▶What is the #1 concealed carry gun?
The SIG P365 XL is the best concealed carry gun for most people in 2026. It packs 12+1 rounds into a package barely larger than single-stack competitors, comes optic-ready from the factory, and includes an accessory rail for compact lights. The extended grip improves shooting comfort over the base P365 while remaining highly concealable for IWB carry. For those who prioritize maximum capacity, the SIG P365 X-Macro delivers 17+1 rounds in a still-compact package. For slim-profile carry, the Glock 43X MOS with Shield Arms S15 magazines offers 15+1 rounds in a 1.02-inch wide frame.
▶What is the best handgun for everyday carry?
The best handgun for everyday carry depends on your body type, clothing, and carry position. For most people, the SIG P365 XL offers the best balance of capacity (12+1), size, and features (optic-ready, rail). For larger individuals or OWB carry, the Glock 19 Gen5 MOS provides 15+1 rounds with full-size magazine compatibility. For deep concealment in minimal clothing, the SIG P365 (10+1) or Glock 43X (10+1, or 15+1 with Shield Arms mags) are the slimmest viable options. Choose whichever you can carry consistently - the best carry gun is the one you actually carry every day.
▶What brand 9mm does the FBI use?
The FBI currently issues the Glock 17M and Glock 19M as standard duty sidearms. These are purpose-built variants of the Glock 17 Gen5 and Glock 19 Gen5 with FBI-specified modifications including a flat-face trigger shoe, ambidextrous slide stop, and luminescent front sight. The FBI selected Glock in 2016 after extensive testing against SIG Sauer and Smith & Wesson.
▶What's a good brand for 9mm pistols?
The top 9mm pistol brands in 2026 are Glock, SIG Sauer (P365 series), Walther, CZ, Springfield Armory, and Smith & Wesson. Glock (G17, G19, G43X) leads on reliability, aftermarket support, and holster availability. SIG P365 variants lead the micro-compact category with the best capacity-to-size ratio. Walther PDP has the best factory trigger. CZ P-10 C offers the best value with excellent ergonomics. Springfield Hellcat Pro packs 15+1 into a micro frame. Smith & Wesson M&P M2.0 is widely adopted by law enforcement. For a first pistol, Glock 19 Gen5 MOS is the safest choice for its universal support.
▶Why isn't the SIG P320 on this list?
The SIG P320 is a modular, feature-rich pistol that won the US Army's Modular Handgun System contract (M17/M18). However, it has been the subject of multiple lawsuits alleging unintended discharges without the trigger being pulled. While SIG has made design changes over the years and disputes these claims, we chose not to include it in our top recommendations until the safety concerns are definitively resolved. The SIG P365 series uses a completely different fire control unit design and is not affected by these issues - which is why P365 variants are included in our rankings.
▶What is the best 9mm for self defense?
For home defense, a full-size 9mm like the Glock 17 Gen5 MOS provides the best combination of capacity (17+1), shootability, and accessory mounting. Mount a weapon light (Streamlight TLR-1 HL, $130) and red dot sight - both are essential for defensive use. For concealed carry self defense, the SIG P365 XL (12+1) or Glock 19 Gen5 MOS (15+1) balance concealability with enough capacity and size for confident shooting under stress. Regardless of which pistol you choose, invest in quality hollow point ammunition (Federal HST, Speer Gold Dot, or Hornady Critical Duty) and train regularly - the gun is only as effective as the shooter.
▶How many rounds should a 9mm hold for self defense?
For concealed carry, 10+1 is the practical minimum, with 12-15+1 being ideal. The SIG P365 (10+1), P365 XL (12+1), Glock 19 (15+1), and Springfield Hellcat Pro (15+1) all meet this threshold. For home defense, 15-17+1 is preferred - the Glock 17 (17+1) delivers this in a full-size platform. Multiple defensive shooting studies show that most civilian encounters are resolved within 3-5 rounds, but capacity provides margin for misses under stress, multiple threats, and malfunction clearance drills. Carry a spare magazine regardless of your pistol's capacity.
▶Do I need an optic-ready pistol?
Yes, in 2026 there is no reason to buy a defensive pistol without optic-mounting capability. A micro red dot sight (Holosun 507C, Holosun 507K, Trijicon RMR) dramatically improves both speed and accuracy, especially under stress. Modern pistol optics are reliable, compact, and have 50,000+ hour battery life with shake-awake technology. The Glock MOS system, Walther PDP plate system, and SIG optic cuts all accept popular red dot footprints. If you are on a strict budget, buy the optic-ready pistol now and add the red dot later - aftermarket slide milling costs $150-300 and voids the factory warranty.
