact concealed carry.
This handgun is a single-action, meaning you can enjoy its crisp and super light trigger pull. This is perfect for shooters who have limited hand strength.
All things considered, the P38 offers a small yet serious pistol that should accompany you for the years to come.
5. Walther PPS M2
If you want to be cool and shoot like James Bond, then why not carry a weapon that Bond himself uses in most films? This single stack 9mm is a stylish, top-quality pistol that shoots great and meets your practical needs.
Gun Specs
- Barrel length: 3.2 inches
- Total length: 6.3 inches
- Width: 1 inch
- Height: 4.4 inches
- Weight (when empty): 19.4 oz
- Magazine capacity: 6 rounds (flush-fit), 7 and 8 rounds (extended baseplate)
Performance
Measuring only one inch wide, the Walther PPS M2 is one of the pistols with the slimmest profile. This makes it easy to conceal yet big enough to fit your hand on. It's made of polymer, making the gun's construction durable and strong.
Walther pistols have a reputation for being ergonomically designed. Its push-button mag release is easily accessible so you can make quick reloads. Its grips are textured and have finger grooves so even the sweatiest hands can grasp the gun comfortably. The field-stripping is straightforward and fast, and you don't have to use any tools.
The PPS M2 has a trigger pull weight of 6.1 lbs, which is ideal for a carry or self-defense pistol. This trigger pull comes with a distinctive reset, clean break, and smooth release action, which make your follow-up shots accurate and fast.
Whether you're a beginner or experienced in shooting, you can handle this single stack of 9mm with fluidity.
Here's an infographic guide that you can use. Feel free to download, save and share it with your loved ones:
When it comes to choosing your very own single stack 9mm pistol, keep in mind to look for a gun that fits perfectly in your hand. Choose a weapon that you can shoot confidently. And select a handgun that can meet your shooting needs.
With the choices we've listed above, you can now start to dive deeper into each gun, and choose the one that possesses the specifics you're looking for.
Check out this video by AstrraTV to learn about your best options when it comes to double-stack micro pistols:
A single stack 9mm handgun is your most ideal weapon for self-defense. Its small build makes it easy to conceal. Almost all shooters can carry this gun comfortably and conveniently.
What's your favorite single stack 9mm handgun and why? Please let us know your thoughts in the comments section below! Up Next: 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.
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