GLOCK 43, Springfield XD-S, Smith & Wesson M&P9 SHIELD. If you like those 9mm sub-compact guns, buy those 9mm sub-compact guns! Tens of thousands of satisfied consumers do. But they’re hardly the only choices. Maybe not even the best choices. Here are three underrated 9mm sub-compact options for concealed carry. . .
Walther PPS M2
The original Walther’s PPS is a highly concealable, accurate, shootable little carry gun. The PPS M2 made a good thing even better with PPQ-like ergonomics and grip texture, a standard “American-style” magazine release, and a generally smaller profile (for reduced printing). Oh, and the trigger is fantastisch.
If I lined-up the GLOCK 43, S&W Shield, Springfield XD-S, and a Ruger LC9, I’d put good money on 90 percent of shooters turning in noticeably tighter groups with the Walther, thanks to its ergos and trigger. The PPS has proven to be reliable, too.
With MSRPs in the $469 neighborhood, I’m surprised the Walther PPS isn’t more popular. Overlooked and underrated for sure. Even by us.
SIG SAUER P290
The P290 is the Harry Houdini of SIG’s extensive pistol line, invisible to far too many could-be purchasers.
At just 3.9 inches tall, 0.9 inch thick, and 16.4 ounces light, the P290 is smaller and lighter than those aforementioned pistols. Its nine pound, double-action-only trigger is silky smooth, while providing an extra margin of safety and “re-strike” capability.
The SIG P290’s surprisingly easy to shoot accurately. With one six-round and one eight-round magazine, interchangeable grip inserts and tritium sights, the $492 P290 is a nicely priced alternative to the more popular pistols.
CZ 2075 RAMI
While the 2075 RAMI is something of a niche gun, owners love it and for good reason. We’re talking a hammer-fired, DA/SA, aluminum frame firearm with a manual safety or a decocker. It comes complete with a 10-round flush and a 14-round extended magazine, all swaddled in those palm pleasing CZ 75 ergos. What’s not to love?
Well, okay, the RAMI’s 26-ounce weight makes it a rather porky pistol. But this helps control recoil resulting an extremely easy gun to keep on target. With an MSRP of $614 it’s the most expensive underrated gun here, but the 2075 RAMI is well worth the money.