Intro
So, I will preface this article by saying these are my top 5 and there are some other pistols that might belong on this list, but I couldn’t see taking one of these 5 off to put a different one on. At least not at this time. That being said, I’m already going cheat and add a 6th by leading us off with an honorable mention! haha But before we start the list lets check out my criteria for carry, in no particular order: Reliability, Round Count, Concealability, Aftermarket Support, Time Tested, and Affordability.
Honorable Mention: Taurus G3
I’m actually not a fan of the TG3, I don’t really like it, but it isn’t bad. Aaaaand, if I only had $300 and I had to get a gun, I’d probably get this one. That being said, don’t get this one. haha Save up some money and get the real last place finisher on this list!
5th Place: Canik TP9 Elite
The Canik most of us know and kind of love really hasn’t been around very long. I remember when they launched the TP9, I thought they were pretty impressive and offered a great value. BUT!!! I wouldn’t recommend them until they had time to be tested. Welp fellas, they have had that time and they have done rather well. TP9’s have loads of aftermarket support, and you won’t find a better gun under $400.
4th Place: Sig 365
I’m putting the entire P365 line into this spot and I mean it as a compliment. ANY of the 365’s are good choices, just get the one the suits you and your needs best. Pictured above is the P365 XMacro. It holds 17 rounds. I still struggle with the idea that something so small can hold as many rounds as a full size Glock17. I put the 365’s in 4th because they’re just a bit small and a bit harder to shoot than the top three but they are absolutely great carry guns.
3rd Place: CZ P07
I think the CZ P07 is an improvement on the Glock19 in many ways. It shoots great, the trigger is great, it’s super reliable, and it’s hammer fired. This gun really checks all the boxes. So, if it checks all the boxes why is it in 3rd you might ask? Welp, I don’t know, I really think it’s a three way tie for first. Any gun in this top three could be the best it all depends on the users preference for feel. I really hesitate saying one is better than the other two. But that being said, lets check out #2!!! lmao
2nd Place: S&W M&P 2.0
People swear by the M&P 2.0, and many police and military around the world use this pistol. After all, M&P does stand for “Military & Police”. Personally, I’m just not a S&W guy. I will admit that the M&P 2.0 is a great gun and if you ever need one in a life or death moment you can certainly rely on it. It just doesn’t feel right to me. And you’re about to see why, as my bias is about the shine through!
1st Place: Glock 19
Like I said, my bias really shines through on this one! I even used a photo of a decked out Glock 19 MOS with suppressor height sights, RMR and Inforce rail light just hanging out, being cool, and doing its thing the woods all by itself!! But all jokes aside the Glock 19 claimed its spot as the king of carry a couple decades ago and that’s when I started carrying. There are a couple guns that are now considered on par with the Glock, but in order to be the king you have to beat the king and nobody has knocked the Glock 19 out of its #1 spot yet. The Glock 19 is often the #1 selling pistol in any given year and since its release I’m sure it has outsold every other pistol on the market, and for good reason. The #1 thing everyone will agree on is no other striker fired pistol is more reliable than a Glock. And GOBANG is the #1 thing a carry gun MUST do!
Conclusion
In summary, even factoring out my bias towards Glock, if you buy any pistol in this top 5 you made a good decision. If you bought that Taurus, keep it until you can save a few bucks and then trade up. If a guy at the gun store wants to sell you something other than what is on this list, ask him this, “Why are you trying to lead me astray?” And then find a different sales guy and buy a Glock 19!