7 Best 9mm Pistol of 2023 Reviews | Top Models of This Popular Caliber to Date

If you’re looking for a handgun that is a bit less bulky, the Taurus G2C might be a great fit for you. It sports an attractive compact design that it is a joy to hold and shoot. Shooters with smaller hands will find the G2C to be a breeze to handle. For more small guns please check out our best pocket pistol reviews!

The biggest selling point of the G2C, however, is undoubtedly its affordability. This pistol is incredibly budget-friendly, making it an excellent option for first-time gun owners. Additionally, it serves as a reliable backup handgun. The grip of the G2C boasts a pleasant textured finish, providing a comfortable and secure handling experience. 

Its well-designed shape ensures that your hands will feel perfectly at ease when gripping it. I absolutely love mine and have no regrets. Having owned my G2C for quite some time now, I conducted thorough research and concluded that it is the best subcompact 9mm pistol for the money.

I am extremely satisfied with it and have no regrets whatsoever. When it comes to choosing between a reliable handgun and having no means of protection, the decision is simple if you value the safety of your family. Based on my personal experience with approximately 2000 rounds fired through my G2C, I can confidently say that it is the most reliable 9mm pistol you can get for the money. 

In fact, I also consider it to be one of the most accurate hand gun options available in its price range. If you are looking for the best 9mm gun overall, Taurus G2C offers enough rail space to mount a small light, has a 12+1 capacity in its original equipment manufacturer (OEM) configuration, is compatible with Sig P226 magazines for an 18-round backup, and features excellent factory stippling. I have put over 2000 rounds through my G2C, and it has consistently delivered exceptional reliability.

And unlike the previous entry, the G2C comes with a Picatinny rail for mounting accessories. You can adjust the rear sights if you like, although the front sight is fixed. 

The trigger is very smooth when shooting, although the reset is sometimes hard to identify. Still, it’s more than practical and takes care of business when you need it to.

The G2C comes with manual safety, as well as a trigger safety. Both the slide and mag release are on the left side of the gun and are very easy to reach.

I had a great time shooting this 9mm handgun. It’s incredibly light and very well-balanced. The recoil might feel a little on the sift side, but its performance is reliable and it’s actually quite accurate.

And that’s what makes this handgun such a bargain and the best 9mm gun out there. You’re investing in a solid companion that won’t let you down. Is G2C the most accurate 9mm handgun in trained hands? I'd say YES!

The Glock 43 is a dream come true concealed carrying. Its compact size makes it ideal for such use; more so than nearly any other gun reviewed. With this comes fewer rounds you can carry at a time.

But to many gun owners, this is a small price to pay for near-complete anonymity. The Glock 9mm compact is one of the lightest and smallest available. In fact, it’s smaller than most Ruger 9mm pistols. 

Shooting the Glock 43 is quite comfortable. But keep in mind that it is small. If you have large mitts, it may take some time before you become accustomed to handling it.

Conversely, those of smaller stature will feel right at home with the Glock 43. This compact firearm offers better control and precision on the range, thanks to its size. The trigger is notably exceptional, surpassing other Glock models I've tried. 

However, my only complaint lies in the grip, as it lacks the desired texture. Fortunately, this can be easily remedied with grip enhancers. If you're not accustomed to shooting 9mm handguns of this size, it's important to take some time to acclimate yourself.

Personally, I recently purchased a Glock 43 and have been impressed by its concealability. It's easy to draw and light enough to ensure comfort while holstered. The slide release is effortless, distinguishing it from the Smith & Wesson M&P Shield. The three-dot sights are standard, as expected from Glock. 

Overall, the Glock 43 is a narrow, small, powerful, accurate, and pocket-friendly 9mm that I absolutely love. Many others agree, considering it a great little carry gun. Although, it's worth noting that some users may find the accuracy compromised more than expected for a subcompact firearm. The Glock 43 is one of the most accurate pistols that provides a fantastic performance for its size, allowing me to feel confident shooting it out to 25 yards on paper targets.

This most accurate pistol sports a unique design that is very different from other handguns. This distinction mostly comes from the exposed barrel and slide. A trademark of Beretta, you’re sure to turn heads on the range with this beauty. 

But looks are one thing. How does it actually fare in action? Well, you first need to understand that this is a large handgun. It measures 8.5 inches in length alone, making it pretty hefty, even when it’s empty.

As such, an IWB carry is going to be out of the question for most folks. If you’re using it for action, however, this isn’t going to be an issue.

There are many different variants of the Beretta 92, with the 92FS being the most popular among shooters. It comes equipped with a side-mount safety and decocker, although I personally prefer a decocker-only. 

Thankfully, you can convert this if you like, and it’s quite easy to do. If you have trouble reaching the lengthy safety, I recommend converting it.

This model is lacking the ability to add a rail attachment, but there are replacement systems available that fix this minor caveat.

When shooting the 92FS, its ambidextrous design allows for easy decocking from either side. The same is true for the magazine release, which is a huge plus for lefties. The location of this allows for easy access, greatly improving reload times.

One of the biggest challenges shooters face is dealing with a large grip, particularly for those with smaller hands. However, if you have average to large hands, the Beretta 92FS proves to be remarkably comfortable. One notable feature is the handle design, which effectively prevents the hammer from striking your hand during shooting. 

This gun offers excellent control, largely due to its reduced weight. Beretta managed to achieve this by incorporating an open slide, resulting in a lighter overall firearm. As a result, handling the 92FS is both effortless and comfortable.

While it is uncommon for Beretta pistols to experience frequent jams, I have personally witnessed a few instances of this happening.

Nevertheless, Beretta has a strong reputation for reliability, and my friend, who owns a Beretta 92FS, speaks highly of its performance. With regular use and diligent cleaning after each range session, you can expect it to function flawlessly.

With that being said, you’ll want to be careful around the slide, as the exposed barrel gets hot. With nothing to keep your hand from coming into contact with the barrel, you could potentially burn yourself if you’re not careful. Of course, this also means the barrel cools down faster, as well. As long as you know your guns, this shouldn’t be a problem. 

The recoil is nearly nonexistent, allowing for greater accuracy and precision when aiming and shooting. You will find that the 92FS is designed for easy transitioning from target to target. As such, it’s a great pistol for combat. You should be able to fire off several shots without losing your aim. The trigger might take you some getting used to, though, as its double-action requires a good amount of force. That said, it’s smooth as can be.

Single-action, on the other hand, is about as good as it gets. That is to say, it has a very short reset, making it a breeze to fire off shots in quick succession. Beginners will likely want to stick with single-action, as it’s much easier to learn.

If you want a reliable, accurate, and well-designed handgun, you’ll be plenty pleased with what Beretta brings to the table. As the best 9mm 1911, the 92FS is sure to serve you well in nearly any capacity.

The Smith & Wesson M&P9 (military and police) is one of the most trusted and capable 9mm guns available. With years of service behind it, there’s no wonder as to why the M&P9 remains a popular choice among consumers.

This is largely due to its incredible handling. The M&P9 boasts a Zytel polymer frame and stainless steel chassis, which provide enhanced control for this compact 9mm firearm. The ease of firing the M&P9 is notable, with its remarkable stability attributed to a low bore axis. 

Additionally, the trigger only requires 6.5 pounds of pressure, making it user-friendly. If you are a first-time gun buyer considering a 9mm handgun, the M&P9 is an excellent choice. It's one of the most accurate pistol because it offers accuracy, reliability without jamming or misfiring, ease of concealment, and affordability.

Many satisfied customers have praised its performance, finding it to be an exceptional purchase, whether bought at a pawn shop with additional accessories or as a sub-compact option with impressive shooting capabilities and recoil.

Considering the M&P9’s solid reliability, the price is reasonable. It’s one of the best 9mm handguns you can buy for home defense. And yet it’s also ideal for training, casual shooting, or as a concealed carry. 

With versatility like this, it’s easy to see why the M&P9 is one of the most popular choices available.

If you’re looking to invest in a full-sized semi-auto pistol to protect yourself, the PPQ M2 is for you. I love its ergonomic design and incredible firing capabilities. 

It’s a cinch to line up targets quickly and accurately. Shooting is fast and precise, as well. It might be a bit too large to comfortably carry concealed for some, but it’s certainly not impossible. 

The grip of this handgun is absolutely amazing, providing incredible comfort while shooting. Additionally, thanks to a Picatinny rail, you have the option to add various attachments that are available.

However, one drawback is the limited support for aftermarket accessories compared to other handguns reviewed. Despite that, many users have had positive experiences with this pistol. One satisfied customer mentioned shooting a ppq at a local range and being impressed by its smoothness and accuracy, even after having fired many rounds through it.

Another user expressed their love for their Walther, stating that it surpasses their accuracy expectations. Another satisfied owner mentioned using the handgun in various tactical applications, equipped with four magazines. 

Overall, this pistol is considered by many to be a formidable contender on par with the best handguns in the world, as indicated by an owner of the M2 Navy SD version, who described it as a monster.

Out of all the handguns I’ve tested, the P226 MK25 is the most accurate 9mm pistol out of the box. And considering it’s one of the most popular handguns used in the military and police force, I wouldn’t expect anything less.

Almost everyone is familiar with the history of the P226. It is one of the five contestants considered to replace the United States Military’s long-standing Colt M1911A1 back in 1985. 

Although it lost out to the Beretta M9, the P226 was later picked up by the Navy’s SEALs and remains their handgun of choice to this day.

So if you want to invest in a pistol with decades of reliability under its belt, the P226 MK25 won’t disappoint. There have been refinements made to the gun over the years, ensuring that you’re getting one of the best 9mm pistols around.

One of my favorite aspects of the MK25 is its implementation of a decocker, sans a manual safety. So if you want a 9mm gun that can be carried with one in the chamber, the P226 is right up your alley.

The handle of the P226 MK25 is nicely textured, providing an excellent grip for more comfortable shooting and greater control. While some users might prefer a thinner handle, they didn't encounter any trouble with it. Additionally, the MK25 comes with an anti-corrosion coating for enhanced durability and longevity. 

Its frame features a three-lug Picatinny rail system, allowing easy attachment of accessories like lights and sights. The SIGLite Night Sights on the MK25 offer improved shot alignment in both day and night conditions. Another convenient feature is the tool-free field stripping, making cleaning and upkeep a breeze.

Overall, there is little to dislike about the P226 MK25, as it stands as one of the best 9mm handguns available with exceptional accuracy, rugged build-quality, and high reliability. Personally, it remains my favorite pistol, even after owning several others. I hold a special affection for the P226 in general, and the MK25 holds a special place as my first one.

I also own two P228s, which still outperform newer Sig models in my armory. Furthermore, I can confidently say that the MK25, especially with the SRT Short Reset Trigger kit, is the best gun I've ever owned. The short trigger reset allows for incredibly fast shooting, making it a must-do modification for this model. Having worked at a gun store and range for nine years, I have had the opportunity to shoot numerous guns, and the MK25 remains the best in my experience.

Rounding out the reviews is Springfield Armory XD Mod.2 Service Model pistol. It’s very ergonomic in design, allowing for greater comfort while shooting. It comes equipped with a full-size grip that makes a big difference in control.

On top of that, the Service Model comes with a shorter barrel than what is usually found on handguns like Springfield XDM Elite series. At only four inches, you would think this would lend it to being an easy concealed carry. 

That, however, is not exactly the case, as its larger handle tends to get in the way. But on the range, I found these two features to work well together. Is the XD Mod.2 Service Model the best 9mm handgun on the market? No, but it’s more than accessible.

It’s a very good-looking pistol with a comfortable grip and lightweight body. And with some of the most accurate shooting I've experienced, this one is sure to please its buyers. Springfield is very efficient with the sizing of their 45 ACP polymer guns, yet they provide a comfortable shooting experience.

I have the XD9 Service Model, and it is one of the purchases I'm glad I made. The pistol is extremely accurate. Nice pistols, they work really well, and that's what matters. 

At the end of the day, it's a tool to protect yourself, not a piece of jewelry like some treat them. This is a very comfortable gun to shoot. I picked mine up when they first came out, and I'm still very happy I got this gun. It's a good pistol for its price, very reliable.