What Is The Ultimate Compact EDC Pistol?

Intro and Compact Carry Pistol Lineup

The hosts set up a comparison focused specifically on compact carry pistols, clarifying that micro-compacts will be covered in a separate video. They define compact as roughly a 4-inch barrel with around 15-round capacity, and lay out a table of well-known and lesser-known brands. Instead of listing every model up front, they plan to shoot each pistol, then reveal the model, discuss impressions, and rate it on a 1–10 scale. All prices referenced are MSRP, and detailed specs and model names are available via links in the video description on Rumble and Classic Firearms. The goal is to evaluate practical carry performance, not to promote any single brand, and to stay as impartial as possible while shooting each gun back-to-back.

Glock 19M Gen 5 Compact Evaluation

The first pistol evaluated is the Glock 19M Gen 5, described as a standard compact benchmark. One host notes it is a tried-and-true gun that runs reliably, with upgraded Merlo-style sights considered an improvement over basic factory options. Another explains that the 19M is the FBI contract gun, here in MOS configuration, with a nicely polished trigger and multiple optic plates for different red dots. It is characterized as a dependable workhorse and a duty-proven carry option. Scores range from 6 to 8 out of 10. While reliability and familiarity are praised, one shooter finds it underwhelming and comments that all three shooters saw rounds drifting left, suggesting the sights might be slightly off from the factory.

Smith & Wesson M&P 2.0 Compact and SD9

The Smith & Wesson M&P 2.0 Compact is next. One shooter rates it a 7, praising the recoil control and aggressive stippling but strongly disliking the hinged trigger. The grip length feels too short for larger hands and slightly affects reloads. At an MSRP around $560, it is viewed as a solid value compared to the roughly $650 Glock 19M. Another shooter gives it a 7.1, again criticizing the short grip and basic sights but acknowledging that it functions well as a carry pistol. A third shooter calls the grip “atrocious,” finds it too short, and rates it a 6, saying it performs adequately but without distinction. The Smith & Wesson SD9, with an MSRP around $349, is then evaluated as a budget option. The trigger is widely criticized as undesirable, with more felt recoil than the M&P 2.0. Scores range from 4 to 6. Despite the snappier recoil and basic white-dot sights, it is considered acceptable for the low price, offering basic performance for range or defensive use.

FN 509 Compact Range Impressions

The FN 509 compact variant is evaluated next. One host gives it a 7.6, noting that the pistol feels excellent in the hand and that FN’s reputation for reliability carries over here. The trigger pull is well-liked, and recoil management is described as very good, making it pleasant to shoot. Sights are considered somewhat basic but still an improvement over some of the earlier pistols in the lineup. Another shooter initially rated it an 8 but reduced the score to 7 after considering the MSRP of about $750, which is viewed as relatively high. Minimal-profile sights are not a favorite for one reviewer, who prefers more robust options, but overall shootability and ergonomics are praised. All three shooters converge around a 7 rating, agreeing that the FN 509 tracks well, feels good with the pinky extension, and delivers strong performance, with price being the main drawback.

SIG P320 M18 Military-Style Compact

The SIG Sauer P320 M18, the Marine Corps contract pistol and compact counterpart to the M17, is then discussed. One reviewer notes being surprisingly accurate with it and rates it a 7, citing a slightly bulky grip module for personal hand size and a general dislike of external safeties, though the safety did not interfere during shooting. The curved trigger is described as crisp but not exceptional, and the sights are considered adequate. Another shooter also scores it a 7, emphasizing that it feels good as a compact, shoots very well, and has become an iconic, repeatable platform. With an MSRP around $650, it is seen as comparable in price to the Glock 19M. A third reviewer, very familiar with the M18, rates it 7.6, praising its flat shooting characteristics and fast follow-up shots. That shooter would prefer upgraded sights and notes that the grip module can be changed, reducing concern about the bulkiness of the factory frame.

SIG P365 Tac Ops vs P365 Fuse

The comparison concludes with two SIG P365 variants: the P365 Tac Ops and the newer P365 Fuse. The Fuse is described as coming as a more complete package, including two 21-round magazines and a 17-round magazine, with an MSRP in the $900 range, while the Tac Ops is around the $700 range. One reviewer gives the Fuse an 8, highlighting the longer sight radius, excellent trigger, and how the slide length helps tame recoil. The included optic is noted as working very well with the platform, though optics are not the primary basis for scoring. The Tac Ops feels good and points naturally but is perceived as slightly snappier, likely due to the shorter slide, and receives a 7. Another reviewer also scores the Fuse an 8, calling it extremely comfortable, slim, and effective, but deducts a point for being too snappy for its size compared to other compacts and for the high price. The Tac Ops earns around a 7 to 7.6, with good concealability and sights, but the Fuse’s grip texture and stippling pattern are preferred, giving it the edge in overall feel.