Walther CCP M2+

The Walther CCP M2+ is the only production carry 9mm using a gas-delayed blowback system, marketed as SOFTCOIL. A small port in the barrel bleeds chamber pressure into a piston that pushes the slide forward as it cycles, slowing the rearward motion and softening felt recoil. The practical result: the CCP shoots noticeably softer than equivalently-sized striker-fired carry 9mms, and the recoil spring is light enough that slide racking is dramatically easier than a SIG P365 or Glock 43X.

For shooters with arthritis, weak grip strength, or hand injuries who specifically need a 9mm (rather than dropping to .380), the CCP M2+ is the strongest alternative to the M&P 9 Shield EZ. The slide rack force is similar to the EZ, the recoil is similarly soft, and the 8+1 capacity matches. The CCP differs in that it uses a striker-fired action with an external thumb safety, which some shooters prefer over the EZ's grip safety.

The M2+ refresh added a Picatinny rail, refined controls, and a tool-less takedown system that uses a button rather than a takedown tool. The 3.54-inch barrel keeps the gun compact enough for IWB carry while preserving full-grip ergonomics for shooters with medium-to-large hands. MSRP runs $469 for the black Cerakote, $489 for the two-tone stainless.