Glock—19, 43x and Glock 48
The ubiquitous Glock 19 is among the most popular 9 mm pistols in the world, inspiring a host of Glock 19 clones to be introduced in the past decade. But there’s nothing like original. The Glock 19 has, unsurprisingly, consistently placed high in all our Ladies Pistol Projects, thus it will likely always make our list of great 9mm pistols for women.
There are other Glocks we love too, perhaps because they borrow features from the 19 while retaining an independent spirit. For a best-of-all-worlds pistol, take a look at Glock's Silver Slimline series, which includes the G43X and the G48. The G43X sports the same slide length and frame thickness as the original G43, with a lengthened grip frame to accept a 10-round single-stack magazine. The slide is treated with a matte silver nPVD for a two-tone finish, and a set of slide serrations have been added near the muzzle. The difference between the G43X and the G48 is the length, which has been extended in the 48 to that of a Glock 19—6.85”. Other features found on both pistols include a match-grade Glock Marksman Barrel, reversible magazine catch and three-sight configurations. Glock 19 MSRP: $599; Glock 43x and Glock 48 MSRP: starting at $580. us.glock.com
Heckler & Koch CC9
The HK CC9 marks the first official product made at the Heckler & Koch facility in Columbus, Ga., and is the smallest handgun HK has ever designed and manufactured. This 9mm double stack pistol has an optics-ready slide with a Shield RMSc/Holosun K footprint that fits the industry’s most popular “micro” red-dot sights. A pair of XS Sights tritium night sights are also included by default for standard shooting without any slide mounted optics. The pistol has a 3.3” barrel and a standard magazine capacity of either 10 or 12 rounds (depending on local state laws). MSRP: $699. hk-usa.com
Mossberg MC2sc
In 2019 America’s oldest family-owned gun maker, Mossberg, re-entered the semi-automatic pistol market after a century without a handgun in its lineup. While its introduction was a surprise, the instant success of—and attention to—the MC1sc subcompact striker-fired 9mm was not. The unique Safe Takedown System, superior ergonomics and choices of slide finishes and sight options gave us plenty to talk about. In 2020 came the debut of the Mossberg MC2c—an equally feature-rich compact 9 mm offered in five configurations, but with a 13-round capacity (15 with extended magazine) thanks to its slim-grip double-stack magazines. A 3.9” barrel and overall length of 7.1”, 1.10” slim width; 4.90” height and 21-oz. weight puts the pistol in excellent contention for a defensive pistol. MSRP: $490. mossberg.com.
Taurus GX2
Taurus has set out to prove that it's possible to build a better budget pistol with the new GX2 9 mm subcompact semi-automatic. The GX2 will be taking the place of the popular G2c for 2025. Weighing in at 19 oz. unloaded, this pistol sports an upgraded 3.38" Sharp Shooter barrel, a redesigned grip frame for improved purchase and comfort, an accessory rail, industry standard interchangeable sights and a 13+1 ammunition capacity. MSPR: $309.99 (translating into real-world prices closer to $260), which means it's among the most affordable offerings currently available. taurusUSA.com
Ruger RXM
For 2025, Ruger has collaborated with Magpul to create the Ruger RXM handgun, which makes use of a serialized chassis that Ruger calls its "Fire Control Insert." The modular, chassis-style design mean that different grip modules will be made available in the future. The design borrows many elements from the Glock Gen3, making certain components, such as the magazine release, slide-stop lever and sights, compatible with Glock-pattern parts. Best of all, the new pistol is optic-ready, featuring a milled slide capable of accepting red-dot optics with Trijicon RMR, Shield RMSc and Leupold DeltaPoint Pro footprints. The RXM is available in two models, each shipping with two Magpul GL9 magazines with either 15- or 10-round capacity. MSRP: $499. Ruger.com
Savage Stance XR
For 2025, Savage has brought the Stance into the double-stack micro pistol market with the new XR version. With a slightly wider grip, it can hold 10+1-rounds with a flush fit magazine or 13+1-rounds with an extended magazine. But Savage didn't stop there. This robust 9 mm semi-automatic is now optics-ready thanks to the company's Quick Release Optics (QRO) plate which allows for a micro red-dot to be easily removed or swapped out. Other features include a 3.2" stainless steel barrel, a vented slide, various frame colors and models that ship with a Crimson Trace CTS-1500 red-dot optic installed at the factory. MSRP: $469 to $659. savagearms.com
SIG P365 ROSE
Early in 2023, world champion shooter Lena Miculek collaborated with SIG Sauer to create the all-new ROSE brand, designed to help encourage and inspire women to take on the responsibility of their own personal safety through education, training and community. But ROSE by SIG Sauer is much more than a gun—although it is that, too. This complete firearms education program begins with a custom ROSE P365 kit that includes a special edition P365-XL COMP ROSE pistol chambered in 9mm or P365-380 ROSE; a custom ROSE Vaultek safe; and instant access to a complete step-by-step video training series with Lena Miculek that is supported by an online community. Rose was created to help, encourage, and inspire women to take on the responsibility of their own personal safety through education, training and community, sigsauer.com.
Smith & Wesson CSX-E Series
Since the introduction of the CSX, Smith & Wesson has been working to refine the design with upgrades and additional features. The latest result is the new CSX E-Series. These pistols are still aluminum framed micro nines but with some notable changes. Choose from a 19.7-oz. 3.1”-barrel model or 23.5-oz. version with a 3.6" barrel. They will ship with a 12-, 15- and 17-round magazine or state compliant 10-round magazines. The slides are optics-ready and utilize Smith & Wesson’s ClearSight cut which diverts gasses away from an optic's lens. Other features include a modular grip adapter, improved trigger, interchangeable backstraps, ambidextrous controls and white-dot sights. MSRP: $699. smith-wesson.com
Smith & Wesson Equalizer
In 2022 Smith & Wesson reminded law-abiding citizens—especially women—that the playing field is always level when it comes to their safety with “Equalizer” micro-9 pistol. This addition to S&W’s CCW lineup featuring EZ technology and low recoil—just like the wildly popular M&P EZ380 and M&P EZ9—have earned multiple accolades. In fact, the Equalizer ran away from the competition in Ladies Pistol Project 5, topping the list of the ladies’ favorite 9mm pistols. The gun features a single-action trigger, an easy-to-rack slide, and the frame includes a Picatinny-style rail for mounting lights or lasers. What’s more, a new optic cut pattern lets you mount your choice of sight, while a 3.675” barrel gives a longer sight radius for increased iron sight precision. The Equalizer also features a grip texture and pattern designed for more control when firing and more comfort when carrying. MSRP: $599. smith-wesson.com
Walther PDP F-Series
When it was introduced in 2023, Walther said its PDP F-Series “elevates the next evolution in world class ingenuity for pistols to meet the demands of female shooters like never seen before.” At the core of Walther’s accomplishment was a completely reengineered grip, with ergonomics designed for the exact biomechanics of women’s hands. The reengineering also arrived at a reduced trigger reach. Additionally, a new patented operating system results in a 20-percent reduction in slide-rack force, paired with all the performance duty features of the PDP. We loved this gun so much we gave it our NRA Women Golden Bullseye for Handgun of the Year in 2023. Check out our full review of the gun on page 20. MSRP: $799 waltherarms.com
