The 9mm Luger cartridge, also known as the 9×19 NATO or 9mm Parabellum, has become the favorite chambering for self-defense pistols in all handgun sizes. But it’s probably most popular in the compact size, or in pistols that are best suited to everyday carry (EDC).

Gun Tests shooters have tested dozens of these pistols over the last few years, and we’ve often NOT liked some market favorites because we’re able to shoot several pistols side by side, which really shows the deficiencies and strengths of each firearm.

With that in mind, we’ve compiled our Top Ten 9mm Carry Pistols list. We haven’t tested every pistol on the market, of course, so we’ll be interested to see which one is your favorite 9mm in the comments below.

10.
WILSON COMBAT VICKERS EDITION GLOCK 9MM LUGER, 

This is a sterling performer, with a sterling price tag, which gave us pause and caused the downgrade. There was nothing wrong with the pistol whatsoever. Reliability is the foremost attribute of the Glock pistol. The trigger action and sights are the primary Wilson improvements. This is a pricey Glock, but it is nonetheless a Glock improved to the greatest degree possible. Overall Length, 7.4 in. Overall Height, 5.04 in. Weight Loaded, 30.75 oz. Slide Retraction Effort, 16.7 lbs. Barrel Length, 4.1 in.

9.
SPRINGFIELD ARMORY ECHELON EC9459B-U 9MM LUGER, 

Rob Leatham, longtime pro shooter for Springfield Armory, said that he would take the blame for the Echelon if things were wrong. We think we need to give him and their engineers credit instead. We found their new pistol to be loaded with good features and a couple of great surprises. Overall Length, 7.9 in. Overall Height w/o optic, 5.4 in. Overall Height w/optic, 6.0 in. Weight Loaded, 2.2 lbs. Slide Retraction Effort, 15.0 lbs. Barrel Length, 4.5 in.

8.
GLOCK 49 MOS PA495S203MOS 9MM LUGER, 

The Glock 49 is a good shooter and is reliable. In combat fire and recoil comfort, the Glock more than held its own. It will be a good addition to the Glock line and will be the best choice for many shooters. Overall Length, 7.32 in. Overall Height, 5.04 in. Weight Loaded, 27.75 oz. Slide Retraction Effort, 16.0 lbs. Barrel Length, 4.5 in.

7.
KELTEC P15 POLYMER P15BLK 9MM LUGER, 

The P15 is slim, trim, and compact. We are unaware of a similar pistol that is any smaller or thinner. The KelTec is reliable. The front strap doesn’t feel rough until you fire the pistol extensively, but then some raters did not agree at all, and felt that the pistol offered good purchase. Overall Length, 6.6 in. Overall Height, 4.8 in. Weight Loaded, 19.0 oz. Slide Retraction Effort, 9.6 lbs. Barrel Length, 4.0 in.

6.
WALTHER PDP COMPACT 5-INCH 2844222 9MM LUGER, 

The Walther’s accuracy is good, and the pistol’s grip texture and SuperTerrain cocking serrations are appreciated. Reliable. The biggest gun in this list, some will dispute this is a compact, but it’s in the name. We liked the Walther’s accuracy advantage off the bench. Overall Length, 8.0 in. Overall Height, 5.5 in. Weight Loaded, 34.0 oz. Slide Retraction Effort, 15.0 lbs. Barrel Length, 5.0 in.

5.
ISRAELI WEAPON INDUSTRIES MASADA SLIM M9SLIM13 9MM LUGER, 

This is a simple, but rugged and reliable, handgun. We did not like the disassembly, but there are worse designs. This is a lot of gun for the price. Overall Length, 5.9 in. Overall Height, 4.8 in. Weight Loaded, 25.3 oz. Slide Retraction Effort, 10.0 lbs. Barrel Length, 3.4 in.

4.
GLOCK MODEL 47 PA475S204MOS 9MM LUGER, 

While not earth shattering, the incremental improvements designed into the Glock 47 make an already very good platform even better. If you like your Glock 17 (or your 19 or 45 for that matter), do yourself a favor and take a good look at the new Model 47. Overall Length, 7.9 in. Overall Height w/o optic, 5.25 in. Overall Height w/optic, 6.0 in. Weight Loaded, 33.6 oz. Slide Retraction Effort, 16.2 lbs. Barrel Length, 4.5 in.

3.
SIG SAUER P320 LEGION 9MM LUGER, 

A nicely made pistol with good features and our choice of the two pistols tested for competition. Reliability was not a concern, and the pistol is more accurate than most 9mm pistols we have tested. Overall Length, 8.2 in. Overall Height, 5.5 in. Weight Loaded, 42.4 oz. Slide Retraction Effort, 17.9 lbs. Barrel Length, 3.9 in.

2.
WALTHER PDP F-SERIES 4-INCH 2842734 9MM LUGER, 

The Walther PDP F may be designed for the female hand shape, but our male raters liked the gun as well. Our female raters do not like larger grips and found the PDP F to be an excellent fit. It is also a great shooter, well worth the tariff. While it is less expensive than the Shadow Systems MR920, it is a better shooter. Overall Length, 7.25 in. Overall Height, 5.4 in. Weight Loaded, 31.0 oz. Slide Retraction Effort, 14.0 lbs. Barrel Length, 4.0 in.

1.
SHADOW SYSTEMS MR920 ELITE SS-1009 9MM LUGER, 

The MR920 Elite and its less-expensive sibling, the MR920 tested in the past, are good handguns we have looked at extensively. The new-out-of-the-box Elite features a threaded barrel, lightened slide, and an excellent trigger action. This is a formidable defensive handgun. Overall Length, 7.4 in. Overall Height, 5.04 in. Weight Loaded, 27.5 oz. Slide Retraction Effort, 15.8 lbs. Barrel Length, 4.1 in.