Best 9MM Handguns

If you are searching for the best 9mm handgun for your needs, you have come to the right place!

In this hands-on article, we will cover some of the best full-size, compact, and subcompact 9mm pistols on the market.

Best Duty/Full-Size 9MM

If you’re looking for the best full-size handgun, also known as a duty handgun, look at our list of the top four. If you don’t find what you like on our list some other good lists for best 9mm pistols are at Gun University and if you are looking for a full size 9mm take a look at Gun Made.

Glock 17

Features

The Glock 17 was one of the first polymer-framed pistols. Introduced in1982, this pistol has major staying power.

While it can not claim the “first ” in the polymer category, it has been the most popular polymer framed duty pistol to date. If you peek in most duty holsters across the United States, you will be more than likely to find a Glock 17. 

This 9mm powerhouse boasts 17 plus 1 capacity (nothing to do with the model’s name). This is a feature that other manufacturers have struggled to match until relatively recently.

The Glock 17 does not have an option for a manual safety. 

Ergonomics 

It’s a Block… I mean Glock. Jokes aside, ergonomics don’t seem to be Mr. Gaston’s thing obviously, though this hasn’t stopped millions of law enforcement officers in thousands of agencies across the States from sliding one of these into a duty holster daily. 

The grip angle seems to be a common complaint, but with proper training and range time, this can be overcome. 

The other main complaint is the shape of the grip itself. Very little has been done to advance the design of this handgun over the years besides grip texture and the addition of finger grooves, to the deletion of the same a few years later.

This can be used to argue the popularity of the design itself; why mess with perfection?  

Shooting

Shooting the Glock 17 is a breeze. Its full-size frame and slide help to tame recoil from an already manageable round. Even the hotter “duty ammo” isn’t too much for novice shooters.

Once you get used to the grip angle, that is really the only obstacle to overcome.

There are no external safeties or extra stuff to get in the way. Simply raise the handgun and press the trigger until you achieve the desired effect on target.

If you want an even better shooting experience grab the Glock 17 MOS, you can read our full Glock 17 MOS Review.

Accessories

When the G17 was first introduced, there weren’t many options for accessories. 

Glock didn’t include an accessory rail until its third generation in 1998. They called it the UGR, or Universal Glock Rail. Its dimensions were proprietary and did not follow suit with MIL-STD-1913. 

Glock seems to be so popular that it shaped the accessory aftermarket. Any major manufacturer of lights and lasers makes models for the Glock or includes keys to fit the Glock rail.

Such options include Surefire, Streamlight, INFORCE, Crimson Trace among others. These options can be found online at Brownells, Midway, and other locations such as Optics Planet or Primary Arms.

Holster Options

When you talk about holsters for full-size or duty guns, most of the time you are looking at OWB, or outside the waistband. This category can then be further broken down to duty and concealment. 

As one of if not the most popular duty pistols, options for holsters can be had from a wide range of manufacturers.

Safariland, Dara, Blackhawk!, Gould and Goodrich, and Bianchi round out the top duty holsters available for the Glock 17. 

When looking at concealed holsters, the options seem endless. Some companies worth noting are Harry’s Holsters, We The People Holsters, Vedder, CompTac, and Alien Gear.

SIG P320

Features

Designed in 2014 by SIG Sauer for competition in the Next-Gen Combat Handgun System also known as the XM17 Modular Handgun System Competition, the P320 would emerge victorious over the competitors. 

Manufacturers also entered were the Glock, Beretta, FN Herstal, and Smith & Wesson M&P 2.0. We’ll talk about one or two of these in a moment or two. 

The Sig P320 comes in models with and without safeties as well. This further expounds the number of possible variations available for this already highly customizable gun.

Ergonomics

Stepping up their game when compared to Glock, the ergonomics for the Sig P320 are impressive. You can order different-sized grip modules online without any form of government intrusion and simply drop your serialized modular trigger group into any p320 frame. This affords the end-user to be able to modify the fitment and size of the grip almost infinitely. It’s hard to beat that.

Shooting

Shooting the P320 is much like any other 9mm duty gun. The size and grip of the P320 lends itself to control of the firearm which translates to accuracy. 

The height over bore is higher on the P320 than that of the Glock 17. This means that there will be more muzzle flip when shooting the P320. If you were to shoot the Glock 17 and then the P320 back to back you would be able to note the different perceived recoil of the P320.

When shot with time in between or at separate range sessions, the difference is not noticeable. As with any Duty gun, practice will make up for any slight perceived difference in recoil.

Accessories

Being a much newer entry into the fullsize/duty gun market you would expect the accessories game to be lacking. This couldn’t be further from the truth.

SIG themselves manufacture a lot of accessories for their own firearms. This would include red dot sights, pistol lights, holsters, grip modules, springs, triggers, and every other part located in their pistols.

Several other manufacturers have also stepped up to make grip modules, barrels and triggers for the SIG P320. 

Holster Options

Holster options for the Sig P320 would vastly reflect those offered for the Glock 17. Names such as We The People, Safariland, Dara, Blackhawk!, Gould and Goodrich, and Bianchi all have selections for the SIG P320. 

Although it would be much simpler to remove the fire control module from the full-size P320 and drop it into a compact frame and then drop in the shorter barrel to match for concealment, several companies do make concealment holsters for this full-sized pistol.

While this can be considered not ideal, some people prefer to carry their full-size gun as their concealed carry weapon just because they can.

S&W M&P 2.0

Features

Another entry into the Army’s XM17 Modular Handgun Competition and entry into our best 9mm handguns is the Smith & Wesson Military & Police 2.0. This being the second major revision to the M&P line over the regular Smith & Wesson M&P. 

Some of the upgrades include an extended steel frame to help with the rigidity of the rails, and lightning of the slide to help compensate for the added weight to the frame. 

Other upgrades include a nicer trigger (when compared to the OG M&P), nicer stippling from the factory of the handle, ambidextrous controls, and tighter sights which translates to more accurate shots.

The M&P also packs 17 rounds of ammo which is pretty standard for a full size or duty gun.

The Smith and Wesson M&P can also be had with or without a manual safety which furthers its list of qualifications. 

Ergonomics

Holding the M&P 2.0 from Smith & Wesson fills the hand nicely. Including swappable backstraps and palm swells with the handgun means that chances are you can find a combination that fits your particular hand well. 

The grip angle is the same as the venerable 1911, enough said.

All of the mechanisms for manipulating the 2.0 are reachable from a combat grip, and are all easy enough to actuate that it seems like second nature. 

While some people claim that the slide stop is also a slide release, S&W claim that it is only a stop, but it is still functional as a slide release as well. 

Shooting

When you slide your finger into the trigger guard of the Smith and Wesson M&P 2.0 you will be met with a familiar feeling if you have handled the original; their patented articulated trigger that also functions as a safety. 

Personally speaking this type of trigger shoe is hot garbage. If I could only modify one thing on this hand gun it would be their stock trigger. It just feels unnatural when pulled. While it does function much the same way the glock safe action trigger does, I find it less than ideal.

The added weight and low bore to axis means that the perceived recoil of the M&P 2.0 is soft and smooth. This allows for quick and accurate follow up shots on target. Shooting the 2.0 is a breeze and fun to all.

Accessories

Accessories for the Smith and Wesson M&P 2.0 fall more in line with those from Glock as compared to the SIG P320. The MIL-STD-1913 rail found on the Smith means that you won’t need special “keys” to fit your lights and lasers if you so choose, but the proliferation of Glock means that almost everyone makes something for them. 

You can obtain custom palm swells and back straps through third-party companies and the usual selection of sights that are available for all duty guns. 

Holster Options

Holsters for the 2.0 can be had from most major manufacturers. These include all the usual suspects seen on duty belts around the US of A.

Like with the others above, you can find concealed carry holsters for the full-size M&P 2.0 if you wish to hide this thing on your body. 

CZ P09

Features

In recent years CZ has really made a name for itself in the pistol world. CZ is trying to lay claim to the best 9mm handgun claim. The CZ P09 is one of their offerings that have really shined.

This double-stack double action and single-action pistol holds an impressive 19 rounds.

Ergonomics

For a double-stack pistol, it has a very slim handle and it feels fantastic in your hand. It’s important to note that while the frame is great in your hand everything about this pistol is full size.

Overall, the ergonomics are great for the CZ P09 9mm pistol.

Shooting

Shooting the CZ P09 has a bit more muzzle flip than you’d expect but handles well. It is a bit surprising how much muzzle flip it has for a full-size 9mm pistol.

Accessories

The CZ P09 has plenty of accessories, including aftermarket sights, barrels, lights, and optics.

Holster Options

Some solid holster companies make holsters for the CZ P09. My personal favorite outside the waistband is the Harry’s Holster’s Contender.

If you want to try to conceal the CZ P09 there are some concealed carry holsters for the CZ P09 available.

Best Compact 9MM

Glock 19

Features

The Glock 19 was first introduced in 1988 into the Law Enforcement market and soon after caught fire for personal carry. Many consider the Glock 19 the best 9mm handgun for concealed carry. Its similarities with its bigger brother the Glock 17, meant that it was instantly a robust and trusted option on the early polymer-framed market.

As near to the 17 as the 19 was, it’s easier to list the differences between the two.

For starters, the Glock 19 has a 4.01-inch barrel and a shorter slide to fit it. 

The frame of the Glock 19 is also a little shorter at 5.04 inches and takes a standard capacity magazine of 15 rounds as opposed to the 17 rounds in the Glock 17.

Ergonomics 

When speaking in terms of ergonomics with Glock, no matter the model, it’s all the same.

If you’ve held a 17 then you can know with a level of certainty what almost all of their other options will feel like in hand.

This isn’t such a bad thing when you consider you can pick up any Glock and know how to shoot it without figuring any new feature out. 

They all feel the same and point the same way.  

Shooting

Most people who shoot Glocks prefer the 19 over the 17 because of the way it feels in the hand. 

Although it is in the compact category, it tends to push the upwards limit on this classification. This means that its capacity and handling are more akin to that of a smaller full size gun. This translates to effective cross-training from gun to gun. 

The trigger on the Glock 19 has been copied relentlessly on guns like the IWI Masada, because, well it just works.

Concealment

Concealing the Glock 19 isn’t a cakewalk, but thousands of people do it daily.

The hardest part about concealing a gun is the length of the grip. This translates to having to wear a thicker shirt to cover a bulge at the waistline or possibly placing the Glock in another position. It can be done, you just have to be conscious of your wardrobe choices for the day.

Accessories

The Glock 19 did not sport an accessory rail until the 3rd generation much like the 17.

There were, however, still options such as a guide rod replacement that also held a laser to assist with aiming, however comical this may seem. 

After adding the proprietary Glock accessory rail, you can add whatever accessories you can hang off the front of the 19. 

Holster Options

Holster options are wide open for the Glock 19. Being a compact gun, there are holsters for duty and concealed carry.

Some people prefer to carry the Glock 19 concealed in an outside the waistband holster or OWB while others prefer an inside the waistband holster or IWB.

Sig P320 Compact

Features

This is where the Sig really starts to shine above the Glock and is trying to take the crown of best 9mm handgun. You can take the very same gun mentioned above in the Fullsize/duty category and remove the fire control group and drop it into a Sig P320 Compact frame with a barrel. You’ve instantly got another gun with the same serial number. 

This means you can completely customize one pistol to your mission. This saves money that can then be spent on ammo and training to further your abilities

Ergonomics 

Like its bigger iteration, there is a multitude of grip modules that are available for the compact P320. 

Sig however decided to upgrade the factory grip module for the X-Compact version. Many will find this to be a satisfactory improvement as the improvements that have been made are often included in the aftermarket selections. 

This shows that SIG listens to their customer base, something that other manufacturers should take note of.

Shooting

Shooting the SIG XCompact is pretty straightforward. Its 9mm chambering makes it a soft recoiler and follow-up shots are quick and accurate. 

Some people may complain of a high bore axis, but no difference can be detected in practical shooting. 

Concealment

Hiding the SIG XCompact is easy enough, but some may find the frame a little too thick for their liking. This is a common problem in this size firearm seen across most major manufacturers.

To adjust for this, you must ensure you have a quality belt built for concealed carry and a good, quality holster like those made by Harry’s Holsters. Other adjustments that may need to be made can be stepping up a pant size or wearing a little bigger shirt to cover the extra package you’re toting. 

Accessories

We’ve already discussed a lot of things you can do with a SIG when it comes to accessories… but wait, there’s more! 

You can actually order just the fire control group from SIG and build a completely custom SIG P320. This level of modularity has only been seen in the AR market, but now SIG has made it come to life with their mainline polymer pistols. 

The combinations are near unlimited!

Holster Options

The decision for what type of holster to place your XCompact in is as wide open with possibilities as accessories.

Your SIG could ride in a hard-sided duty rig, a sleek outside-the-waistband concealable leather option, or an inside the waistband Kydex job. You could even sling it in a shoulder holster if you like it.

The market for holsters for this handgun has exploded in recent years as its popularity has grown. Harry’s Holsters is one of my favorite IWB holsters for the P320 X-Compact.

As stated before, to carry a gun comfortably, make sure you research and plan on how to accomplish your goal successfully.

HK VP9sk

Features

The VP9sk is the little brother to the full-size VP9. This line of pistol is made by the Legendary Heckler and Koch and their history with the 9mm round runs deep.

 HK also makes several other, although more dated, designs. The VP9sk is the most modern compact pistol by the famed German manufacturer. 

The VP9 family has aggressive styling with deep finger grooves, and polymer inserts into the side of the slide near the rear sight to assist with racking the slide.

The VP9sk also boasts aggressive angles where other manufacturers use softer lines. This makes the pistol look more aggressive than its counterparts. Some people dig the styling cues and others could honestly care less. 

One thing is for sure, the name HK always brings a lot of attention.

Ergonomics 

The VP9sk could be the most comfortable pistol to hold that I’ve had the pleasure to shoot in a long time. The curves in the grip fill out my hand nicely and although I do not need finger grooves in a pistol, they are well designed and fit my hand just right. 

The VP9sk also comes with swappable back straps and side panels to further customize the fitment. 

The polymer inserts in the slide are interesting. No other handgun in my recollection has come with such a device installed. Honestly, I’m baffled as to why HK decided to include such a feature on an otherwise striking handsome handgun. 

They look and feel cheap and serve no real purpose in my opinion. You can remove them if you wish, but that leaves deep grooves in the slide where it is obvious that something should be. HK missed the mark on this in my book.  

Shooting

The comfortable grip directly translates to high performance when shooting for me. My hand feels at home wrapped around the grip of the HK VP9sk while presenting the gun to target while squeezing the trigger and under recoil. 

As with other 9mm pistols, the cartridge is hardly snappy enough to make shooting unpleasant or uncomfortable. This is a combat handgun, and accuracy reflects just that. 

It isn’t a tack driver, and it isn’t meant to be 

Concealment

Packing this HK away is a breeze. The shortened grip helps to hide the VP9sk easily in a waistband. 

You can opt for a longer magazine if you choose to raise your capacity for this selection, or carry the flush mag in the pistol and a full size mag in a pocket or mag carrier to use if necessary.

The barrel length does not seem to make that much of a difference when it comes to concealing a pistol on the body, and this is true here as well.

The concealability of this gun and the overlords at H&K are the reason this makes our list of the best 9mm handguns.

Accessories

Some accessories that come with the VP9sk are the backstraps that can be swapped out as well as the changeable side panels. 

The VP9sk also has a picatinny rail that can hang any light, laser, or combo.

As mentioned above, the VP9sk has inserts into the back of the slide near the serrations that are used to help rack the slide.     

Holster Options

Holster choices are a little more limited for the HK VP9sk. Being that it doesn’t quite have the proliferation that other manufacturers enjoy, you may have to turn to custom-made holsters to carry your HK VP9sk in.

You can find both an IWB holster or OWB holster for the VP9sk from We The People Holsters.

This is a slight let down, but this handgun’s looks offset any annoyance you may have in finding a quality holster.  

Smith & Wesson M&P2.0 Compact

Features

The Smith and Wesson M&P 2.0 compact is a favorite amount concealed carry enthusiasts. Since Smith & Wesson revamped their trigger in 2022 it has become even more popular.

The trigger of the M&P series was always a subject to much debate and I for one fell on the side of dislike for their triggers. However, this is a personal choice and you may love it. Smith & Wesson has made many changes to its trigger along the way.

Ergonomics

One of the main reasons that the M&P 2.0 Compact was so popular is the fact the gun feels great in your hand.

S&W put in a lot of R&D on the grip and its ergonomics so it’s no surprise that they could execute it well.

Shooting

Shooting the M&P Compact is very similar to the full size M&P 2.0 but with a bit more bite.

You will have a bit more perceived recoil and muzzle flip with any smaller gun.

But it’s not a gun that is unenjoyable to shoot for long-range visits as your wrist might get tired of the snappiness of the M&P Compact.

Concealment

Concealing the S&W M&P 2.0 is a breeze. Given its smaller footprint, it’s easy to conceal both in the IWB and OWB configurations. The smaller the gun is overall the easier it will be to conceal.

Accessories

With the built-in rail flashlights and lasers are optional accessories and like with nearly every gun on this list you can purchase aftermarket iron sights.

You can also replace the trigger but once the updated 2022 trigger hits this gun you won’t need to upgrade!

Holster Options

Holsters make or break your carry routine so if you don’t have a good carry holster like the Harry’s Holster’s Singleton or the Tulster it might not be a fun carry.

Like the Glock, the M&P Compact has several holster manufacturers that support it. Offering both inside the waistband carry as well as outside the waistband carry.

Best Sub-Compact 9MM

SIG P365

Features

The SIG P365 changed the world for subcompact guns. Instead of designing a magazine to fit into their new subcompact pistol, SIG decided to design the magazine first and then the pistol for it to fit in.

SIGs design is technically a 1 ½ stack magazine instead of a traditional single or double stack. This design choice led SIG to be able to make a slim magazine when compared to other double stack mags with a much higher capacity when compared to single stack.

This really set the stage for some great innovation in the concealed carry market.

Ergonomics 

Building the SIG P365 from the ground up as a new pistol also allowed SIG to have design freedom when it came to the ergonomics of the handgun. 

While those with extra-large hands will find the SIG P365 to feel too small in their hand, almost everyone else seems to enjoy holding the P365. The grip is slim and has lines that fit the hand well. For those with large hands, a Hogue handle grip sleeve may be in order.

The slide is well-shaped and designed not to have sharp edges but still look nice. The slide serrations are present and useful.

The grip has a skateboard tape texture on it from the factory that many people seem to like. With the flush magazine in place, most people’s pinkies will hang free off the bottom of the frame. The flush mag holds 10 rounds of 9mm. 

If you slap in the extended magazine, your capacity will increase to 12 rounds and this also will give your pinky a place to call home. 

Shooting

Shooting the SIG P365 is like a dream. The frame practically molds into the hand and the striker-fired trigger is smooth and crisp. 

This leads to quick and accurate follow-up shots out of the little P365. 

Having a ten-round flush mag or 12-round mag handy means, you can have almost as much ammo on you or in your subcompact pistol as many compact or even full-size options. 

Concealment

Many people carry the SIG P365 for their daily concealed carry firearm. Its diminutive size and capable caliber paired with its more than average capacity makes it a smart choice to pack away.

When you factor in the quality construction of this SIG handgun along with its factory-installed night sights, it’s hard to beat for a one-stop shop concealed carry choice.

The small footprint of this subcompact SIG means that you can find almost anywhere to tuck it away on your person. 

Accessories

SIG decided to follow Glock in the accessory department and make the included rail on the P365 proprietary. 

You can’t slap any old light or laser under the barrel without first attaching a rail adapter to convert the SIG rail to the industry standard 1913 variety. 

Although this is kinda a bummer, it isn’t too hard to do.

Another option is purchasing the accessories SIG offers for the P365. 

Holster Options

Most people will want to drop the SIG P365 into a good, quality IWB holster and call it a day. 

Many options exist and they can be found anywhere you look on the interwebs. 

I suggest looking at companies like Harry’s Holsters for high-quality Kydex solutions. 

Sig has also released some new models of the P365 like the Sig Sauer P365XL.

Glock 43

Features

The Glock 43 busted onto the scene with much fan fair. It’s personally one of my favorite subcompacts to carry. I love the ease of use and how it feels in your hand.

The only other subcompact Glock that beats the 43 is the Glock 48. I really love the Glock 48 and what it offers in terms of barrel length and frame.

Ergonomics

The Glock 43 is extremely small but not so small it doesn’t feel good in your hand.

Overall I think the ergonomics of the Glock 43 is the best in the sub compact options on the marketing today.

It may be the best 9mm handgun for the money available.

Shooting

Shooting the gun is oddly where the gun doesn’t shine as well. The 9mm round in such a small gun does produce a good bit of perceived, felt recoil.

Because the gun is so lightweight and the surface-to-hand ratio is low it’s hard to control and the recoil is much more noticeable than on guns like the Sig P320 X5 Legion.

Concealment

But that small footprint brings us to the concealment of the Glock 43. It’s truly a fantastic gun to conceal carry. It’s the perfect on-body IWB carry gun.

You can comfortably carry it in nearly any configuration due to its small size.

Accessories

There aren’t many things you can do accessory-wise with the Glock 43 since there is no rail but you can upgrade the trigger and change the stock sights to night sights.

Holster Options

My go-to holster for my Glock 43 is Harry’s Holster’s Infiltrator. There are plenty of nice holsters out there, but I find the Singleton to be the most comfortable with the best function.

Springfield Hellcat

Features

They say imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. Following the success of the mold shattering, SIG P365 comes the Springfield Hellcat.

The main claim to fame that the Springfield Hellcat has is it ups the capacity of the SIG P365 by one round. Arguably, one round isn’t really THAT big of a deal but why would you ever want to turn down the ability to carry more ammo onboard your firearm? 

The Hellcat seems to take more aesthetic design cues from Glock and its internal engineering from SIG. The resulting amalgamation is the Hellcat. 

Ergonomics 

While the ergonomics for the Springfield Hellcat aren’t as blocky as Glock you can tell when picking it up that it isn’t as refined as the P365 from SIG. 

The flush-fitting mag hangs the pinky in a familiar place with subcompact handguns; off the frame.

Springfield offers an extended mag with no additional capacity along with a plus-two capacity extended mag. This option also one-ups SIG in the capacity department.

Shooting

Nothing special when comparing the Springfield Hellcat to other so-called micro compacts such as the P365 when it comes to shooting. 

These small handguns handle and shoot like small handguns. They are all more than manageable when it comes to recoil and control. 

Accuracy is on par with other selections from other manufacturers.  

Concealment

The Hellcat will easily disappear when tucked into a IWB holster with nothing more than a T-shirt and shorts being worn on the average-sized man. 

No adjustments need to be made to be able to pack the Hellcat along on your daily travels.

Accessories

The standard accessories that can be found across the board apply here as well. 

Many options when it comes to red dots, lights and lasers can be had for the Hellcat. 

Holster Options

Being the new(er) kid on the block, the holster selection is a little lacking for the Hellcat.

That’s not to say that good-quality holsters can’t be found, but you will have to look just a little harder than you would for a Glock or SIG to find an option for you.

But as usual, Harry’s Holsters has you covered on a fantastic IWB Springfield Hellcat Holster.

Glock 26

Features

Like the 19 and 17 already discussed in their respective categories, the Glock 26 is a true OG.

The G26 also sports Glock’s rugged reputation that can only be won through years of hard use and abuse. This is part of the reason so many people continue to rely on the name Glock.

The Glock 26 sports a ten-round box magazine that will sit flush with the bottom of the grip.

One of the nice things about the Glock line of pistols is the ability of cross-model magazine support. 

This means that if you have a Glock 17 magazine, it can successfully be used in a Glock 19 or even the Glock 26. This means that if you carry the Glock 17 for duty, you can carry the 26 as a backup and use the G17 mags in your 26 should you need to, and yes, for those wondering, the Glock “stick” mags for the Model 18 can also be used. 

Ergonomics 

The classic blocky design and feel that millions have become accustomed to globally with Glock are present here on the G26. Before the Glock 43 series came along the Glock 26 was the best 9mm handgun in the subcompact Glock lineup.

The smaller portions are the barrel length and the grip length. In its stock configuration, it doesn’t seem to make any difference with the feel in my hand. 

When you add in one of the larger magazines, the G26 feels more like its bigger brothers and handles about the same.

Shooting

If you can shoot while holding onto a 2×4, you can shoot the Glock 26. While this is an exaggeration, it is only slightly. The larger grip diameter combined with the subcompact frame means that some people will struggle with control of this pint-sized Glock when outfitted with its stock magazine. 

Of the subcompact guns on this list, the Glock 26 shoots most like its full-size brethren. 

The impulse is slightly quicker with less mass to dampen the recoil of the 9mm cartridge, but nowhere near enough to be noteworthy.

Overall accuracy is quite impressive for this subcompact.  

Concealment

Concealing the Glock 26 is much easier than its larger brothers, the 19 and 17. Even though the three are the same thickness, the 26 is much shorter, where it counts when concealing. 

Even though some will complain about the girth, the Glock 26 is a breeze to conceal when paired with a quality holster and belt. 

If you already have a G19 or G17, the G26 is the natural concealed carry option for you.

A huge benefit of sharing mags with larger handguns is keeping a full-sized 17-round G17 mag in your pocket and slapping it into your Glock 26 when you need to reload.

Accessories

The Glock 26, although much smaller than the G17, is still a Glock after all. The compactness of the frame means that Glock did not have enough room to squeeze its proprietary rail under the barrel. 

Fear not; however, there are several other ways to sport lights and lasers on the frame of your Glock 26. One of the more popular ones is the Streamlight Tlr6. This light attaches using a clamshell design that attaches around the trigger guard. Although not super bright, it is efficient enough for a self-defense subcompact.

Holster Options

Depending on your requirements, you can find many holster options for the Glock 26. 

The most popular option will be IWB of a wide selection of brands, followed by more unconventional concealed carry methods such as ankle or shoulder holsters. I have options for each.