The Best Micro-Compact Pistols (Top 5 Fight)

Intro and Micro-Compact Criteria

The hosts, Kai and Jason, kick off another Top 5 Fight focused on micro-compact pistols. They describe these as very small handguns meant for deep concealment and even potential pocket carry when used with a proper holster. One of them jokes that he actually has a micro-compact in his pocket and contrasts that mental image with a much larger Mark 23, playing up the size difference for humor. They emphasize that the discussion is about what they consider the best current micro-compact pistols, prioritizing size, concealability, and practical everyday carry features over full-size performance. The tone is playful and competitive, setting up a back-and-forth debate over which models deserve each ranking.

Number 5 Picks: FN Reflex and Ruger Max 9

For the fifth slot, one host chooses the FN Reflex. He notes that he doesn’t have it on the table but says he really likes it, calling out its internal hammer design and a very light, pleasant trigger for such a small pistol. He contrasts it with the FN 509 Compact, which he says has a noticeably heavier trigger, and clarifies that the Reflex trigger is lighter and more refined. He praises the overall size and feel, says it absolutely belongs on the list, and points to FN’s reputation for quality. He mentions that it’s available in FDE as well as black and that the price typically sits in the upper $400 range, which he considers reasonable for what you get. The other host counters with the Ruger LCP Max 9 (often just called the Max 9) as his number five. He highlights its very slim LCP-style frame and the fact that it holds 12 rounds, which he considers impressive for such a small pistol. He stresses that it offers good capacity while staying thin and easy to carry. Price-wise, he says it usually runs around $350 to just under $400, making it budget-friendly. He recalls owning an older Ruger LCP in .380 with a very heavy trigger and comments that, on a dedicated carry gun, a heavier trigger can actually be acceptable or even desirable for safety. They joke about dropping in a Timney-style trigger but immediately say not to do that on this kind of pistol. One host admits he hasn’t personally carried this specific Ruger model enough to give a long-term opinion, but he acknowledges that many people do carry Rugers and that they’re generally cost-effective and reliable, which is notable coming from him.

Number 4 Picks: Shield 9/Shield Plus and Springfield Hellcat

Moving to the fourth position, one host confidently picks the Smith & Wesson Shield 9. He says you can go with either the original Shield or the Shield Plus for this slot. He argues that, for practical carry, the Shield line fits into the micro-compact discussion, especially the original version, which is smaller than the compensated example he’s holding up on camera. He clarifies that the pistol he’s showing is mainly for illustration and that the standard Shield is the size he has in mind. He praises the Shield Plus for offering strong capacity right out of the box and notes that the factory stippling and ergonomics are solid. He mentions that a compensator isn’t necessary to enjoy the pistol; it’s just an option on some models. The other host responds with the Springfield Hellcat as his number four. He mentions that he has long experience carrying a Springfield XDS and really likes it, but he points out that the XDS is a different design and slightly larger, edging into a small subcompact role, especially once you add extended magazines. The Hellcat, by contrast, is smaller and lines up more closely with the micro-compact theme of the video. He says the main draw of the Hellcat for him is the optics-ready configuration and the mounted red dot. He even admits that he would prefer an XDS with a dot over a plain Hellcat, but since his Hellcat Pro fits his hand better and comes set up for optics, that’s what he tends to favor in actual carry use.

Number 3 Picks: S&W Bodyguard 2.0 and CZ P10M

For the third slot, one host brings out the Smith & Wesson Bodyguard 2.0 in .380 ACP. He describes it as extremely small, even among micro-compact pistols, but says the grip feels more substantial than many other guns in this size range. He explains that on some tiny pistols the slide and frame look reasonably sized while the grip is so short that it’s hard to hold onto, but the Bodyguard 2.0 manages a more balanced feel in the hand. His main complaint is that his high grip can cause the slide to brush or contact his hand during firing unless he slightly adjusts his hold. He notes that the pistol typically sells for around $350 and that, for the size and features, that’s a fair price. The opposing number three pick is the CZ P10M, a very slim 9mm pistol with a standard seven-round capacity. The host praises the familiar CZ ergonomics, saying it feels good in the hand and reflects the brand’s usual build quality. However, he repeatedly points out that capacity is the big drawback compared to other modern micro-compact 9mm pistols that often hold more rounds in a similar footprint. He mentions that extended magazines are available, but once you add them, the pistol starts to lose its ultra-small profile. On the positive side, he notes that the P10M can often be found around the $250 mark, which he considers an excellent value, but he and his co-host keep circling back to the idea that the limited capacity is a significant compromise in today’s market.

Sponsor Break: Sonoran Desert Institute

The video pauses for a sponsor segment featuring Sonoran Desert Institute (SDI). One host explains that he has built many firearms on his own and says SDI offers online coursework for people who want to take their at-home gunsmithing and firearm projects to a more formal, structured level. He lists topics such as armorer-style training, general gunsmithing, ballistics, woodworking and gun finishes, and sport shooting management. SDI ships tools, parts, and materials directly to students so they can complete hands-on projects while following the online lessons. The hosts present SDI as a path for those who want an education that can help in current firearm-related jobs or serve as a foundation for starting a new profession in the firearms world. They provide a phone number and direct viewers to the sdi.edu website for more information.

Number 2 Pick: Glock 43 and Magazine Upgrades

Returning from the sponsor segment, the hosts move to the number two position, which both of them give to the Glock 43. They describe it as a very small, lightweight 9mm pistol that fits squarely into the micro-compact discussion. In its stock form, it offers a 6+1 capacity. One host notes that with average-sized hands you can get a decent grip, but with his larger hands his pinky hangs off the bottom of the frame. Even so, he feels the trigger is perfectly adequate for its intended role and that the pistol’s minimal size and weight make it excellent for deep concealment and everyday carry. The other host also chooses the Glock 43 as his number two but insists that his setup is better because he runs aftermarket Shield Arms magazines. He talks about older and newer versions of these magazines, mentioning options that hold nine or ten rounds, which significantly increase total capacity compared to the stock 6+1 configuration. They both agree that, with these upgraded magazines, the Glock 43 remains a very strong micro-compact choice, combining Glock reliability with improved capacity while still staying easy to conceal.

Honorable Mentions: CZ P10M, Taurus GX4, Walther PPS, and LifeCard .22

Before revealing a number one pick, the hosts run through several honorable mentions. One of them brings up the CZ P10M again, reiterating that he genuinely likes the pistol and the CZ brand but can’t ignore the relatively low capacity when compared to other small 9mm pistols that hold more rounds. Its roughly $250 price keeps it attractive, yet the capacity issue keeps it off his main ranking. He also mentions the Taurus GX4 as an extremely affordable micro-compact that, from what he has seen and heard, has proven to be fairly dependable. The other host adds the Walther PPS to the honorable mentions list, acknowledging that it, too, has capacity limitations and that there is some uncertainty about whether it is still in current production. Finally, they mention the LifeCard in .22 as a very unusual ultra-small option. The LifeCard is described as a foldable, credit card–sized firearm in .22 caliber that offers only two shots but is remarkable for how flat and concealable it is, making it more of a niche or backup piece than a primary defensive pistol.