10 9mm Pistols Perfect For New and Experienced Shooters Alike

The Smith & Wesson M&P9 M2.0 is the latest generation of the legendary gunmaker’s immensely popular M&P line of striker-fired pistols. Improvements include improved grip-to-bore axis ratio, which mitigates muzzle rise, an extended stainless-steel chassis, 18-degree grip angle and four interchangeable grips for custom fit, and enhanced grip texture. Other upgrades from the previous M&P9 include a lighter trigger pull, ambidextrous slide stop, reversible magazine release, and a takedown lever for easily disassembly.

MSRP: $599

Originally built as a competitor in the latest U.S. Army’s service pistol competition (won by SIG Sauer), Beretta recently released its APX pistol to the commercial consumer market. A full-size striker-fired duty pistol, the APX features an internal serialized chassis that can accept multiple external frames in different sizes and colors. Most visually notable are the aggressive serrations that span the length of the slide. While this may not be the best-looking gun to some, the serrations provide excellent grip regardless of where the operator grasps the slide. The APX comes bundled with two 17-round mags, three different sized backstraps and a mag loader.

MSRP: $575

CZ introduced the P-10C in late 2016, the company’s first striker-fired polymer pistol. The design, which appears to be poised as a strong competitor to Glock – they even used the slogan “Improving on Perfection,” a clear reference to Glock’s famous wordmark -- is a dramatic departure from CZ’s existing designs. The P-10C is designed for concealed carry, boasting a 4 to 4.5-lb. trigger pull and wear-resistant nitride finish while maintaining a 15+1 capacity, metal three-dot sights and cold hammer forged barrel.

MSRP: $499

The FNS-9 Compact offers the same features as the standard models, but has a 3.6-inch barrel and is designed to be snag-free for better concealment and a faster draw. The front sight also has a larger dot for faster target acquisition. Despite its small size at only 6.7 inches, the FNS-9 Compact packs a MIL-STF-1913 accessory rail, fixed three-dot sights, and fully ambidextrous slide stop lever and magazine release. The FNS-9 Compact comes with two 12-round magazines and one 17-round mag. 

MSRP: $599

The new kid on the block is perhaps the most unique. Newcomer Hudson Manufacturing introduced their H9 pistol at the 2017 SHOT Show, a hybrid of a striker-fired pistol and a 1911. The company’s flagship pistol uses a 1911-style trigger and is designed with a low bored axis to reduce felt recoil and improve precision and accuracy. Despite the classic 1911-style trigger, the H9 uses no backstrap or grip safety. Keeping with trends in modularity, Hudson included ambi slide stop levers and a reversible magazine catch, opted for a Trijicon HD front sight, and added VZ G10 grip panels. 

MSRP: $1,147

Since rejoining the handgun market with their R1 1911, Remington has focused efforts on rejoining the ranks of the world’s premier pistol manufacturers. Their new RP9 marks their entry into the polymer-frame striker-fired pistol market. The RP9 features an 18+1 capacity, and a 4.5-inch barrel. Despite being a full-size pistol, the relatively svelte 26.4 ounces makes it light enough to comfortably carry all day. The heavy, full-size slide dampens the already light recoil of 9mm, and the 5-pound, 12-ounce trigger pull is par for the course in striker-fired guns, making the RP9 easy to shoot. 

MSRP: $489

Renowned for their attention to detail and craftsmanship of the works-of-art 1911s, Kimber poured their expertise into creating a durable, beautiful pocket pistol in the Micro 9 Stainless Raptor. Kimber opted for stainless steel barrels and slides, tight tolerances, steel sights and scaled zebrawood grips, creating a carry pistol as durable as it is attractive. At only 6.1 inches long with a single-stack six-round capacity, the Micro 9 Stainless Raptor is perfect for concealment – if you can stop gazing lovingly at it.

MSRP: $889

Springfield Armory’s EMP4 Lightweight Champion with Concealed Carry Contour model improves on the original model by combining a longer barrel with a frame trimmed for ultimate concealment. The rounded contour molds to the shape of the shooters hand, preventing “palm bite” during fire. For carry, the contoured shape prevents snags while drawing and maintains a low “print” under clothing, and the low-profile combat-style rear sight ensures a smooth draw from concealment. The pistol ships with three nine-round magazines.

MSRP: $1,220

SIG Sauer’s new P320 X-Series improved its existing P320 modular design, adding an X-grip module with an extended beavertail, four-sided beveled mag well, and crisp trigger guard undercut. An enhanced flat trigger, lightening cuts atop the slide and improved slide serrations are also new on the X-Series. The X5, one of three pistols in the series, comes with a heavy-duty five-inch bull barrel, extended slide catch lever, Dawson adjustable rear sight plate and fiber optic front sight. Additionally, the X5 is compatible with SIG Sauer’s ROMEO1 optic.

MSRP: $1,005

Ruger recently introduced smaller versions of their American pistol series, scaled down and ideal for concealed carry. The compact models, which come in manual safety and pro model versions, features a pre-tensioned striker system, which promotes positive ignition without a heavier trigger pull. The pistol features a safe and easy takedown method, requiring no tools and trigger pull. The The Ruger American Compact ships with two magazines – one 12-round and one 17-round -- and grip modules in three sizes. 

MSRP: $579