Bersa BP380CC: This polymer-framed, .380 ACP, striker-fired compact is the same size as Bersa’s 9mm and .40 S&W “CC” models. It has the same capacity as the 9mm version but offers lower felt recoil and doesn’t have a magazine disconnector. The short and crisp DAO trigger weighs in at only 4 pounds, providing easy control yet allowing a second-strike capability when necessary. For more information, visit bersa.com or call 732-493-0333.
Boberg XR-45S: A larger-caliber development of the innovative XR9-S, the XR45-S brings lower recoil, a longer barrel and a higher magazine capacity than any many other .45 ACP subcompacts. The fully supported barrel is fed by a mechanism that loads the chamber from the rear of the magazine. In essence, this configuration allows for a longer barrel length within a short slide. For more information, visit bobergarms.com or call 651-287-0617.
Browning Black Label .380: Browning’s new .380 ACP Black Label is a polymer-framed 1911-style pistol that features the original controls and shape, but at 85 percent of the .45-caliber 1911’s size. The magazine holds a useful eight rounds. At 17 ounces, it feels even lighter because the weight is low for a relatively large pistol with 4.25-inch barrel. The sights are plain black but very functional in daylight. This pistol is less a hideout gun and more of a lightweight update of the popular Colt Hammerless .380, producing as little felt recoil and greater accuracy with 30 percent less weight. It would be ideal for training teenagers or for carry by people with small hands. For more information, visit browning.com.
Charter Arms Pitbull .45 ACP: Charter Arms’ new Pitbull fires the rimless .45 ACP cartridge, providing a reliable backup that pairs well with your big-bore semi-auto. After firing, the shooter can easily eject the spent cartridges for immediate reloading. The Pitbull features a 2.2-inch barrel, Neoprene grips and a five-shot capacity. The stainless steel frame has a matte finish, and the revolver weighs only 22 ounces unloaded. For more information, visit charterarms.com or call 203-922-1652.
FNS Compact: FN America’s striker-fired FNS series has established a reputation for reliability with both civilians and law enforcement. Now the company has launched its FNS Compact series in 9mm and .40 S&W. These pistols feature smaller dimensions than their larger brothers, but the same operation, three-dot sights (night versions are available), stainless steel slide (with front and rear cocking serrations) and polymer frame. Both FNS Compact pistols feature 3.6-inch barrels and an overall length of 6.7 inches. The FNS-9 Compact has a 12+1 or 17+1 capacity, while the .40 S&W variant comes with an 11+1 or 10+1 capacity. For more information, visit fnhusa.com or call 703-288-3500.
Heizer PS1: The PS1 “Pocket Shotgun” is a single-shot pistol perfect for concealed carry. It’s chambered for .45 Colt/.410 gauge rounds and weighs only 21 ounces. Customers can get the pistol in either black or silver. With a width of 0.7 inches and an overall length of 4.63 inches, the PS1 should fit any pocket with ease. The frame and barrel is stainless steel, and the design is flat to reduce any chances of printing. There are also no operating controls, save the trigger and ambidextrous, low-profile latch for reloading. A storage compartment in the grip houses two additional .45 Colt rounds. For more information, visit heizerdefense.com.
Kimber Micro Raptor .380: A miniature single-action .380 following in the footsteps of Colt Mustang, Kimber’s new Micro Raptor brings an exceptional fit and finish. Weighing less than 14 ounces and with a barrel length of just 2.75 inches, Kimber Micro .380 ACP pistols are easy to carry and conceal. The easily concealed Micro Raptor features mild recoil, a handsome stainless finish and the intuitive operation of a 1911. For more information, visit kimberamerica.com or call 888-243-4522.
NAA Ported Pug With Laser: Created in cooperation with LaserLyte, this ported .22 WMR mini-revolver from North American Arms (NAA) is designed for fast aiming and quick follow-up shots. Porting reduces muzzle flip, while a pressure switch instantly activates the miniature red laser powered by a button battery. NAA previously incorporated lasers into larger mini-revolver models by replacing the cylinder pin assemblies with a part integrating a red laser within. For more information, visit northamericanarms.com or call 800-821-5783.
Ruger LC9s Pro: Ruger’s new LC9s is just as slim, compact and lightweight as the original LC9. It also has a tank-tough polymer frame that is comfortable yet provides plenty of traction when it comes time to actually use the pistol. This strike-fired semi-auto also comes with a crisp 5.5-pound trigger for enhanced speed and precision at close range. The new LC9s Pro has no external manual safety or magazine disconnect. But, it does come with an integrated trigger safety that should help prevent accidental discharges. For more information, visit ruger.com.
Sig Sauer P320 Subcompact: The new P320 Subcompact features a 3.6-inch barrel, a 6.7-inch overall length and a weight of only 25 ounces. Like on all P320 models, users can swap out the pistol’s barrel, frame, trigger and slide assembly to customize the gun. Each pistol’s slide rides on all-metal rails in a solid stainless steel frame for greater stability. The pistol’s serialized trigger unit lets you change everything from size to caliber to grip at will. Sig Sauer’s P320 line has come to define modularity in the modern handgun marketplace through its Full Size, Carry, Compact and the new Subcompact models. The P320 series also now includes chamberings in 9mm, .357 SIG, .40 S&W and the soon-to-arrive .45 ACP. For more information, visit sigsauer.com or call 866-345-6744.
Smith & Wesson M&P22 Compact: Smith & Wesson’s new M&P22 Compact is a scaled-down version of the reliable M&P22 pistol that ranks as one of the best rimfire trainers on the market. This compact striker-fired pistol features an ambidextrous safety, adjustable three-dot sights and a threaded barrel. As a trainer or kit gun for general use. The gun comes with a 10+1 capacity, a durable polymer frame and a magazine disconnector. For more information, visit smith-wesson.com or call 800-331-0852.
Taurus Model 85: Taurus has revamped its five-shot Model 85 revolver design to include a unique removable hammer spur. This alteration will allow concealed carriers to alter the revolver’s profile to better facilitate snag-free draws from concealment. The +P-rated, six-shot .38 Special features a 2-inch barrel, an unloaded weight of 22.2 ounces and fixed sights. Its overall length is 6.5 inches. For more information, visit taurususa.com or call 800-327-3776.
Taurus Curve: The innovative Taurus Curve has a sleek, curved design optimized for specifically for inside-the-waistband carry on a shooter’s right side. The pistol has no iron sights and can be fired either by pointing or by aiming with the integrated red laser. The same index-finger switch also controls a weapon light. Curved to fit the outline of the body for right-handed users, this pistol’s DAO trigger is smooth and fairly light. For more information, visit taurususa.com or call 800-327-3776.
Taurus TCP With Wings: Taurus has added folding “wings” to the rear of the TCP .380 ACP to aid in chambering the first round. The wings allow for a two-finger grip similar to that used on an AR-15 charging handle for those who cannot get a good grasp on the back of the slide. It’s an alternative that appeals to some and doesn’t require a major change to the gun’s operation. The metal wings fold out of the slide and are intended primarily for use at home before the pistol is holstered rather than for clearing the chamber in case of a misfire. For more information, visit taurususa.com or call 800-327-3776.
Now most citizens can protect themselves by carrying compact pistols at all times—meaning they’ll always be ready to defend themselves and their families. When it comes to concealed carry, there are a number of factors to consider, including the chambering, size and ease of use of the pistol. Gun manufacturers have pulled out all the stops to make super-compact semi-autos that are less of a compromise than their forebears.
