Top 5 Pistols That Aren't Chambered In 9mm

Intro and Non-9mm Pistol Criteria

The hosts introduce a top five list focused on pistols that are not chambered in 9mm. Each has created a separate ranking without seeing the other’s choices. They explain that some picks lean toward concealed carry while others are more suited for hiking or general range use, but all avoid the standard 9mm chambering. The goal is to highlight handguns in alternative calibers that offer different recoil characteristics, capacities, and roles, from compact defensive pistols to larger trail guns and rimfire trainers.

Number 5 Picks: FN 510 in 10mm and Taurus TX22

The first number five pick is the FN 510 in 10mm. It is described as a bit large and stout for daily concealed carry, with more recoil than preferred for routine use, but well suited for hiking and protection against wildlife such as bears. The pistol offers about 15+1 capacity in 10mm, making it a capable trail or emergency sidearm. The other number five is the Taurus TX22, a .22 LR pistol noted for being optics ready, threaded, and supplied with multiple magazines. It is praised as an inexpensive training option with very low ammunition cost and very quiet report when suppressed, while remaining a fun, high-capacity rimfire platform.

Number 4 Picks: Beretta 80X Cheetah and Glock 44

At number four, one host selects the Beretta 80X Cheetah in .380 ACP. The pistol’s all-metal construction and .380 chambering are credited with producing soft recoil and very flat shooting characteristics. It is presented as a strong concealed carry option that still allows a full grip for larger hands, and it comes optics ready with double-action/single-action operation. The other number four pick is the Glock 44 in .22 LR. This model is used frequently in instruction for new or hesitant shooters, especially those not yet comfortable with .380. It offers familiar Glock ergonomics and trigger feel, but with the minimal recoil of .22 LR, making it a straightforward starter pistol even though it lacks factory extended magazines, threaded barrel, or optics-ready features.

Number 3 Picks: Bodyguard 2.0 and 1911 in 10mm

For number three, one host chooses the Bodyguard 2.0 in .380 ACP. The pistol is highlighted for its very compact size and ease of concealment, with a capacity of about 12 rounds. Soft recoil makes it approachable, though larger hands can experience pinching under recoil due to the small grip. It is frequently recommended for women with smaller hands who want a discreet carry option. The other number three slot goes to a 1911-pattern pistol, specifically referencing the Springfield TRP Operator as the inspiration, with the example on the table being an Alpha Foxtrot model. The discussed configuration is chambered in 10mm rather than the traditional .45 ACP, trading some capacity for a powerful cartridge in a familiar 1911 platform with a durable finish.

Number 2 Picks: FN 510 Revisited and M&P40

At number two, the FN 510 in 10mm appears again, this time framed as a striker-fired alternative to larger .45 ACP pistols like the FNX-45. It is described as a strong option for backpacking and protection against animals such as bears and mountain lions, with generous capacity and a cartridge hotter than .45 ACP. The hosts also mention the related FN 545 for those who prefer .45 in a similar striker-fired format. The other number two pick is the M&P40. The .40 S&W chambering is described as bridging the gap between 9mm and .45 ACP, offering more energy than 9mm but less than 10mm. The M&P40 is noted for its long-standing use in law enforcement and for maintaining a dedicated fan base among shooters who appreciate the balance of recoil and performance.

Honorable Mentions: Tisas Raider and Beretta 30X Tomcat

Before revealing their top choices, the hosts present honorable mentions. One is the Tisas Raider, a 1911-style pistol in .45 ACP with single-action operation and an 8+1 capacity. It is appreciated for its classic 1911 feel and aesthetics, though limited capacity keeps it out of the main list. The other honorable mention is the Beretta 30X Tomcat in .32 ACP. The hosts describe shooting it extensively at Beretta range events and note that .32 ACP feels like a chunky but flat-shooting round. The Tomcat offers a tilting barrel that allows a round to be loaded directly into the chamber and is said to pair well with a suppressor, providing a soft, quiet shooting experience with respectable capacity for its size.

Number 1 Picks: HK USP Compact .45 and P365 Lux .380

The first number one pick is the HK USP Compact in .45 ACP, referenced alongside the larger Mark 23 on the table. The USP Compact has a 3.8-inch barrel and an 8+1 capacity, and is described as one of the softest-shooting .45 pistols available. It has a history of use with agencies such as U.S. Customs and Border Patrol. The hosts emphasize HK’s high level of craftsmanship and acknowledge the higher price point, noting that the pistol often ships in a distinctive fitted case. The other number one is the P365 Lux in .380 ACP. This model can be purchased with a factory-mounted Romeo X compact optic and is praised for extremely flat, smooth shooting in a very concealable everyday-carry format. It offers a 12+1 capacity, a flat trigger, and ergonomics that include a high beavertail and grip shape that many shooters find comfortable, though it is also positioned at a premium price level.