I don’t think I am revealing any kind of secret to say that inflation is hitting everyone hard. Unfortunately, so is out of control, rising violent crime across the country. For this reason, many are opting to arm themselves. But then there is inflation again. For many, it is a bit of a catch-22. So, we take a look at some solid-performing, budget-friendly compact 9mm handguns that come in under $500.

10 Compact 9mm Handguns That Take It Easy on Your Budget

There are a lot of handguns on the market, and quite a few that are easy on the budget. Unfortunately, we cannot cover them all in this space. Not to mention, picking the right firearm is a very subjective thing. So, if there is a pistol that you feel belongs on this list but don’t see it, please comment below with the model. We want to make sure that our readers get the most out of this list of compact 9mm handguns as possible.

Springfield XD-S Mod.2 OSP 4-Inch

Compact 9mm Handguns: The Springfield XD-S Mod.2 OSP 4-Inch.

Ideal for concealed carry, the XD-S Mod.2 OSP from Springfield Armory fits your budget and your EDC. Featuring a single-stack 7-round magazine (extended 9-round available), the Mod.2 OSP is a slim .9-inches wide. However, the 4-inch hammer-forged steel barrel provides plenty of sight radius for a compact pistol. The optics ready slide allows you to outfit the XD-S with the optic of your choice, with the money left over.

MSRP: $465.00

For more information, please visit Springfield-Armory.com.

Sig P365 Nitron Micro-Compact

The Sig P365 Nitron Micro-Compact.

Although the Sig P365 Nitron Micro-Compact has an MSRP slightly above the $500 mark, the street price falls just under it. Besides, the P365 deserves to be on this list and is very affordable for a Sig Sauer. Lightweight and easy to conceal, the P365 features a 10+1 capacity, with the option for 12- or 15-round expansion. Fitted with XRAY3 Day/Night sights, the P365 already feels like a higher price pistol.

MSRP: $519.99 ($499.99 street price)

For more information, please visit SigSauer.com.

Ruger EC9s

Compact 9mm Handguns: The Ruger EC9s.

Compact and lightweight, the EC9s from Ruger is slightly larger than the company’s popular LCP. The EC9s provides 7+1 capacity and a short, light, crisp trigger. The grip features the Hogue Beavertail HandALL grip sleeve for a solid purchase of the firearm. Similarly, an included finger grip extension floorplate can be added to the magazine for comfort and improved grip.

MSRP: $379.00

For more information, please visit Ruger.com.

Glock 43

The Glock 43.

No list would be complete without an offering from Glock, and fortunately, the company has just the thing under $500. The G43 is an ultra-concealable single-stack 6+1 capacity pistol with a 3.41-inch barrel. The built-in beavertail grip design allows for a high and tight grip, while the texture provides a solid purchase. Although it is small, it undergoes the same rigorous torture testing as all firearms in the Glock pistol family.

MSRP: $499.00

For more information, please visit US.Glock.com.

Mossberg MC2c

Compact 9mm Handguns: The Mossberg MC2c.

One more just outside of the $500 MSRP, the Mossberg MC2c can be found at a substantially lower street price. The compact pistol provides an impressive 13- or 15+1 capacity in a concealed carry size. The durable high-tensile strength glass-reinforced nylon polymer frame features aggressive grip texturing and palm swell for a confident, firm grip. In addition, the sights are dovetail mounted with a white 3-dot configuration, allowing you to swap them out for your favorite.

MSRP: $505.00 ($368.99 street price)

For more information, please visit Mossberg.com.

Taurus GX4XL T.O.R.O.

The Taurus GX4XL T.O.R.O.

Boasting a longer slide, the GX4XL T.O.R.O. from Taurus adds an inch compared to the GX4, increasing muzzle velocity and sight radius. Likewise, the GX4XL features an optics-ready slide, allowing for the addition of your favorite optic. The slide allows for direct mounting of Shield RMSc, Holosun HS507K X2, and Sightmark Mini Shot A-Spec M3 optics. Featuring 11- or 13-round magazine options, rounds are delivered on target via a flat-face target trigger.

MSRP: $469.00

For more information, please visit TaurusUSA.com.

Smith & Wesson M&P9 Shield Plus

Compact 9mm Handguns: The Smith & Wesson M&P9 Shield Plus.

With a small frame and 10+1 or 13+1 capacity, the M&P9 Shield Plus from Smith & Wesson is an excellent concealed carry option. Featuring an 18-degree grip angle, the Shield Plus provides a natural point of aim and better recoil management. Likewise, the flat trigger, with tactile and audible reset, ensures a consistent finger placement. As a result, you can rely on accurate, repeatable, and comfortable shooting.

MSRP: $499.00

For more information, please visit Smith-Wesson.com.

Kahr Arms CT9

The Kahr Arms CT9.

Part of its Value Series, Kahr Arms provides a slim .90-inch concealable model with the CT9. Featuring a 4-inch barrel, the CT9 has an overall length of 6.5-inches, providing a solid sight radius. Double action only, the CT9 features a textured polymer frame coupled with a matte stainless-steel slide. Riding atop the slide are drift adjustable white bar-dot combat rear sight and pinned in polymer front sight.

MSRP: $494.00

For more information, please visit ShopKahrFirearmsGroup.com.

Beretta APX A1 Carry

Compact 9mm Handguns: The Beretta APX A1 Carry.

Building on the APX family, the APX A1 Carry from Beretta provides additional modularity shooters will love. For example, it is built on a modular chassis that allows for the switching of the grip frame housing with one of three available colors. Likewise, the slide features an optic cut, allowing for the installation of your favorite red dot optic. Finally, the A1 Carry boasts an improved trigger pull with a shorter, lighter trigger than its predecessors.

MSRP: $449.00

For more information, please visit Beretta.com.

SCCY CPX-2 Gen3

The SCCY CPX-2 Gen3.

The least expensive pistol on the list, the SCCY CPX-2 Gen3 is perfect for even the tightest budget. The hammer-fired DAO has a focus on ergonomics, simplicity, and reliability. Featuring a 3.10-inch barrel length, the CPX-2 is a concealable 1.10-inch thick. Additionally, the polymer frame features a two-slot Picatinny rail for accessories, and the slide features an optic cut for your favorite red dot.

MSRP: $309.95

For more information, please visit SCCY.com.

When it comes to the best budget compact 9mm handguns, it’s important to remember that inexpensive does not equal cheap. It is entirely possible to save yourself some hard-earned cash and still come out with a solid-performing EDC pistol. And you might even have a little cash left over for ammunition and possibly an optic.

Source: www.personaldefenseworld.com