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Beginning with the Sig P365 a few years ago a new size category began in the handgun world. These "micro compacts" are roughly the same size as the single-stack 9mms that had dominated the market before, but offered considerably more capactiy. In approximately the same size as a 6, 7, or 8-round gun, micro compacts offered 10, 11, or 12 rounds. In an era when bad guys travels in pairs and packs this capacity increase is invaluable, especially when we consider that statistics show it typically takes three hits to neutralize an attacker regardles of caliber. Six rounds doesn't afford much opportunity for a miss or multiple attackers.
It's not all sunshine and roses however. Micro compacts, although affording slightly better grip surface area, can still be a bit snappy, many remain under the 4" barrel length most ammunition is designed for, and the new "stack and a half" style magazines aren't the most fun to load. Handguns are a compromise to begin with, when wanting something small we're compounding compromise in the name of carry comfort and ease of concealment.
Below is the collection of micro compacts that have been reviewed on the channel along with my thoughts on them, current pricing (as of date written, click links for today's price), and links to their individual reviews.
This list is not complete and contains only those from companies that value you, and those purchased with Patron funding. 9 years and over 400 handguns reviewed with the same even-handed fashion has made GBGuns an authority on handguns. There are still companies who do not wish to be included in GBGuns reviews despite no fee to them; instead opting to work with paid media to create highlight/hype reels. I cannot recommend those companies as I can not speak to the real quality of their products.
Alphabetical by Manufacturer
Canik METE MC9: This pistols is effectively a METE update to the classic TP9 SC, in fact it can even accept standard Canik magazines, just be cautious not to over-insert them. All of the upgrades we saw Canik bring with the METE line, and all of the kit that we've come to expect from Canik. The METE MC9 has excellent range characteristics, and in a side-by-side comparison we found it to be preferable over the older SC in ergonomics. There have been some internet reports of magazine issues, but also reports that those have been resolved.
HS Produkt / Springield Armory Hellcat: This came out in response to the Sig P365 and offers one more round of capacity in approximately the same size. Croatia's HS Produkt also took the texture to another level with a micro-fissure type texturing and a slightly softer polymer that feels almost soft in the hand.Springfield Armory was wise to import this model for us in the US as it is a quality firearm. These are occassionally available at a slightly higher price in a bundle with extra magazines and goodies.
Kimber R7 Mako: Though officially unanswered, this is a rebranding of the brilliant Bubix Bro from Austria and includes the Bubits-Improved Browning Action which moves the locking surface further back on the barrel resulting is less tilt needed to cycle. For the shooter that means a smoother recoil impulse. This action type also requires a closed-top slide which offers the benefit of less soot and debris hiting your optic if you use one.
Ergonomics are excellent, and the extended magazines alow for a comfortable whole-hand grip. Complete abmidextrous controls are another stand-out feature. These are also occassionally available at a slightly higher price in a bundle with extra magazines and goodies.
Mossberg MC2SC: This is sort of an underdog in that I don't feel Mossberg's micro compact ever got the attention it deserves. Perhaps it's doubt that "a shotgun company" could just plop out a pistol, but they did. I don't know if it's fully Mossberg's or not, but I don't really care because it's such a great gun; one of my favorites of the category. Yes, the "SC" likely stands for "subcompact" but size-wise the Mossberg is a micro compact.
Sig P365: The original. This is the pistol that started the size category. The Sig P365 enjoys modularity as we've explored in this article, which means you can easily change the size and configuration of your P365 without buying another "firearm". At the time this was written a P365 can be as small as 3" barrel and 10-round capacity, or as large of a 4.3" barrel and 17-round capactity. The trigger is a little different, and some fear not having a safety dingus on it. That is a debate for another time, but there are now aftermarket triggers offering that as an option.
Smith & Wesson Shield Plus: The Original S&W M&P Shield dominated the single-stack 9mm market with over one million units in circulation. The addition of the Shield Plus brought the increased capacity people sought while maintaining such similarity to the original that new holsters weren't needed.
I've caught flack for criticizing the unpredictable trigger I've encountered on almost every Shield model I've handled. Others don't find it to be this way, and I think that comes down to how you press a trigger. If you simply press straight through to the break (as one likely would in a high-stress shoot) you'll likely never notice it. As someone who has spent more than 60 full days in higher-level training and reviewed hundreds of pistols it's simply something I am sensitve to.
Smith & Wesson CSX: This pistols excited me when it was released. Metal framed, hammer fired, there was a lot of potential however the execution left me a bit disappointed. The early sample I purchased had faulty magazines, poor fitment of the grip pannels, and a terrible trigger that not only was a waste of a hammer, but worse than the striker-fired options listed here and all for more money.
Taurus GX4: The Taurus GX4 brought ease to our wallets with an offering of similar specs, but lower cost than the competition. It also shoots nicely too. Our sample had a bad barrel, but was quickly taken care of through Taurus' improved customer service, and we later replaced that anyways with a smart design from Lakeline, LLC.
Walther PDS: Finally Walther took the well-loved PPS M2 and updated it with the capacity we now want. I'm joking unfortunately. So far Walther has yet to produce a micro compact. Your options currently are the PPS M2 single stack or a short-barreled PDP.
Is It Worth It? Micro compacts currently offer us the most bang for the size. For those needing something smaller I think they're a great option. There are some drawbacks as mentioned earlier. Whether or not those compromises are acceptable to completely up to you.
Fortunately the new micro compact way of structuring magazines is leading to new innovations in handguns of higher capacity for their size. Guns like the P365 Fuse offer us full performance with a higher capacity in a slimmer handgun that perviously available. That slimness is the last major fator I'll mention as it may appeal to some, but not be liked by others depending on hand size and carry needs.
Handguns are much like cars. We all need one and yet if you look in a parking lot you'll see a wide variety of choices made. Cost, features, branding, and specific needs are why there are so many options. Just because a model works great for your friend doesn't mean it's the best choice for you.
You call this a guide? Now that the micro compacts are spelled out and you can see the price here's my personal opinion on them. Aside from the Taurus GX4 (fixed) and Smith & Wesson CSX I have seen no mechanical faults with any of them. They're all about the same size, the real differences come from the shooting experience. Below is a concentrated summary of my personal thoughts on each of these proven guns.
Canik MC9: An excellent pistol, good trigger without being a liability, great ergonomics, nice perk to be able to use other Canik magazines in a pinch.
HS Produkt / Springfield Armory Hellcat: Nice feeling polymer, but the "Pro" of larger size is a much nicer shooter.
Kimber R7 Mako: Another favorite, the Bubits aciton type does make shooting smoother, if you can find one of the bundle deals go for it, but holster selection might be limited.
Mossberg MC2SC: An excellent pistol, great trigger and ergonomics, holster selection may be a challenge.
Sig P365: a snappy little bugger, but the support both from Sig and the aftermarket is undeniable, plus you can reconfigure it to other sizes if you decided micro compact is too small.
Smith & Wesson Shield Plus: A natural and easy transition for those who already have a Shield and holster they like. Personally I am not a fan of the relatively crude shooring experience.
Smith & Wesson CSX: I wanted so badly to like this gun, but was irritated at QC/QA for what at launch was the most expensive of the bunch. That may have been worked out but I have yet to see or experience that first hand.
Taurus GX4: This is not the Taurus of yesteryear. Our early sample had a barrel problem which was immediately resolved under warranty. The pistol does everything it's supposed to for less money than theh competition.
Such a great review, direct and forthcoming. Excellent job on this.
For all the issues I have seen, The MC9 Canik had quite a few issues with the recoil spring folding over on itself , way more than any mag issues. I have one, and a GX4 and they both have behaved fine. So far.
I hadn't learned that about the Mako before. Interesting, thank you.