This compact version of the FNS-9 is designed for snag-free deployment from beneath cover, and it’s available with or without a frame-mounted safety. Each ships with three magazines: two 12-round, compact magazines and an extended 17-round magazine. The standard three-dot sights can also be factory upgraded to night sights. In keeping with modern trends, the backstraps are interchangeable to adapt to different hand sizes. FN also offers a similar FNS-9 Compact chambered in .40 S&W with a 10+1 or 14+1 capacity.
Caliber: 9mm
Barrel: 3.6 inches
OA Length: 6.7 inches
Weight: 23.4 ounces (empty)
Grip : Polymer
Sights: Three-dot
Action: Striker-fired
Finish: Matte black
Capacity: 12+1, 17+1
MSRP: $600
The tilt-breech system designed into the Px4 Storm Subcompact is engineered to help dissipate recoil energy by directing it into the web of the hand. The pistol’s controls are either ambidextrous (as in the safety/decocker on the slide) or reversible, and the interchangeable backstraps make it easy to adapt the pistol to better fit different shooters’ hands.
Caliber: 9mm, .40 S&W
Barrel: 3 inches
OA Length: 6.22 inches
Weight: 26.1 ounces (empty)
Grip: Polymer
Sights: Three-dot
Action: DA/SA
Finish: Matte black
Capacity: 13+1, 10+1
MSRP: $650
A modern classic, the Glock 26 (and its .40 S&W counterpart, the Glock 27) was among the very first of the subcompact, high-capacity defensive carry guns. The Gen4 models feature the refinements Glock has made to most of its existing product line, including modular backstraps, while the Glock 26—in either Gen3 or Gen4 form—retains the core capacity, reliability and snag-free design that made it popular initially. The gun also accepts larger-capacity 9mm Glock mags.
Caliber: 9mm
Barrel: 3.4 inches
OA Length: 6.5 inches
Weight: 21.7 ounces (empty)
Grip: Polymer
Sights: Fixed
Action: Safe Action
Finish: Matte black
Capacity: 10+1
MSRP: $539
By adding around a tenth of an inch of width to the subcompact frame of its pistols, Glock was able to build the Glock 30 Gen4 into a true subcompact powerhouse. It’ll strain your pocket at nearly 7 inches long, but it’ll ride all day in a holster, keeping 11 rounds at the ready in a package whose ergonomics are familiar already to all Glock shooters. If that’s not enough firepower, the Glock 30 accepts higher-capacity Glock .45 ACP magazines to really extend its real-world utility.
Caliber: .45 ACP
Barrel: 3.77 inches
OA Length: 6.88 inches
Weight: 26.3 ounces (empty)
Grip: Polymer
Sights: Fixed
Action: Safe Action
Finish: Matte black
Capacity: 10+1
MSRP: $589
This Ruger comes ready to transform from a concealed-carry pistol with its 10-round magazine (which includes a handy grip extender to give your pinky some surface area to grasp) into a mid-sized gun. Also, the two extra 19-round magazines it ships with include grip extension sleeves that, with the magazine in place, provide you a full-sized grip. The ambidextrous magazine release and frame-mounted safety are welcome features, and the accessory rail on the frame increases the pistol’s versatility.
Caliber: 9mm
Barrel: 3.4 inches
OA Length: 6.85 inches
Weight: 23.4 ounces (empty)
Grip: Glass-filled nylon
Sights: Three-dot
Action: Striker-fired
Capacity: 10+1, 17+1
MSRP: $569
This DAK-configured P224 features the “Double Action Kellerman” trigger, named for the inventor of the system. The long DA trigger stroke breaks at 6.5 pounds, and will do so indefinitely so long as you let the trigger reset all the way forward. But with the longer trigger pull of a DA, compared to a single action, there may come a time when a shooter, under stress, short-strokes the trigger by letting it reset only partway. With this DAK system, there is an intermediate reset point where it is capable of being pulled again to discharge the pistol. DA/SA versions are also available.
Caliber: 9mm, .357 SIG, .40 S&W
Barrel: 3.5 inches
OA Length: 6.7 inches
Weight: 29 ounces (empty)
Grip: Polymer
Sights: SIGLITE night
Action: DAK
Finish: Nitron
Capacity: 12+1
MSRP: $1,108
Sig Sauer takes modularity one step further by involving an inner steel mechanism that you can remove and transplant into frames of different sizes and mate to barrels of different calibers. In the P250 Subcompact configuration, you have a truly subcompact handgun whose inner workings you can migrate into a larger Compact or Full-Size body (with standard-capacity magazines and a longer barrel). Since the inner metal workings are the serial-numbered part, no background check or transfer is necessary to acquire the other frame sizes. One P250 can thus be made into several.
Caliber: 9mm, .357 SIG, .40 S&W, .45 ACP
Barrel: 3.6 inches
OA Length: 6.7 inches
Weight: 24.9 ounces (empty)
Grip: Polymer
Sights: Contrast
Action: DAO
Finish: Nitron
Capacity: 12+1 (9mm), 10+1 (.40/.357), 6+1 (.45)
MSRP: $466
Just beyond the range of subcompacts, you’ll find this, the smallest .45 ACP double-stack that Smith & Wesson offers in its M&P line. The gun will even accept larger- capacity .45 ACP M&P magazines if the 8+1 standard capacity isn’t quite enough. Look for the same ergonomics as the rest of the M&P line, but in a package that’s as concealable as they get among S&W’s .45 ACP offerings.
Caliber: .45 ACP
Barrel: 4 inches
OA Length: 7.55 inches
Weight: 26.2 ounces (empty)
Grip: Polymer
Sights: Three-dot
Action: Striker-fired
Finish: Matte black
Capacity: 8+1
MSRP: $619
While the M&P Shield, which slightly staggers the rounds in a single-column mag for increased capacity, is a slightly more compact variant of Smith & Wesson’s M&P series, the M&P9c is as small as you’re going to get in a double-stack, and that’s just fine for the professionals who carry one as a backup. With the controls (including the optional frame-mounted safety), sights and point of aim the same as the duty- and competition-sized M&Ps, and the ability to accept the longer, full-capacity mags, the M&P9c is an ideal backup to S&W’s full-sized pistols.
Caliber: 9mm
Barrel: 3.5 inches
OA Length: 6.7 inches
Weight: 21.7 ounces (empty)
Grip: Polymer
Sights: Three-dot
Action: Striker-fired
Finish: Matte black
Capacity: 10+1
MSRP: $569
One of the latest version of Springfield Armory’s double-stack XD subcompact pistols, this 3-inch-barreled Mod.2 is available in 9mm or .40 S&W, and it features a high beavertail and grip relief to promote a grip closer to the bore axis for improved control. The slide and frame are both narrower, with “Posi-Wedge” serrations for an improved grip, especially if you’re wearing gloves. The extra-durable Springfield XD Mod.2 pistol also comes with a fiber-optic front sight and a low-profile, extended rear sight.
Caliber: 9mm, .40 S&W
Barrel: 3 inches
OA Length: 6.25 inches
Weight: 26 ounces (empty)
Grip: Polymer
Sights: Fiber-optic front, combat rear
Action: Striker-fired
Finish: Matte black
Capacity: 13+1, 9+1
MSRP: $565
This Mod.2 variant applies all of the series’ ultra-modern design features and milling to a beefed-up frame built to provide a significant 9+1 capacity of .45 ACP ammo. The pistol’s light weight gives little indication of its firepower until you load up the magazine, though you may notice the red fiber-optic front sight and “Posi-Wedge” serrations on the slide before anything else. The pistol’s grip features innovative GripZone technology, which offers three textures to simultaneously enhance your grip on the firearm for better control.
Caliber: .45 ACP
Barrel: .3 inches
OA Length: 6.25 inches
Weight: 26 ounces (empty)
Grip : Polymer
Sights: Fiber-optic front, combat rear
Action: Striker-fired
Finish: Matte black
Capacity: 9+1
MSRP: $565
The smallest double-stack .45 ACP in Taurus’ line, this is the latest generation of the company’s 24/7 models with design elements from its 800 and OSS series. This 12-shot pistol offers lots of .45 ACP firepower, a second-strike capability and a frame-mounted safety in the familiar, 1911-inspired position. The contoured grip provides enough purchase for two fingers, with surface texturing to help manage the gun despite the heavy recoil of .45 ACP rounds.
Caliber: .45 ACP
Barrel: 4.2 inches
OA Length: 7.19 inches
Weight: 28 ounces (empty)
Grip: Polymer
Sights: Three-dot
Action: DA/SA
Finish: Matte black, stainless
Capacity: 12+1
MSRP: $362-$377
This .40 S&W version of Taurus’ Millennium G2 is ready to handle the increased recoil and muzzle flip of the larger round. This is accomplished in part by the 1.2-inch-wide grip, which is slightly wider than the slide while remaining concealable. The trigger safety is augmented by a frame-mounted safety for those who prefer the extra peace of mind of a 1911-style safety. The adjustable combat-style sights help you stay on target across a wide range of ammunition types.
Caliber: .40 S&W
Barrel: 3.2 inches
OA Length: 6.2 inches
Weight: 22 ounces (empty)
Grip: Polymer
Sights: Three-dot
Action: DA/SA
Finish: Matte black, stainless
Capacity: 10+1
MSRP: $317
A subcompact pistol is the smallest version available of a full-sized, full-power handgun. Typically retaining the features you love about the full-sized models, a subcompact pistol shrinks the length and height—and only marginally shrinks the capacity—into a model that is ready for deep concealment, backup use and other specific purposes. 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.
Some manufacturers have started shipping their subcompacts 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, a subcompact pistol provides you a solid, reliable platform for deep-concealment primary and backup guns.
