What is the most comfortable 9mm subcompact?

Written by Mark Buff , GunZee founder and CEO.

9mm subcompact handguns are common concealed carry companions. Some models offer more EDC comfort than others, and if this is a priority for you, read on to learn more.

The most comfortable 9mm subcompacts have ergonomic grips, manageable recoil, and slim profiles that disappear under clothing.

We’ll highlight our picks for the most comfortable 9mm subcompact handguns so you can find the perfect fit.

Quick links:

Glock G43X

CZ P-10M

Walther PPS M2

Beretta PX4 Storm

Smith & Wesson M&P M2.0

Ruger EC9s

Colt Defender

What makes a handgun comfortable?

How to choose

Why is concealed carry uncomfortable?

Subcompact 9mm pistols are an excellent option for everyday concealed carry guns. Their small size belies their comfort, making them easy to shoot and carry all day.

Whatever you’re packing, apply a GunZee holster pad to that rigid KYDEX holster and breathe a sigh of relief.

Glock G43X

Glock G43X

Image source: https://us.glock.com/en/pistols/g43x-us

Features	Details
Capacity	10+1
Barrel length	3.41”
Overall length	6.5”
Width	1.1”
Weight (unloaded)	18.7 oz

The Glock G43X is a popular choice for those seeking a reliable, comfortable, and concealable pistol for everyday carry. This striker-fired pistol has a compact frame and a comfortable grip that makes it easy to control and shoot accurately.

One of the standout features of the G43X is its ergonomic grip design. The textured grips provide a secure hold, even in challenging conditions. The grip angle and size ensure a natural and comfortable fit for different hand sizes. These factors allow for confident handling and reduced fatigue during extended shooting sessions.

The G43X is a dependable option for personal protection, with a smooth trigger pull that contributes to consistent and accurate shots. The G43X also offers manageable recoil, thanks to its efficient recoil-mitigating features.

The G43X feels great in your hand with a confident grip and conceals comfortably under your clothes.

The Glock G43X offers several comfort and performance enhancing features. The pistol is optics-ready which allows users to easily mount their preferred red dot sights for improved target acquisition. The reversible magazine release enables left and right-handed shooters to operate the firearm comfortably.

CZ P-10M

CZ P-10 M. Image source: https://cz-usa.com/product/cz-usa-p-10-m/

Features	Details
Capacity	7+1
Barrel length	3.19”
Overall length	6.31”
Width	1”
Weight (unloaded)	30.1 oz

The CZ P-10M is a striker-fired handgun with a compact frame and a meticulously designed grip. These features bring easy control and accurate shooting, even in high-stress situations.

One of the most impressive aspects of the P-10M is its very low bore axis. This design feature minimizes muzzle flip and felt recoil, allowing for faster follow-up shots and improved accuracy. The pistol's ergonomic grip, with its aggressive texture and carefully contoured shape, provides a secure and comfortable hold.

The pistol's fiber-reinforced polymer frame and hardy nitride finish on the slide and barrel ensure long-term durability and reliability. The P-10M's smooth, crisp trigger pull and compact size make this model an ideal choice for shooters who look for a good balance of shootability and concealability.

The P-10M's slim profile and rounded edges make it a pleasure to carry discreetly, as it disappears under clothing without printing or causing discomfort. This level of comfort is essential for those who need to carry their pistol for extended periods throughout the day.

The CZ P-10M offers several options to customize the handgun to your preferences. The pistol comes with interchangeable backstraps and enables shooters to find the perfect grip size for their hands.

Walther PPS M2

Features	Details
Capacity	6+1
Barrel length	3.2”
Overall length	6.3”
Width	1”
Weight (unloaded)	19.4 oz

The Walther PPS M2 is a great option for those in search of a slim, comfortable, and reliable pistol. This single-stack handgun is an appealing choice for both new shooters and those with more experience.

The PPS M2 features a comfortable, textured grip that provides a secure hold and helps manage recoil. The grip's shape and angle promote a natural point of aim. The PPS M2 also comes with two interchangeable backstraps so users can customize the grip size to their individual preferences.

The pistol's durable polymer frame and Tenifer-coated slide and barrel ensure long-lasting performance and corrosion resistance. The PPS M2's smooth trigger pull, with a clear break and short reset, enhances the shooting experience and helps maintain accuracy.

Another great thing about the PPS M2 is its easy-to-use controls. The pistol features a large, centrally-located magazine release button that is easy to access and operate with either hand. This ambidextrous design makes the PPS M2 a good choice for both left- and right-handed shooters.

The Walther PPS M2 also offers several safety features, including a loaded chamber indicator and a firing pin block safety. These features provide added peace of mind and help prevent accidental discharges.

“What has been experienced is a recoil impulse unusually pleasant for such a small gun. I've said it before and I'll say it again, the Walther PPS M2 behaves more like a comfortable bigger gun than a single-stack 9mm. This attribute is especially valuable for those wise enough to spend time training with their gun.” —Graham Baates, Gun University

Beretta PX4 Storm

Features	Details
Capacity	13+1
Barrel length	2.9”
Overall length	6.2”
Width	1.42”
Weight (unloaded)	26.1 oz

The Beretta PX4 Storm Compact is a hammer-fired, double-action/single-action (DA/SA) pistol that offers a unique blend of ergonomics, safety features, and customization options that set it apart from other subcompact handguns.

The PX4 Storm Compact has a rotary barrel locking system. This innovative design helps to distribute the recoil force, reducing muzzle rise and felt recoil. The result is a more comfortable shooting experience and faster, more accurate follow-up shots.

The PX4 Storm Compact features a contoured grip with a textured surface that provides a secure and comfortable hold. The grip's shape and angle promote a natural point of aim and make it easier to shoot accurately.

The pistol features a durable polymer frame and a stainless steel slide with a Bruniton finish. This ensures long-lasting performance and corrosion resistance. The PX4 Storm Compact's DA/SA trigger system provides a smooth, consistent pull and adds an extra layer of safety.

The PX4 Storm Compact also offers manual safety, a firing pin block safety, and a hammer decocker. The pistol features an accessory rail that allows users to mount lights, lasers, or other accessories to suit their needs. The sights are dovetailed, making them easy to replace with aftermarket options if desired.

Smith & Wesson M&P M2.0

Features	Details
Capacity	12+1
Barrel length	3.6”
Overall length	6.6”
Width	1.3”
Weight (unloaded)	25.3 oz

The Smith & Wesson M&P (Military & Police) M2.0 is a striker-fired pistol that offers a comfortable and reliable concealed carry. The M2.0 series builds upon the success of the original M&P line with several improvements to enhance shootability and user-friendliness.

The M&P M2.0’s aggressive grip texture provides a secure hold, even in adverse conditions, and helps to mitigate recoil for improved control. The pistol's 18-degree grip angle promotes a natural point of aim, making it easier to shoot accurately.

The M&P M2.0 features a crisp, lightweight trigger with a tactile and audible reset. This improved trigger system enhances the shooting experience and helps to maintain accuracy shot after shot. The pistol also includes a low barrel bore axis, which reduces muzzle rise and allows for faster follow-up shots.

The M&P M2.0 offers interchangeable palmswell grip inserts. The pistol also features an accessory rail for mounting lights or lasers and comes with steel sights that are dovetailed into the slide for easy replacement if desired.

The M&P M2.0 Compact's durable construction, with its polymer frame and stainless steel slide with Armornite finish, ensures long-lasting performance and resistance to corrosion. The pistol also incorporates several safety features (a passive trigger safety and a sear deactivation lever).

“With easy-to-reach controls, comfortable shooting, and a really nice movement to it overall, it’s an easy choice for those seeking subcompacts.” —says Jackie, in her YouTube review.

YouTube review of the Smith and Wesson M2.0—Most comfortable 9mm subcompact

Ruger EC9s

Features	Details
Capacity	7+1
Barrel length	3.12”
Overall length	6”
Width	0.9”
Weight (unloaded)	17.2 oz

The Ruger EC9s’s compact size and shorter barrel contribute to its excellent concealability. Despite its smaller dimensions, the pistol maintains a comfortable, textured grip that allows for a secure hold and easy control during firing.

The EC9s features manual safety that provides an added layer of security for those who prefer an external safety mechanism on their carry pistols. The pistol also includes a magazine disconnect safety, which prevents the gun from firing when the magazine is removed.

The Ruger EC9s features a fixed front sight and a rear sight that is integral to the slide. While the sight radius is shorter due to the compact size of the pistol, the sights are still functional and allow for accurate shot placement at close ranges.

The EC9s has a magazine capacity of 7+1 rounds, which is typical for a pistol of its size. For those who desire a higher capacity, an extended magazine is available as an accessory, increasing the round count to 9+1.

The EC9s is the EDC pistol of choice for this redditor and his wife. “Love how small and simple it is. Very comfy.”

Reddit commenter loves his Ruger EC9s—Most comfortable 9mm subcompact

Colt Defender

Features	Details
Capacity	8+1
Barrel length	3”
Overall length	6.75”
Width	1.25”
Weight (unloaded)	27 oz

The Colt Defender is a hammer-fired pistol that is well-known as a reliable and comfortable carry gun. It combines classic design elements with modern features and is a good choice for those who appreciate the 1911 platform but desire a more concealable option.

The Colt Defender’s shorter barrel combined with the pistol's slim profile, makes it well-suited for concealed carry. Despite its reduced dimensions, the Defender maintains the classic 1911 grip angle and a textured grip surface and ensures a comfortable and secure hold.

The Defender features a single-action trigger, known for its crisp and smooth pull, which contributes to accurate shot placement. The pistol also includes manual safety, a hallmark of the 1911 design that provides an added layer of security when carrying the gun concealed.

The Colt Defender typically features a fixed front sight and a rear sight that is dovetailed into the slide. While the sight radius is shorter compared to full-size pistols, the sights are still functional and allow for accurate shooting at close range.

Which factors contribute to handgun comfort?

The following factors influence a handgun's comfort:

Grip ergonomics: well-designed grips with proper texture and comfortable grip angles enhance control and minimize fatigue during extended shooting sessions.
Recoil management: effective recoil-mitigating features, such as well-designed grips, low bore axis, and proper weight distribution, ensure manageable recoil for accurate shots and quick follow-ups.
Trigger characteristics: a smooth, consistent trigger pull with a clear break and short reset facilitates precise shots and helps maintain accuracy.
Size and weight: compact size, a slim profile, and balanced weight distribution make the handgun more comfortable to carry and shoot, reducing muzzle flip and improving overall handling.
Sights and accessories: Comfort-enhancing sights, such as fiber optic or tritium night sights, and the ability to add accessories like lasers or lights via an accessory rail, allow users to customize their handgun to their preferences and needs.

How to choose the right 9mm subcompact?

There are so many 9mm subcompact pistols to choose from. To find the best one for you, consider the following factors:

Body type. Your height, build, and clothing choice influence how easily you can conceal different pistol sizes and shapes. More slender individuals often have an easier time concealing their subcompact than individuals with larger body types.
Hand size. Those with smaller hands should choose a gun with a grip that fits comfortably and allows proper trigger reach.
Strength. Operating slides and manipulating controls takes some hand strength. Make sure you can comfortably rack the slide and press buttons with the subcompact models you're considering.
Carry position. Ankle, pocket, and IWB holsters work better with smaller, lighter pistols without protruding controls.
Priorities. Consider your most important factors—capacity, comfort, concealability, reliability, caliber, etc.
Accessories. Availability of CCW holsters, sights, grips, and magazine extensions can factor into decisions. Aftermarket support differs between brands.
Handedness. Left-handed shooters often prefer ambidextrous or reversible controls for ease of use. Right-handed models still work but may not offer the most comfortable, natural feel.

Why can concealed carry be uncomfortable?

Concealed carry can be uncomfortable because you’re packing a large object that has significant weight. It causes a bulge, creates pressure, and pulls on your body. Here are some factors that exacerbate uncomfortable CCW:

You are using a poorly designed or ill-fitting concealed carry holster.
You have a weak or unsuitable belt.
You wear clothing that is too tight or lacks proper concealment options.
Your CCW holster is in an improper position.
You carry a large, bulky, or heavy firearm.
You don’t have a GunZee holster pad.

9mm subcompact FAQ

What is the most comfortable concealed carry gun?

The most comfortable concealed carry gun varies by individual, but popular choices include the Glock 43X, Sig Sauer P365, and S&W M&P Shield EZ. These pistols feature ergonomic grips, smooth triggers, and manageable recoil, making them some of the most comfortable CCW options. The best choice depends on your hand size, body type, and personal preferences.

Which 9mm has the least recoil?

The 9mm pistols with the least recoil are typically those with heavier frames or those designed with recoil mitigation technologies. The Walther CCP, due to its buffered recoil system, is noted for having minimal recoil among 9mm pistols, making it easier to handle for shooters who prioritize low recoil.

Is the Sig Sauer P365 comfortable?

The Sig P365 is known for its comfort. Despite its small size, the P365 features a well-designed, textured grip that allows for a secure hold. The gun's ergonomics and balanced weight distribution make it easy to control, while its smooth trigger pull and manageable recoil contribute to a pleasant shooting experience.

What is the most concealable 9mm?

The most concealable 9mm pistols are those with slim profiles and compact dimensions. Models such as Sig Sauer P365, Springfield Armory Hellcat, and Glock G43X are highly regarded for their concealability due to their small size and are easy to hide under clothing without printing.

What is the best bullet weight for a subcompact 9mm?

The best bullet weight for a subcompact 9mm typically ranges from 115 to 147 grains. Lighter 115-grain bullets offer higher velocity and less felt recoil, while heavier 147-grain bullets provide deeper penetration. The choice depends on your personal needs and preferences.

Are subcompact pistols harder to shoot?

Subcompact pistols can be more challenging to shoot accurately compared to larger handguns. Their shorter sight radius, smaller grips, and lighter weight can make them more difficult to control, especially for beginners. But, with proper technique and practice, subcompacts can be mastered. Choose a gun with comfortable ergonomics and manageable recoil to mitigate the challenges associated with shooting these small pistols.

Why do subcompact 9mm pistols often use single-stack magazines?

Subcompact 9mm pistols often use single-stack magazines to maintain a slim profile, typically around 1 inch wide or less. This makes the gun more comfortable to hold and easier to conceal under a wide variety of clothing options, making them an excellent choice for concealed carry.

About the Author

Mark Buff is the founder and CEO of GunZee. He is an ardent firearms enthusiast and has been carrying concealed for more than 15 years. He created GunZee to solve his own problem: that of uncomfortable KYDEX holsters. His patented GunZee memory foam holster pad makes inside-the-waistband carry super comfortable.