Subcompact pistols are the smallest versions available of full-sized, full-power handguns. Typically retaining the features you love about the full-sized models, these subcompacts shrink the length and height—and only marginally shrink the capacity—into models that are ready for deep concealment, backup use, and other specific purposes. The double stack 9mm subcompact pistols below all make for ideal carry weapons. Thankfully, there are ample firearms to choose from.
While you can’t use subcompact magazines in full-sized pistols (they aren’t long enough to get the top round in line with the feed ramp), most subcompact pistols can accept the larger-capacity magazines of their full family line. You should be able to take the magazine out of your duty pistol and use it reliably in the subcompact version—providing, of course, they are the same caliber and model family. This makes your full-sized magazines something of a one-size-fits-all magazine whether you’re using the full-sized pistol, its compact or subcompact counterpart.
RELATED STORY: 30 Semi-Auto Rifles For Home Defense & Urban Survival
This suggests that you can carry a subcompact as a backup gun without having to carry a second type of spare magazine—just your spare magazines for the full-sized pistol. Even when carrying your subcompact as a primary defensive arm, there’s no need to carry the lower-capacity subcompact magazines for it. Just carry a full-sized spare. If you ever need it, you’ll be thankful for the additional firepower, and the extra length of it sticking out of the grip won’t bother you at all. Be sure to consult the owner’s manual for your gun to see what the manufacturer says about mag interoperability, and thoroughly test its reliability with every magazine you intend to carry.
Glock 26 Gen5
First on the list of double-stack 9mm subcompact pistols is the Glock 26. A modern classic, the Glock 26 (and its .40 counterpart, the Glock 27) was among the very first of the subcompact, high-capacity defensive carry guns. The Gen4 models feature the refinements Glock made to most of its existing product line, including modular backstraps, while the Glock 26—in either Gen3 or Gen4—retains the core capacity, reliability and snag-free design that made it popular initially. It also accepts larger-capacity 9mm Glock magazines, making it an ideal backup to Glock’s Glock 17 and Glock 34, among others.
The latest iteration, the Gen5 (shown), includes the Glock Marksman Barrel (GMB) which delivers improved accuracy with polygonal rifling and an revamped barrel crown. Other features include the removal of the finger grooves, an ambidextrous slide, and a hard-surface finish nDLC. The Gen5 also includes front serrations for a better grip when manipulating the slide. us.glock.com
| Action: | Striker |
| Barrel Length: | 3.43 inches |
| Overall Length: | 6.42 inches |
| Caliber: | 9mm |
| Capacity: | 10 / 15 / 17 / 24 |
| Finish: | nDLC |
| Weight (with empty magazine): | 21.69 ounces |
| Sights: | Fixed |
| Optic Ready: | No |
| Grips: | Polymer |
| MSRP: | $661 |
Smith & Wesson M&P9 Shield Plus
The Smith & Wesson M&P9 Shield Plus features a slim and lightweight polymer frame, ideal for comfortable everyday carry. It has a 3.1-inch barrel and a double-stack magazine, providing a capacity of 10 or 13 rounds. The pistol has a textured grip for better control and a crisp trigger with a tactile and audible reset. Its reliability, simplicity, simple takedown, and affordable price point have solidified its reputation as a go-to concealed carry option. smith-wesson.com
| Action: | Striker |
| Barrel Length: | 3.1 inches |
| Overall Length: | 6.1 inches |
| Caliber: | 9mm |
| Capacity: | 10 / 13 |
| Finish: | Matte black |
| Weight (with empty magazine): | 17.9 ounces |
| Sights: | White dot |
| Optic Ready: | No |
| Grips: | Polymer |
| MSRP: | $499 |
Springfield Armory XD Sub-Compact
The Springfield Armory XD Sub-Compact is well-suited for discreet carry, yet it retains a comfortable grip and excellent control. The XD Sub-Compact features a 3-inch barrel and a double-stack magazine, providing ample capacity for its size. The pistol includes multiple safety features, such as grip safety and trigger safety. An accessory rail allows for the attachment of tactical lights or lasers for increased accuracy. springfield-armory.com
| Action: | Striker |
| Barrel Length: | 3.1 inches |
| Overall Length: | 6.25 inches |
| Caliber: | 9mm |
| Capacity: | 10 |
| Finish: | Forged Steel, Melonite® Finish |
| Weight (with empty magazine): | 26 ounces |
| Sights: | Dovetail White Dot, 3-Dot Front & Rear |
| Optic Ready: | No |
| Grips: | Polymer |
| MSRP: | $540 |
SIG Sauer P365 Optic Ready
The SIG Sauer P365 Optic Ready may be small but it is mighty. The P365’s compact frame is complemented by a 3.1-inch barrel, making it highly concealable, and its lightweight yet sturdy construction contributes to its comfort and reliability. The pistol features an ergonomic grip and excellent trigger quality, ensuring ease of use and accuracy. One of its standout features is the Nitron-finished optic-ready slide for better customization. Included standard are XRAY3 Day/Night sights and two 10-round steel magazines. sigsauer.com
| Action: | Striker |
| Barrel Length: | 3.1 inches |
| Overall Length: | 5.8 inches |
| Caliber: | 9mm |
| Capacity: | 10 |
| Finish: | Black Nitron |
| Weight (with empty magazine): | 17.8 ounces |
| Sights: | X-RAY3 Day/Night Sights |
| Optic Ready: | Yes |
| Grips: | Polymer |
| MSRP: | $591.99 |
Ruger Security-9 Compact
The Ruger Security-9 Compact offers a balance of firepower and manageable recoil. With a 3.42-inch barrel and a compact, lightweight frame, the Security-9 Compact is easily concealable. It features a 10+1 magazine capacity, a textured grip for enhanced control, and the crisp trigger with a short reset allows for accurate follow-up shots. Lastly, the built-in Viridian® E-Series™ red laser allows for rapid target acquisition, making this an ideal sidearm for new and experienced shooters. ruger.com
| Action: | Striker |
| Barrel Length: | 3.42 inches |
| Overall Length: | 6.52 inches |
| Caliber: | 9mm |
| Capacity: | 10 |
| Finish: | Black Oxide |
| Weight (with empty magazine): | 22.4 ounces |
| Sights: | Drift Adjustable |
| Optic Ready: | No |
| Grips: | Glass-Filled Nylon |
| MSRP: | $429 |
Taurus G2C
The Taurus G2C has a 3.2-inch barrel and a compact polymer frame and is designed for ease of concealment and comfortable carry. The pistol comes with a 12+1 magazine capacity, providing a sufficient number of rounds when duty calls. The G2C features textured grips for improved control, and its trigger offers a consistent pull and short reset. While the Taurus G2C may not be chock-full of frills, its affordability and overall reliability can make any shooter feel comfortable. taurususa.com
| Action: | Striker |
| Barrel Length: | 3.2 inches |
| Overall Length: | 6.3 inches |
| Caliber: | 9mm |
| Capacity: | 12 |
| Finish: | Black |
| Weight (with empty magazine): | 22 ounces |
| Sights: | Fixed Front, Adjustable Rear |
| Optic Ready: | No |
| Grips: | Polymer |
| MSRP: | $299.99 |
Walther PDP Compact
The Walther PDP Compact (Performance Duty Pistol) is an ideal choice for law enforcement, concealed carry, and competitive shooting. The PDP Compact has a Performance Duty Trigger for quick resets and SuperTerrain Slide Serrations for better grip when racking the slide. The PDP Compact’s Performance Duty Texture on the grip is especially ergonomically-advanced. Additionally, the pistol comes optics- and accessory-ready, making it easy to mount popular red dot sights or lights for rapid target acquisition. waltherarms.com
| Action: | Striker |
| Barrel Length: | 4 inches |
| Overall Length: | 7.5 inches |
| Caliber: | 9mm |
| Capacity: | 10 |
| Finish: | Black |
| Weight (with empty magazine): | 24.4 ounces |
| Sights: | Iron sights |
| Optic Ready: | Yes |
| Grips: | Polymer |
| MSRP: | $699 |
Kimber R7 Mako (OI)
The R7 MAKO sports a polymer frame, high-contrast TruGlo Tritium Pro night sights, ambidextrous controls, and a flat-faced trigger. Intense stippling along the grip allows for an optimal hold during intense situations and the serrated slide aids in quick and efficient racking. The optic installed (OI) model comes factory-installed with a Crimson Trace CT-1500 series red dot optic. kimberamerica.com
| Action: | Striker |
| Barrel Length: | 3.37 inches |
| Overall Length: | 6.2 inches |
| Caliber: | 9mm |
| Capacity: | 10 |
| Finish: | Black |
| Weight (with empty magazine): | 19.5 ounces |
| Sights: | Iron Sights: 3-Dot TruGlo Tritium Pro Night Sights w/ Orange front ring and White rear rings |
| Optic Ready: | Yes |
| Grips: | Polymer |
| MSRP: | $799 |
Kel-Tec P15
The Kel-Tec P15 is the lightest, thinnest double-stack 9mm handgun on the market today. This striker-fired, polymer pistol weighs only 14 ounces, making it an ideal choice for lightweight concealed carry. The tritium and fiber optic front sight is paired with a fully adjustable, tritium, two-dot rear sight to keep you hitting the mark shot after shot. keltecweapons.com
| Action: | Striker |
| Barrel Length: | 4 inches |
| Overall Length: | 6.6 inches |
| Caliber: | 9mm |
| Capacity: | 15 |
| Finish: | Black |
| Weight (with empty magazine): | 19.5 ounces |
| Sights: | Tritium and Fiber Optic Front Sight with a Fully Adjustable, Tritium, Two-Dot Rear Sight |
| Optic Ready: | Yes |
| Grips: | Polymer |
| MSRP: | $450 |
Springfield Hellcat Micro Compact
The Springfield Hellcat Micro Compact was designed for ultimate concealability thanks to its slim frame and a 3-inch barrel. Its textured grip enhances control and comfort during extended shooting sessions. The pistol features a highly visible tritium and luminescent front sight for rapid target acquisition, and the rear sight is also designed for ease of use. This pistol is both optics-ready and a non-proprietary rail to add lights or lasers. springfield-armory.com
| Action: | Striker |
| Barrel Length: | 3 inches |
| Overall Length: | 6 inches |
| Caliber: | 9mm |
| Capacity: | 11 |
| Finish: | Black |
| Weight (with empty magazine): | 17.9 ounces |
| Sights: | Tritium/Luminescent Front Sights, Tactical Rack U-Notch Rear Sights |
| Optic Ready: | Yes |
| Grips: | Polymer |
| MSRP: | $633 |
Canik TP9 Elite SC
The Canik TP9 Elite SC features a 3.6-inch barrel and comes with both 12 and 15-round magazines. The handgun’s design showcases an ergonomic grip, adjustable backstraps, and an accessory rail for attaching lights or lasers. The trigger offers a crisp, short reset, contributing to accurate shot placement. canikusa.com
| Action: | Striker |
| Barrel Length: | 3.6 inches |
| Overall Length: | 6.7 inches |
| Caliber: | 9mm |
| Capacity: | 12 / 15 |
| Finish: | Tungsten Grey |
| Weight (with empty magazine): | 24.8 ounces |
| Sights: | Blackout Rear and Phosphorous Front Dot Sight |
| Optic Ready: | Yes |
| Grips: | Polymer |
| MSRP: | $439.99 |
SCCY CPX-2
The SCCY CPX-2 is a subcompact, ergonomic, and reliable choice for concealed carry. The third iteration of the CPX showcases a Picatinny rail, upgraded sights, and an improved grip structure. New and seasoned shooters will appreciate how the CPX-2 manages to pack in high-end features without the high-end price tag. sccy.com
| Action: | Striker |
| Barrel Length: | 3.1 inches |
| Overall Length: | 6 inches |
| Caliber: | 9mm |
| Capacity: | 10 |
| Finish: | Natural Stainless / Black |
| Weight (with empty magazine): | 15 ounces |
| Sights: | G-43 Style (Available in Red-Dot Ready) |
| Optic Ready: | Yes |
| Grips: | Polymer |
| MSRP: | $239.99 |
Diamondback AM2
The Diamondback DB9 is recognized for its ultra-compact and lightweight frame, making it an excellent choice for discreet carry. The AM2 features a 3.5-inch barrel and a double-action-only (DAO) trigger, providing a consistent trigger pull. The serrations on the slide make slide manipulation easy, a must when having to quickly reload. While the Diamondback AM2 is simple in its design, it still makes room for Picatinny rails to add the accessory of your choice. diamondbackfirearms.com
| Action: | Striker |
| Barrel Length: | 3.5 inches |
| Overall Length: | 6.49 inches |
| Caliber: | 9mm |
| Capacity: | 12 / 17 |
| Finish: | Black Nitride |
| Weight (with empty magazine): | 22 ounces |
| Sights: | 3-Dot |
| Optic Ready: | No |
| Grips: | Polymer |
| MSRP: | $415 |
HK VP9 SK
Last on the list of double-stack 9mm subcompact pistols is the HK VP9 SK. The HK VP9 SK offers a shorter barrel and reduced grip size compared to its full-size counterpart, the VP9. The VP9 SK has a crisp trigger pull with a short reset for shooters for quick target re-engagement. The modular grip design, coupled with customizable backstraps and side panels, allows users to tailor the pistol to their hand size and preferences. The serrations along the slide allow for a firm grasp when the need to rack the slide arises. What’s more, the Picatinny rail system and the optics-ready design allow for the addition of the accessories of your choosing. Lastly, the VP9 SK can hold 10, 13, or 15 rounds, depending on the model. hk-usa.com
| Action: | Striker |
| Barrel Length: | 3.39 inches |
| Overall Length: | 6.61 inches |
| Caliber: | 9mm |
| Capacity: | 10 / 13 / 15 |
| Finish: | Nitrocarburized |
| Weight (with empty magazine): | 23.07 ounces |
| Sights: | 3-Dot |
| Optic Ready: | Yes |
| Grips: | Polymer |
| MSRP: | $869 |
Some manufacturers have started shipping their double-stack 9mm subcompact pistols with a full-sized grip extender that is a component of the magazine. This makes target shooting more fun with subcompacts, and, if you can conceal the slightly taller pistol with that magazine installed, it gives you the additional capacity and ergonomics that extend the subcompact gun’s utility.
Whatever your lawful purpose and practical need, double-stack 9mm subcompact pistols provide you a solid, reliable platform for deep-concealment primary and backup guns.
