In 2023, the handgun market continues to be a driver for the industry, especially when it comes to smaller guns that are designed for concealed carry. Which makes a lot of sense. More and more states are switching to permit-free "Constitutional Carry," and as a result, the demand for pistols suitable for concealed carry continues to grow.
Beretta | 80X Cheetah Launch Edition
This reimagining of another renowned Beretta platform sports a new, sleek design and enhanced features. Ergonomically redesigned for modern day carry, the 80X Cheetah includes a smaller, Vertec-style grip profile and an easy-to-rack slide.
▶Extended beavertail
▶MRDS-ready slide
▶Railed dustcover
▶Adjustable trigger
Specifications
Caliber: .380 ACP
Magazine Capacity: 13 rounds
Barrel Length: 3.9 inches
Overall Length: 6.8 inches
Weight: 25 ounces
MSRP: $999
(301) 283-2191 beretta.com
Caracal | Lynx DS Compact
A carry-friendly version of the Lynx DS, this double-stack, precision-machined, alloy-frame pistol is offered in three calibers: 9 mm, .38 Super and .40 S&W. It incorporates a single-lug locking system, and rail-equipped and optic-ready models are available.
▶Double-stack frame
▶Adjustable sights
▶Low-profile slide
▶Flat trigger
Specifications
Caliber: 9 mm
Magazine Capacity: 17 rounds
Barrel Length: 4 inches
Overall Length: 7.5 inches
Weight: 40.5 ounces
MSRP: $4,560
(208) 323-8727 caracalusa.com
EAA | MC P35 PI
The MC P35 PI (Private Investigator) combines the classic traits of JMB’s beloved Hi Power with one optimized with purpose-built enhancements for EDC, such as a compact slide, a 3.9-inch barrel and three-dot sights. When not in holster, it could serve as a bedside gun with equal confidence.
▶Ambidextrous thumb safety
▶Low-mount rear sight
▶Rowel hammer
▶Smooth-faced trigger
Specifications
Caliber: 9 mm
Magazine Capacity: 15 rounds
Barrel Length: 3.9 inches
Overall Length: 6.3 inches
Weight: 25.6 ounces
MSRP: $630
(321) 639-4842 eaacorp.com
FN America | Reflex
Designed from the ground up for everyday carry, the new Reflex combines capacity with superior accuracy and feel to be one of the most exciting new pistols on the market. An 11-round flush-fit magazine and an extended 15-round unit ship with the gun, and IWB holsters are already available.
▶Internal-hammer-fired operation
▶Duty-safe, 4.5-pound trigger
▶Tritium front sight
▶Multi-texture grip
Specifications
Caliber: 9 mm
Magazine Capacity: 15 rounds
Barrel Length: 3.1 inches
Overall Length: 6.2 inches
Weight: 18.5 ounces
MSRP: $599
(703) 288-3500 fnamerica.com
Kimber | Micro 9 ESV Two Tone (MC) (TP)
Offering a mini-compensator to reduce felt recoil and muzzle flip, Kimber’s Micro 9 ESV Two Tone also includes lightening cuts, night sights and an elegant finish. An extended magazine floorplate gives extra purchase to further help with felt recoil.
▶Magazine pinky extension
▶KimPro II black frame
▶TruGlo Tritium Pro night sights
▶Hogue black rubber wraparound grips
Specifications
Caliber: 9 mm
Magazine Capacity: 7 rounds
Barrel Length: 3.5 inches
Overall Length: 7.1 inches
Weight: 19.2 ounces
MSRP: $1,005
(888) 243-4522 kimberamerica.com
SAR | 9 Subcompact OR
The smallest pistol of the SAR9 lineup is nonetheless optics ready. Originally engineered and tested for special forces around the world, the SAR9 is a proven design and this new, smaller variant makes a fine EDC gun at a friendly price.
▶Optics-cut slide
▶Co-witnessing night sights
▶Choice of Cerakote finishes
▶Forged steel slide
Specifications
Caliber: 9 mm
Magazine Capacity: 12 rounds
Barrel Length: 3.3 inches
Overall Length: 6.4 inches
Weight: 22.2 ounces
MSRP: $450
(833) 727-4867 sarusa.com
Smith & Wesson | Equalizer
Designed as a more capacious version of the popular Shield EZ line, the Equalizer offers double-stack magazines, an optics cut and cocking serrations fore and aft for those newer to the shooting disciplines.
▶Easy-to-rack slide
▶Grip safety
▶Comes with 10-, 13- and 15-round magazines
▶Loaded-chamber indicator
Specifications
Caliber: 9 mm
Magazine Capacity: 15 rounds
Barrel Length: 3.7 inches
Overall Length: 6.8 inches
Weight: 22.9 ounces
MSRP: $599
(800) 331-0852 smith-wesson.com
Springfield Armory | Hellcat Pro FDE
The new Hellcat Pro in Desert FDE is a stylish 9 mm compact pistol that combines the performance of a larger handgun with concealability and capacity. Now available with an attractive Flat Dark Earth finish, it’s also optics ready and is equipped with a versatile accessory rail.
▶RMSc optic footprint
▶Cerakote finish
▶Billet-machined frame
▶Luminescent front sight, U-Notch rear sight
Specifications
Caliber: 9 mm
Magazine Capacity: 15 rounds
Barrel Length: 3.7 inches
Overall Length: 6.6 inches
Weight: 21 ounces
MSRP: $692
(800) 680-6866 springfield-armory.com
Springfield Armory | Hellcat Pro with SMSc
The Hellcat Pro line grows with a new model that ships from the factory with a Shield Optics SMSc micro-red-dot sight. In case that’s not enough, there are also U-dot tritium/luminescent iron sights as a backup, as well as all the other features which have made the Hellcat Pro a popular choice for concealed carry.
▶4-MOA red-dot sight included
▶Zippered case
▶Adaptive grip texture
▶Optic co-witnessed with iron sights
Specifications
Caliber: 9 mm
Magazine Capacity: 15 rounds
Barrel Length: 3.7 inches
Overall Length: 6.6 inches
Weight: 21 ounces
MSRP: $859
(800) 680-6866 springfield-armory.com
Staccato | CS
Built from the ground up for the 9 mm cartridge, the Staccato CS brings the company’s legendary shootability to the ultra-compact, double-stack EDC market. The smallest and lightest Staccato is nonetheless optics-ready and one of its best shooters, incorporating new, patented technology.
▶New grip design
▶Bull barrel
▶Optics-cut slide
▶Tuned, single-action trigger
Specifications
Caliber: 9 mm
Magazine Capacity: 15 rounds
Barrel Length: 3.5 inches
Overall Length: 7.1 inches
Weight: 22.7 ounces
MSRP: $2,499
(512) 819-0656 staccato2011.com
Stoeger | STR-9MC Micro Compact
Boasting the same features and reliability of its full-size sibling, the latest iteration of the Stoeger STR line offers a more compact size that makes it ideal for everyday carry.
▶White-dot front sight
▶Tactile loaded-chamber indicator
▶Front and rear slide serrations
▶Central-bladed trigger safety
Specifications
Caliber: 9 mm
Magazine Capacity: 13 rounds
Barrel Length: 3.3 inches
Overall Length: 6.1 inches
Weight: 18.5 ounces
MSRP: $399
(800) 264-4962 stoegerindustries.com
Taurus | 605 Defender T.O.R.O.
The 605 T.O.R.O. is a .357 Mag., optic-ready revolver. For people who demand magnum-level power, the 605 has five shots ready to go—and you’re more likely to get good hits on target thanks to the included mounting plate that supports optics that use the Holosun K-series footprint. Optic not included.
▶Stainless steel finish
▶Extended ejector rod
▶Target-style trigger
▶Compact grips
Specifications
Caliber: .357 Mag.
Cylinder Capacity: 5 rounds
Barrel Length: 3 inches
Overall Length: 7.5 inches
Weight: 24 ounces
MSRP: $450
(229) 515-8464 taurususa.com
Taurus | 856 Defender T.O.R.O.
This 6-shot .38 Spl. packs a ton of punch into a compact package, and for the first time ever, it’s optics ready. The mount is designed to be compatible with all optics that share the Holosun K-series footprint. Optic not included.
▶Removable front sight
▶Carbon steel cylinder
▶High-visibility night sights
▶Built-in optics mount
Specifications
Caliber: .38 Spl. +P
Cylinder Capacity: 6 rounds
Barrel Length: 3 inches
Overall Length: 7.5 inches
Weight: 23.5 ounces
MSRP: $445
(229) 515-8464 taurususa.com
Wilson Combat | WCP365
Adding custom modifications to make a great pistol even better, the WCP365 improves handling, shooting and optics capability. The WCP365 can also be fitted with a cover plate and rear Battlesight for the Trijicon RMRcc, Holosun 407K or 507K, SIG Sauer Romeo Zero or Shield RMSc.
▶Improved slide-stop shape
▶Black DLC finish
▶X-Tac-pattern cocking serrations
▶Wilson Combat P365 grip module
Specifications
Caliber: 9 mm
Magazine Capacity: 12 rounds
Barrel Length: 3.1 inches
Overall Length: 6 inches
Weight: 19 ounces
MSRP: $1,105 to $1,405
(800) 955-4856 wilsoncombat.com
