The video opens with a clear definition of what counts as a compact pistol versus a micro-compact. The hosts agree that compact generally means around a 4-inch barrel and roughly 15-round capacity, while micro-compacts will be covered in a separate comparison. They explain the format: each compact carry gun will be shot, then scored from 1 to 10 on shootability, ergonomics, sights, trigger, and value, with MSRP and specs linked through Classic Firearms and Rumble. The first gun is the Glock 19M Gen 5, the FBI contract pistol. It features an MOS optic-cut slide with multiple plates, Merlo-style sights, and a nicely polished duty trigger. The panel emphasizes Glock’s reputation for reliability and simplicity, calling it a workhorse. However, all three shooters notice their groups drifting left, suggesting a possible factory sight alignment issue. Scores land at 7, 8, and 6, with comments that, while utterly dependable, this Glock feels somewhat underwhelming compared to newer, more refined compact designs.
Continuing the compact comparison, the panel moves from the Glock to Smith & Wesson offerings. The M&P9 2.0 Compact draws mixed reactions. Shooters like its aggressive stippling and solid recoil control, but criticize the short grip that leaves some fingers hanging and the hinge-style trigger that feels mushy. Scores hover around 6 to just over 7, with praise for its roughly $560 MSRP undercutting Glock’s typical $650 price. The Smith & Wesson SD9 is framed as a true budget option at about $349. Its ergonomics are acceptable for some hands, but the trigger is widely disliked, and recoil feels noticeably snappier than the M&P 2.0. Ratings fall between 4 and 6, reflecting that price is its main strength. The FN 509 Compact then impresses the group. They like how it fills the hand, manages recoil, and offers an acceptable trigger. However, relatively basic sights and a higher MSRP around $750 draw criticism. Even so, shooters describe it as a pleasure to shoot and score it in the mid-7s.
Attention shifts to SIG Sauer’s compact lineup, starting with the P320 M18, the Marine Corps’ compact counterpart to the M17. Reviewers highlight its good overall shootability, flat recoil impulse, and modular design. Ergonomics are described as a bit bulky but workable, and the curved trigger is crisp yet only “okay” compared to some competitors. The external safety is a sticking point for several shooters who prefer a cleaner frame. Sights are considered mediocre for the price, and the M18’s MSRP around $650 leads to scores around 7 out of 10. The discussion then moves to the SIG P365 Fuse, a new package that includes two 21-round magazines and one 17-round magazine, pushing its price into the $900 range. Shooters praise its longer sight radius, excellent trigger, and slim, comfortable grip module. It feels great in the hand and points naturally, earning mostly 8s. The only real knock is that, for its size, it remains somewhat snappy. Several reviewers note that if the recoil were softer, the Fuse would easily score higher.
The P365 Tac Ops is compared directly to the Fuse. It shares the same basic grip module concept and similarly good shooting manners, but shooters feel its recoil is slightly sharper and its value proposition weaker given a roughly $720 price tag. Scores land around 7 to 7.6, with comments that it looks sleek and has good sights, yet does not justify its cost as well as the Fuse. The Walther PDP F-Series follows, marketed toward women but quickly praised as a strong option for any shooter. The panel likes its slim grip, controllable and relatively flat recoil, and overall shootability. However, the slim, narrow sights are almost universally disliked, dragging down what could have been near-top scores. Even with that drawback, ratings hover around 7.8 to 8. The HK P30 SK, known as the original John Wick gun, surprises several reviewers. Despite being a short-barreled DA/SA pistol with a paddle-style mag release, it shoots very flat, has excellent grip contouring, and a better-than-expected trigger. Sights and the paddle release divide opinions, leading to scores ranging from 7 up to 9.
This section opens with a spirited disagreement over a previously reviewed compact pistol. One reviewer criticizes its finger grooves and an awkward grip bulge that make it uncomfortable, while another defends its trigger. The critic ultimately scores it a five, arguing that at roughly $750 it simply does not deliver enough comfort or performance. The video then cuts to a sponsor message from Sonoran Desert Institute, promoting online gunsmithing and firearms technology courses. The ad emphasizes that SDI ships tools and materials so students can get hands-on experience while studying remotely. After the break, the focus turns to the CZ P-10 C Nocturn, referred to as the CZ P9C. Reviewers note its HK-like grip swell and very low bore axis, which help it track flat under recoil. Ergonomics are widely praised, and an interesting comment emerges that its double-action feel is surprisingly better than its single-action break. With an approximate $550 price and CZ’s reputation for build quality, the Nocturn earns scores around 7.8 to 8, positioning it as a strong value in the compact category.
The Springfield Hellcat Pro segment begins with the note that it is one reviewer’s personal carry gun, complete with a custom stippling job, and that another panelist previously used it as an EDC. Despite that familiarity, the group is candid about its shortcomings. They describe the Hellcat Pro as noticeably snappy for its size, with a defensive trigger that is serviceable but unremarkable. The U-shaped sights are functional, and capacity is good, but recoil characteristics leave several shooters unimpressed, especially after having shot a compensated version earlier that felt dramatically softer. At an MSRP around $650, some feel the value is marginal. The conversation then shifts to the Beretta PX4 Storm compact with its rotating barrel system. Reviewers are pleasantly surprised by how much the rotating barrel mitigates recoil, making the gun shoot extremely flat. The trigger is compared favorably to the HK P30K, and the grip and weight are considered manageable for carry. Minor complaints focus on the sights and slightly small grip size, but overall scores are high, reflecting unexpected enthusiasm for this design.
Discussion continues around the rotating-barrel Beretta-style compact, emphasizing how the rotating system nearly eliminates felt recoil impulse. One reviewer gives it an 8 out of 10, praising the smooth trigger and the presence of a decocker. Sight preferences spark debate: one shooter prefers a high-visibility front sight with a blacked-out rear, while another favors traditional three-dot sights, illustrating how personal taste affects scoring. The focus then moves to the Canik TP9 SF Elite. It earns praise for a crisp, clean trigger, decent ergonomics, and fast tracking under recoil. Some note slight top-heaviness and a somewhat narrow sight picture, but overall recoil management is solid, especially considering its budget-friendly pricing. Scores land around 7 out of 10. Finally, the Archon Type B is introduced as a sub-$1,000 sleeper pistol. Its extremely low bore axis and fixed barrel design contribute to very flat shooting and quick follow-up shots. Reviewers like the metal trigger, positive magazine ejection, and deep dovetail that allows an exceptionally high grip. The stippling looks smooth but feels surprisingly grippy, though some still suggest improving the texture. Scores cluster around 8 to 8.2.
The segment opens with brief but strong praise for a fixed-barrel pistol’s tracking and overall feel, noting its very sticky Talon-style grip tape and solid sight setup, which help it earn a high score. Attention then shifts to the IWI Masada. Reviewers say it feels okay in the hand but could benefit from more aggressive front grip texture. The striker-fired trigger has noticeable overtravel and creep, and the sights are described as mediocre. However, given its roughly $420–$450 price point, the Masada is considered a respectable 6–7 out of 10 value option. The Lifree Armory Apollo 11 then steals the spotlight. Described as a sub-$1,000 “bargain staccato,” it impresses with very flat shooting characteristics, excellent in-hand weight, and a 19-length slide paired with a 17-size grip. The trigger is adjustable and can be polished, and the pistol’s tight tolerances contribute to its performance. Scores range from about 8 up to 9.6 out of 10. The panel notes that while it would be a near-perfect 10 for competition or home defense, its heavier weight makes it less ideal for everyday concealed carry.
The hosts continue praising the heavy Apollo 11-style pistol, reiterating that it feels like a “staccato on a budget” and is essentially a 10/10 gun in terms of performance, accuracy, and shootability. They acknowledge that its weight is the main drawback for daily concealed carry, but emphasize that the external safety is surprisingly good, crisp, and unobtrusive when carried. The focus then shifts to the Alpha Foxtrot S15, a compact, full-metal pistol with a DLC-coated slide and an MSRP in the roughly $1,400 range. Shooters like how it performs on the range, noting good recoil control and accuracy. However, the short grip and somewhat bulky external safety draw criticism, especially for comfort and concealment. They appreciate the suppressor-ready barrel, fully adjustable rear sights, and the use of Shield Arms magazines. A grip safety is present but does not interfere with shooting. Ultimately, the S15 earns scores in the 7–8 range, with ergonomics and price holding it back more than its on-target performance.
The final pistol examined is the Tisas PX9 Carry. Reviewers immediately notice its chunky slide and relatively high bore axis, which contribute to snappier felt recoil compared to many other compacts on the table. They criticize the basic sights and the style of the slide serrations, though they acknowledge that the raised sight picture is at least usable. The grip size feels decent, and one standout feature is the unusually crisp trigger, which several panelists call one of the best triggers on the entire table, especially remarkable for a gun priced around $350. They wish for a brighter front sight color and an extended magazine option, and one shooter notes that if the frame were slightly less wide, it would be nearly perfect for the cost, drawing comparisons to the Springfield XDM in shape and feel. As the video wraps up, the hosts invite viewers to share agreements, disagreements, and detailed reasoning in the comments, stressing that different shooters naturally have different preferences. They tease an upcoming micro-compact comparison, promote CFCContest.com for giveaways, and remind Rumble viewers that links to all featured guns are in the description.
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