Top 10 Micro-Compact and Sub-Compact Handguns for Concealed Carry in 2024
In recent years, the popularity of micro-compact and sub-compact handguns has soared, especially among those looking for a lightweight and easily concealable option for personal protection. Thanks to advancements in design, these small firearms now pack more punch, greater magazine capacity, and improved ergonomics, making them a solid choice for both beginners and experienced gun owners alike. In this guide, we’ll explore some of the top micro-compact and sub-compact handguns on the market in 2024, focusing on options that excel in portability, reliability, and performance.
The Glock 43X MOS has quickly gained a reputation as one of the best options for concealed carry. This model combines Glock’s renowned reliability with a slim, compact design that’s perfect for daily carry. The 43X MOS is slightly larger than some other micro-compacts, making it more comfortable for users who may find the ultra-small models difficult to grip. It features Glock’s Modular Optic System (MOS), allowing users to add a red dot sight for improved accuracy. Paired with its 10-round magazine capacity, the Glock 43X MOS is an excellent choice for those seeking reliability and performance in a compact form.
- Caliber: 9mm
- Capacity: 10+1 rounds
- Weight: 18.7 oz
- Standout Feature: MOS compatibility for optics customization
The Sig Sauer P365 remains a staple in the concealed carry world for its impressive magazine capacity and compact size. With a 10-round flush magazine, the P365 offers enough firepower without adding bulk. It also has an ergonomic grip, which makes it comfortable to shoot despite its small size. The P365 is an ideal option for those who want a smaller handgun with a high capacity, excellent for both pocket and waistband carry.
- Caliber: 9mm
- Capacity: 10+1 or 12+1 rounds
- Weight: 17.8 oz
- Standout Feature: High magazine capacity in a very compact form
The Springfield Hellcat is another major player in the sub-compact arena. Known for its superior grip texture and compact design, the Hellcat is engineered for those who prioritize comfort and accuracy. Its standard 11-round magazine (with a 13-round extended option) provides additional firepower, making it one of the highest-capacity micro-compacts on the market. Plus, the Hellcat’s unique U-Dot sight system is designed to provide faster target acquisition, even in low-light situations.
- Caliber: 9mm
- Capacity: 11+1 or 13+1 rounds
- Weight: 18.3 oz
- Standout Feature: U-Dot sight system for quick target acquisition
Smith & Wesson took their popular M&P Shield and upgraded it with a higher-capacity magazine and improved trigger, resulting in the M&P Shield Plus. The Shield Plus offers 10- and 13-round magazines, combining a thin profile with excellent shootability. The enhanced grip texture ensures stability while firing, and the improved trigger provides a smooth, consistent pull, making it one of the most shooter-friendly options in the sub-compact market.
- Caliber: 9mm
- Capacity: 10+1 or 13+1 rounds
- Weight: 20.2 oz
- Standout Feature: Improved grip and trigger for enhanced shooting experience
Ruger’s MAX-9 stands out for its value, offering a variety of features at an affordable price. It’s optics-ready, which is a rare feature in this price range, and comes with a 12-round magazine. The MAX-9 also has a tritium fiber optic front sight that performs well in various lighting conditions. Ruger’s focus on durability and ease of use makes the MAX-9 a reliable choice for new and experienced shooters alike.
- Caliber: 9mm
- Capacity: 12+1 rounds
- Weight: 18.4 oz
- Standout Feature: Optics-ready at an affordable price
Walther has always been known for its ergonomic designs, and the PDP F-Series is no exception. Although technically a compact, this gun offers features typically found in larger firearms, such as a performance-duty trigger and excellent slide serrations. The grip is specially designed to fit a range of hand sizes, making it an excellent option for women and those with smaller hands.
- Caliber: 9mm
- Capacity: 10+1 rounds
- Weight: 20.2 oz
- Standout Feature: Ergonomically designed grip for smaller hands
Kimber’s R7 Mako is one of the newest additions to the micro-compact family, and it’s already making waves with its accuracy and handling. The R7 Mako has an optics-ready slide, a 13-round capacity, and an excellent trigger for precision shooting. Designed to handle recoil well, the R7 Mako is particularly easy to shoot for its size, making it a standout choice for those new to micro-compacts.
- Caliber: 9mm
- Capacity: 11+1 or 13+1 rounds
- Weight: 19.5 oz
- Standout Feature: Built-in optics mount and smooth shooting experience
The Taurus GX4 is a budget-friendly micro-compact option that doesn’t compromise on quality. It has a slim, ergonomic design and comes with a 10-round magazine. Despite its lower price point, the GX4 offers features like a reversible magazine release and robust grip texture. For those on a budget, the GX4 is a fantastic option for concealed carry.
- Caliber: 9mm
- Capacity: 10+1 or 13+1 rounds
- Weight: 18.7 oz
- Standout Feature: Affordable price without compromising on essential features
FN is known for its high-quality firearms, and the FN 503 is no exception. Designed with simplicity and ease of use in mind, the FN 503 is a no-frills option for concealed carry. It has a 6-round magazine, which may seem limited compared to others on this list, but the FN 503 makes up for it with an incredibly slim profile that’s ideal for pocket carry.
- Caliber: 9mm
- Capacity: 6+1 rounds
- Weight: 21 oz
- Standout Feature: Ultra-slim design for easy pocket carry
The Canik TP9 Elite SC is a sub-compact with features usually found on full-sized pistols, including a match-grade trigger and high magazine capacity. With a 12-round magazine and the option to add optics, the TP9 Elite SC is perfect for users who want the power and functionality of a larger firearm in a smaller, more manageable package. Its quality craftsmanship and solid feel make it a popular choice for those looking for high performance in a sub-compact.
- Caliber: 9mm
- Capacity: 12+1 rounds
- Weight: 24.78 oz
- Standout Feature: Match-grade trigger in a sub-compact frame
Choosing the Right Micro-Compact or Sub-Compact Handgun for You
When selecting a micro-compact or sub-compact handgun, consider factors like grip feel, magazine capacity, and additional features like optics readiness. Each model on this list offers a unique set of benefits, so try to test a few at your local range to find the one that feels best in your hand and meets your specific needs.
As interest in concealed carry continues to rise, manufacturers are consistently improving these small but powerful firearms, making this an exciting time to be in the market for a micro-compact or sub-compact handgun. Whether you’re a first-time gun owner or a seasoned shooter, there’s something here to meet every preference and budget.
For more information or to purchase these models, visit Guns.com.
