5 Best Hammer-Fired 9mm Pistols

Best Overall Hammer-Fired 9mm: Sig P226

Check the price at PSA

Check the price at Brownells

The Sig P226 is well-loved within the gun and shooting community, coming from a strong lineage of venerable handguns like the full size P220 (in 45 ACP), which we have a special affection for here.

Here are some of the reasons this is our top pick.

The P226 is the anti-corrosion coatings on its controls and internal mechanism. The P226 features excellent ergonomics so it’s easy to handle and really fun to shoot. In terms of ballistics and accuracy, this reliable pistol also delivers stellar performance.

Sig SA/DA pistols are truly classics used by military, law enforcement, and civilians for decades.

What Customers Say

Have a P320 legion that I loved, but like the trigger on this gun better. The P226 MK25 is now my favorite. Love to shoot this pistol.

Jim S.

My second P226. Like my first, a brilliant weapon that has never failed. I have put >300 rounds through this new one and it’s been flawless.

J.W

Best Compact Hammer-Fired 9mm: CZ USA 75

Check the price at PSA

Check the price at Brownells

A hammer-fired 9mm for your concealed carry? Not a problem! The CZ 75 is exactly that and more!

The CZ 75 features its slide in frame for better recoil mitigation. It also sports an all-steel build, cold hammer-forged barrel, a black polycoat finish, as well as ergonomic grips and controls. All these features are packed in an easily concealable, compact handgun.

What Customers Say

This is definitely a really nice firearm I know some of the other CZ pistols are costly, but for some reason I like the grip on this one better than some of the other ones that are out there. I would highly recommend this pistol not only is it very comfortable but it shoots well.

GB

Excellent feel with smooth operation. Sights are awesome as well.

Joe S.

Best Value Hammer-Fired 9mm: Smith & Wesson CSX

Check the price at PSA

Check the price at Brownells

The Smith & Wesson CSX is our second pick next to the CZ 75 if you’re looking for a low-profile carry pistol. 

The CSX is constructed on an aluminum alloy frame that sports interchangeable polymer backstraps. This feature allows you to customize your CCW to the most comfortable fit. You can also go for deep concealment using the extra 10-round mag. 

Aside from its crispness, the trigger is designed flat-faced for consistent finger placement. The textured serrations on top of the slide offers glare reduction and the ejection port is well-chamfered so you can expect snag-free drawing every time. All these excellent features for less than $600!

What Customers Say

Feels so comfortable in my hands (Medium size hands). the triggers not giving me any trouble with the reset that im noticing, holds more rounds then you would think by just looking at it, and its so compact, i really do love this little gun.

Sharif

Very nice micro pistol for concealed carry. When I took it to the range , I found the grip to be a little slippery even with the stippling. So I added a rubber Hogue grip and it added just the right tackiness I needed to have a good “hold” on the pistol , and it also improved my accuracy.

William M.

Beretta M9

The Beretta M9 isn’t just a popular personal and home defense handgun, but is also a trusted sidearm among military and law enforcement officers around the world; and that’s because of its reliability in combat and tactical situations.

As a full size gun, it’s best as a duty gun or home defense weapon.

Every part of the M9 is well-made and durable. From its reversible magazine release and ambidextrous safety-decocker, to its Bruniton finish with military-style markings that are sweat and corrosion-resistant. It also comes with a tool-free disassembly latch so you can easily take your pistol apart when it’s time to clean it.

What Customers Say

Best 9mm Service pistol ever, reliable, accurate, and loved it while I was active duty US Marine! Carried at the start of my Law Enforcement career till we with with another manufacturers pistol. Beretta M9 is the best.

Conrad N.

Excellent beginner handgun, its huge steel frame makes handling 9mm recoil easy. Great for home defense, duty, or a range toy, but concealing is difficult. Highly recommend.

The Human Ticket

Heckler and Koch USP

The H&K VP9 9mm features its famous cold hammer-forged polygonal bore that guarantees increased bullet velocity. This type of bore profile “effectively seals propellant gases behind the bullet” and is more wear-resistant than traditional bores.

This is a gun that feels great in the hand and shoots just as good as it feels! You just have to try it out even if you can’t stand to spend this much on a gun.

Heckler and Koch’s entry also features a frame constructed from polymer and reinforced with fiber and stainless steel inserts. This combo makes the H&K USP frame extra-durable. The USP comes with ambidextrous controls and a unique recoil-reduction system that’s been proven with H&K’s Mark 23 pistol.

This will probably be the best shooter out of the box you put your hands on. These are well-made pistols. Period. End stop.

What Customers Say

I have very long fingers with a good sized palm and it just feels like it belongs in my hands. The magazine release is mounted on the trigger guard as a lever which makes it so easy to use. This was also one of the only slides I was able to move without much difficulty. This is a quality piece that deserves the 5 star rating.

Dawn P.

Shot about 300 rounds of 47 grain American ammo as recommneded for the break-in. No failures. I see no one has mentioned the trigger, it’s a crisp 4 lb, with a short reset. It feels like the trigger on my Buckmark UDX. I found that I could shoot very tight groups at 15 yds. I feel totaly confident in relying on this gun for home defense.

Mizzougeo