Compiling a list of the best 9mm pistols is a difficult game to play. Pistols are kind of like pizzas. Everyone has their own personal tastes (in both firearms and oven-baked Italian dishes). Crowning one version as “the best” is probably going to ruffle a lot of feathers.

Thankfully, there are plenty of 9mm pistol options to choose from. This is by no means an exhaustive list. However, the options we’ve included tend to be solid performers that work for a wide range of shooters.

When considering a pistol, 380 pistols tend to be overlooked in favor of larger caliber pistols. Well, we want to change that! These pistols have great advantages due to their lightweight and compact nature, allowing for easy concealment and use as a personal defense weapon. What’s more is that they tend to have a highly affordable price point without sacrificing quality. Check out the 8 best 380 pistols available on the market.

Selecting a self-defense firearm requires you to find one that fits you, that you can shoot comfortably, and that you can hit the target with reliably. Newer shooters generally do well with a lower recoil round, such as the 9mm or .38 caliber. However, if you can handle it, the .45 ACP is hard to beat.