6 Affordable Compact Pistols

pistol, pistols, compact handgun, compact handguns

pistol, pistols, compact handgun, compact handguns, EAA Witness Pavona Polymer Compact

pistol, pistols, compact handgun, compact handguns, Hi-Point C9

pistol, pistols, compact handgun, compact handguns, Ruger 9E

pistol, pistols, compact handgun, compact handguns, Smith & Wesson SD9 VE

pistol, pistols, compact handgun, compact handguns, Springfield XD 4-Inch Service

pistol, pistols, compact handgun, compact handguns, Taurus 738 TCP

EAA Witness Pavona Polymer Compact

Unlike most semi-auto pistols, the EAA Pavona’s rails are on the inside of the frame and run the length of the slide for full support, smoother cycling and consistent lockup. This feature also lets the slide sit deeper in the frame, lowering the bore axis for reduced muzzle flip. A manual thumb safety allows “cocked and locked” carry, and the polymer frame is available in five attractive colors. (http://www.eaacorp.com; 321-639-4842)

RELATED STORY: Gun Review – EAA Witness 1911 Polymer

Caliber: 9mm
Barrel: 3.6 inches
OA Length: 7.3 inches
Weight: 30.4 ounces (empty)
Grip: Polymer
Sights: Three-dot
Action: DA/SA
Finish: Fandango
Capacity: 13+1
MSRP: $403-$434

Hi-Point C-9

Known for its simplicity, ruggedness and attractive price, the C-9 features a die-cast-steel-reinforced slide atop a polymer frame with separate grip panels. Features include simple blowback operation, three-dot sights, a manual safety, a magazine disconnect, as well as eight- and 10-round magazines. The pistol is also +P rated. (http://www.hi-pointfirearms.com)

Caliber: 9mm
Barrel: 3.5 inches
OA Length: 6.75 inches
Weight: 29 ounces (empty)
Grip: Polymer
Sights: Three-dot
Action: DAO
Finish: Matte black
Capacity: 8+1
MSRP: $189

Ruger 9E

The 9E offers the new shooter a quality pistol at an affordable price. It is technically and structurally identical to Ruger’s SR9, and it includes such features as a glass-filled nylon frame, a steel slide, ambidextrous magazine releases and manual safeties, a magazine disconnect safety, a reversible grip backstrap and a rail for tactical accessories. But minor changes to the slide, finish and sights mean the MSRP is more than $100 less than the SR9. (http://www.ruger.com)

Caliber: 9mm
Barrel: 4.1 inches
OA Length: 7.5 inches
Weight: 27.2 ounces (empty)
Grip: Glass-filled nylon
Sights: Fixed, windage adjustable
Action: Striker-fired
Finish: Black oxide
Capacity: 17+1
MSRP: $429

Smith & Wesson SD9 VE

The SD9 VD’s stainless steel slide has dual grasping grooves, dovetailed sights and a distinctive two-tone finish. The aggressively textured polymer frame provides enhanced recoil control, and it also has a rail for mounting tactical accessories. The Self Defense Trigger provides a consistent trigger pull, and the double-stack magazine holds 16 rounds. (http://www.smith-wesson.com; 800-331-0852)

Caliber: 9mm
Barrel: 4 inches
OA Length: 7.2 inches
Weight: 22.7 ounces (empty)
Grip: Polymer
Sights: Three-dot
Action: Striker-fired
Finish: Two-tone
Capacity: 16+1
MSRP: $389

Springfield XD 4-Inch Service

The polymer-framed XD pistol sports a tactical accessory rail, ambidextrous magazine releases, a grip safety and Springfield Armory’s Ultra Safe Assurance trigger system. The machined steel slide features front and rear grasping grooves and steel sights, while a loaded-chamber and cocked-striker indicators provide visual and tactile indications of the pistol’s condition. Unlike some of the competition, disassembly of the Springfield XD is especially easy. (http://www.springfield-armory.com; 800-680-6866)

Caliber: 9mm
Barrel: 4 inches
OA Length: 7.3 inches
Weight: 28 ounces (empty)
Grip: Polymer
Sights: Dovetail front, 3-dot rear
Action: Striker-fired
Finish: Melonite
Capacity: 16+1
MSRP: $473

Taurus 738 TCP

The 738 TCP is an affordable choice for those needing a deep-cover pistol. The polymer frame holds weight down to 10.2 ounces, the stainless steel frame provides protection from wear, perspiration and the elements, while the DAO trigger makes for simple operation. A textured grip makes for good recoil control while the low-profile fixed sights allow a snag-free presentation from concealment. (http://www.taurususa.com; 800-327-3776)

Caliber: .380 ACP
Barrel: 2.84 inches
OA Length: 5.25 inches
Weight: 10.2 ounces (empty)
Sights: Three-dot
Action: DAO
Finish: Matte black
Capacity: 6 + 1
MSRP: $355