What Is The Ultimate Micro Compact EDC Pistol?

Micro Compact EDC Concept and Test Setup

The hosts open the video by explaining that they have gathered a lineup of popular micro compact pistols to shoot and rate on a 1–10 scale. Their goal is to do the comparison work so viewers can see how each handgun performs without having to test them all personally. They emphasize that all prices mentioned are based on MSRP and that real-world pricing will vary online. Viewers are directed to the Rumble upload of the video, where the description section includes links to each handgun shown. The hosts stress that everything discussed reflects only their personal opinions and experiences, and they invite viewers to leave comments with their own thoughts or to suggest additional models that were not included. The overall aim is to evaluate how these small 9mm carry pistols handle, how shootable they are, and how practical they feel for everyday concealed carry, rather than declaring a single universal winner.

Defining Size Classes: Compact, Subcompact, and Micro

Before heading into the shooting portion, they clarify what they mean by different size classes. One host holds up a Glock 19 and describes it as a typical compact handgun, essentially the baseline for a mid‑sized pistol. To illustrate the smaller end of the spectrum, he then picks up a Springfield Hellcat and shows the clear difference in overall footprint and grip length compared to the Glock 19, using it as an example of a micro compact. They point out that different makers use terms like compact, subcompact, and micro in slightly different ways, so there is some overlap and gray area. Some pistols fall between what many shooters would call subcompact and micro, but for the purposes of this comparison they are still being treated as part of the micro group. The key factors they care about are how much grip you can get on the pistol and how small the overall package is while still being comfortable and easy to conceal for daily carry.

Glock 26, 43X, and 43 Ratings

After shooting the lineup, they begin their scoring with three Glock models. The Glock 26 is described as a proven, reliable pistol, but one host feels it is too thick and blocky to truly fit the micro role. He rates it a 6 out of 10, explaining that he struggles to get the kind of grip he wants and that, at around a $600 MSRP with basic sights, it feels dated compared to newer designs. Moving to the Glock 43X, both hosts appreciate the slimmer profile and longer grip that allows a full firing grip, making it easier to carry even in lighter clothing like basketball shorts. They like that it can accept a red dot and a weapon light, and one host notes that pairing it with a Shield Arms 15‑round magazine largely solves capacity concerns. One host scores the 43X around 7.3, while the other gives it an 8. The standard Glock 43 is praised for being extremely slim and easy to conceal, but its original six‑round magazine is seen as a limitation. Even with aftermarket Shield Arms magazines that increase capacity, the very small grip makes it harder to control and noticeably snappier. As a result, they land on scores in the 6 to 6.5 range out of 10.

Smith & Wesson M&P9 Shield Plus Evaluation

They then move on to the Smith & Wesson M&P9 Shield Plus. The specific pistol they are testing has a 10‑round magazine and standard three‑dot sights, which one host finds plain and not especially exciting. The gun is described as slim but a bit snappy, and they point out that there is some unused space under the grip where a bit more length would help with control. This particular configuration includes a manual safety, which one of the hosts personally dislikes but acknowledges is part of how this model is set up. Despite these nitpicks, they agree that the Shield Plus does everything it needs to do and would serve adequately in a defensive role. One host rates it about 6.5 out of 10, while the other gives it a 7, noting that the trigger is surprisingly good for a pistol in this size range from Smith & Wesson. They mention that this sample lacks an optic cut, which they see as a downside, though other versions of the Shield Plus do come cut for red dots. With an MSRP around $550, they comment that it would be more attractive if street pricing were in the high‑$400 range.

SIG P365 XL Review and Scores

Next, they focus on the SIG Sauer P365 XL. The example shown in the video uses an aftermarket grip module, which they use to highlight how modular the P365 line is. With an MSRP around $650, they feel the XL strikes a strong balance between being easy to conceal and comfortable to shoot. The grip is long enough to avoid the bulk and thickness associated with something like a Glock 26, yet still short enough to minimize printing under clothing. Recoil is described as very manageable, and the trigger is praised as crisp and enjoyable. The slide is cut for a red dot, and the standard magazine holds 12+1 rounds, with extended magazines available for those who want more capacity. One host scores the P365 XL an 8 out of 10, and the other goes to 8.5, citing its slim profile, modular design, and optics‑ready slide as major advantages for a micro‑sized everyday carry pistol.

Standard SIG P365 Size Tradeoffs

They then evaluate the original SIG P365. Compared to the XL, the standard version feels too small in their hands, which leads to a noticeably snappier shooting experience and a less secure grip. While they acknowledge that it remains extremely easy to conceal and that optic‑ready versions exist, they describe the trigger as merely adequate rather than impressive. One host notes that it could be an excellent choice for shooters with smaller hands, mentioning a coworker as an example of someone who might find it close to ideal and rate it much higher. For the hosts themselves, however, the limited grip area and 10+1 capacity make it less appealing than the XL. One host gives it about a 7.5, while the other drops it to a 6, preferring the XL’s ergonomics and trigger feel. They also mention that extended magazines are available, but clarify that their scores are based on the way the pistol is configured in the video.

Reload and Grip Considerations for Small Pistols

The discussion shifts to practical handling issues that come with very small pistols. One host explains that being able to get a full purchase on the grip is a non‑negotiable requirement for anything he carries. He uses the Glock 43X as a positive example, noting that with a full grip, the support hand stays clear of the magazine well, allowing the empty magazine to drop free and the fresh magazine to seat cleanly without pinching the hand. On very small frames like the standard P365, the shooter’s hand can block the magazine during reloads, forcing them to strip it out manually and slowing the process. Inserting a new magazine can also pinch the palm or keep the magazine from fully locking in. Because of these issues, they tend to favor slightly larger micro‑sized pistols that still conceal well but provide enough grip length for reliable, efficient reloads under stress.

Transition to HK VP9 SK and Closing Thoughts

As they wrap up their thoughts on the SIG models, the hosts reiterate that all of their ratings are subjective and based on whether each pistol is something they would personally be comfortable carrying. One host notes again that even the standard P365 feels small to him, despite not considering his hands particularly large. The video then transitions to the next pistol in the lineup, the HK VP9 SK. They briefly comment on liking the HK’s overall look and finish before moving into a more detailed evaluation of that model, which continues beyond the portion of the transcript provided here.