The 8 Best Single Stack 9mm Handguns For Concealed Carry

Single stacks for concealed carry are quickly becoming more of a norm, and they aren’t going away. Whether you love them or hate them, they hold a rightful place for us who carry concealed.

The list in the video above comes to us from TheFireArmGuy via his YouTube channel. What do you think of his list?

The 8 Best Single Stack 9mm Handguns for Concealed Carry

S&W M&P Shield

Smith and Wesson took all the positive features from their full size M&P line and packed them into a small and lightweight pistol they call the Shield. When the M&P Shield was released people couldn’t get them fast enough due to it’s slimness, weight and ease of carry. The Shield is a polymer framed striker fired pistol that offers a seven and eight round staggered stack magazine for sufficient firepower in a subcompact pistol design. Consistent with the M&P line, the Shield also sports a hinged trigger that is light and quick for follow up shots. Many people consider the M&P Shield an excellent CCW choice.

Overall Length: 6.1”
Barrel Length: 3.1
Capacity: 7 and 8 rd magazines
Weight: 23.4 ozs (loaded with 7 rds)
MSRP: $449

Walther PPS

The PPS stands for “Police Pistol Slim” and this gun is an excellent carry gun in a slim and quality made package. The PPS featured is the original PPS however since this review Walther has offered the PPS M2 which shares the excellent cross directional texturing on the grip for amazing ergonomics. The original Walther PPS is feature loaded with interchangeable backstraps, a striker fire indicator, an accessory rail, magazine release on the trigger guard, short trigger travel with a trigger bar and the option of a six, seven or eight round magazine. It’s small and reliable design allows people to carry the PPS with confidence.

Overall Length: 6.3”
Barrel Length: 3.2”
Capacity: 6/7/8 rd magazines available
Weight: 24.5 ozs (loaded with 7 rds)
MSRP: $449

Ruger LC9s

When Ruger released the hammer fired LC9 people loved the size and weight for CCW however the long trigger pull was a gripe many shooters had. Ruger corrected that with the LC9s which is a striker fired model that shares the same specs of the original LC9 except the trigger was made much shorter and lighter. Ruger then made the LC9s PRO which eliminated the thumb safety and the magazine disconnect that excited many Ruger fans who carry this gun. Weighing in at just 20.1 ounces fully loaded, the LC9s met the high expectations of their “LC” line which provides an excellent CCW choice.

Overall Length: 6”
Barrel Length: 3.12”
Capacity: 7 rds
Weight: 20.1 ozs (loaded with 7 rds)
MSRP: $479

Kahr CM9

The Kahr CM9 is an incredibly small pistol that delivers excellent reliability, accuracy and craftsmanship. The CM9 was this reviewer’s carry choice for over five years due to it’s ease of carry and confidence in Kahr Arms. I now carry the Kahr CW9 which shares the same quality in a slightly larger pistol. Back to the CM9, it’s the smallest and lightest handgun on this list but amazingly it offers the least amount of muzzle rise which allows the shooter to stay on target for quick followup shots. Kahr uses a full, but very smooth, double action trigger pull that measures 6.5 pounds. The CM9 weighs only 19.25 ounces fully loaded with six rounds offering the carrier many choices on the body to comfortably conceal. I’ve seen the CM9 selling in the mid $300s which is an amazing deal for such a quality handgun.

Overall Length: 5.42”
Barrel Length: 3.0”
Capacity: 6 rds
Weight: 19.25 ozs (loaded with 6 rds)
MSRP: $460

Glock 43

For years people wanted Glock to make a single stack 9mm handgun. When Glock introduced the G43 thousands of Glock fans ran to the store to get their hands on the new model. Glock hit a homerun with this small and light pistol that shares the Glock reliability and confidence. Engineered to the same standards, the G43 can withstand the same durability and torture as other Glock pistols. The Glock 43 sports the same “safe action trigger,” Glock sights, field strip and dimensions of the Glock 26 with the exception of the much slimmer frame width and a six round magazine capacity. Weighing in at 20.4 ounces loaded, the Glock 43 is an excellent CCW pistol.

Overall Length: 6.26”
Barrel Length: 3.39”
Capacity: 6 rds
Weight: 20.4 ozs (loaded with 6 rds)
MSRP: $469

Taurus PT 709

For those looking for a budget single stack 9mm pistol the Taurus PT 709 would make a nice choice. The PT 709 sells for the mid $200s and it is feature packed with many qualities concealed carriers are looking for. First off, it’s a double action, single action pistol with an amazing short reset in single action. Other features include a thumb safety, loaded chamber indicator bar on top of the slide, trigger bar safety and three dot sights in a snag free package. The PT 709 has very nice ergonomics and the overall feel of the pistol is very comfortable. Weighing in at just 21.75 ounces loaded with seven rounds, the Taurus PT 709 packs a lot of quality for not a lot of money.

Overall Length: 6”
Barrel Length: 3”
Capacity: 7 rds
Weight: 21.75 ozs (loaded with 7 rds)
MSRP: $301.56

Springfield XDs

When Springfield came out with the XDs 45, the concealed carry world went nuts over it’s slim and lightweight design. Springfield fans eagerly awaited the release of the XDs 9 and once released, they loved everything about it. It’s small, compact, tough and all XD. Springfield was able to duplicate the features of their larger models to the XDs which gives XD fans a consistent platform. The XDs features include heavy texturing on the grip, a grip safety, a trigger bar safety, loaded chamber indicator bar on top of the slide, fiber optic front sight and an accessory rail to mount a light or laser. Weighing in at 25.5 ounces loaded, the Springfield XDs is an excellent choice to carry.

Overall Length: 6.3”
Barrel Length: 3.3”
Capacity: 7 and 8 rd magazines
Weight: 25.5 ozs (loaded with 7 rds)
MSRP: $479

Sig Sauer P290RS

The Sig P290RS is a stout but very short pistol that packs a punch. It is stout because of it’s thick and somewhat fat grip but has grip panels that can be changed to suit the user’s liking. The pistol is very short with an overall length of 5.5 inches allowing it to be carried as a backup or primary. The double action trigger pull is 9 pounds and has a full reset for follow up shots. Most notably however, the Sig Sauer P290RS has the quality and craftsmanship that’s all Sig Sauer. It’s built tough and made to function. I found it to be accurate and simple to operate. It is a hammer fired gun that has restrike (RS) capabilities which helps with hard primers. Overall, the P290RS is a quality single stack 9mm that won’t break the budget while maintaining the quality of Sig Sauer.

Overall Length: 5.5”
Barrel Length: 2.9”
Capacity: 6 and 8 rd magazines
Weight: 23.5 ozs (loaded with 6 rds)
MSRP: $492 with Siglite Night Sights