Glock 19
The Glock 19 is probably the best-selling pistol of the decade thanks to its compact size, 9mm capacity, and reputation for running in every condition. It’s the go-to for concealed carry and law enforcement alike because you get features that matter without compromises.
More than just popularity, its dependable design, easy maintenance, and ecosystem—from holsters to aftermarket parts—ensure it stays the preferred choice for professionals and civilians alike. Its track record speaks for itself.
SIG Sauer P365
The P365 carved a new space in the micro-compact market when it launched, offering high-capacity shooting in a package small enough to disappear on your side. Its popularity makes sense—reliable function, great ergonomics, and the kind of capacity people only expected in larger guns.
It topped charts because it served a real need for concealed carriers. People bought it, carried it, and recommended it—and the demand never died down.
Smith & Wesson M&P Shield
The Shield was among the earliest thin, compact striker-fired 9mm pistols, appealing strongly to concealed carriers who wanted simplicity and reliability. That design hit a sweet spot, and it kept pulling buyers who preferred a familiar trigger feel and brand they trust.
While newer micro-compact models arrived, the Shield hung around because of its simplicity, reliability, and price point—it became a mainstay in everyday carry circles.
Glock 43
For those who wanted Glock performance in a pocket-sized package, the Glock 43 delivered. It offered that familiar reliability and service-grade build in a slim profile that disappears under a T-shirt.
It continued selling in healthy volume since it gave people the curveball they wanted—versatility in form factor without compromising shooting characteristics. That kept its popularity growing steadily year after year.
Springfield Armory XD-S
Springfield’s XD-S offered another compact alternative for serious carriers, combining a sleek profile with solid reliability. Chambered mostly in 9mm, it responded to the same call for something carry-friendly that didn’t feel compromised.
Its popularity grew because of its approachable trigger and the company’s reputation—it gave buyers a strong alternative in the compact carry game, and kept selling because people liked what they handled.
SIG Sauer P320 / M17
The P320’s modular design and its adoption by the U.S. military as the M17 gave it a powerful position in the market. Buyers picked it for its ease of customization and trusted it because service members carried it every day.
That combination of adaptability and proven military use turned basic interest into sustained demand—many civilian users followed where the armed forces led.
Smith & Wesson M&P 2.0 Compact
Smith & Wesson kept the M&P line strong with its 2.0 upgrades—improved texture, trigger, and internal components. The compact version became a go-to for carry and range use, with the improvements offering tangible upgrades without leaving the platform.
That boosted its appeal and kept it a consistent seller because shooters tuned into meaningful upgrades that actually mattered to everyday performance.
Ruger Security-9
Ruger aimed straight at affordability with the Security-9, giving consumers a reliable striker-fired 9mm for a lower price than most competitors. It held up well on the range, made sense to budget-minded shooters, and kept selling because it was easy to recommend for someone starting out or needing a cheap backup.
Reliable without price guilt—that’s what kept it moving steadily through the decade.
Remington RM380
When pocket-sized carry became more popular, Remington’s RM380 offered a budget-friendly, hammer-fired option. It wasn’t trendy, but it gave people an inexpensive way into deep concealment with manageable recoil and familiar controls.
Because of that, it held its own among small carry autos. Simple, affordable, and reliable—it found its buyers and stayed popular long term.
Taurus G3
Finally, the Taurus G3 gave users a full-size 9mm for a very friendly price. With a good trigger and solid capacity, it offered serious users a no-frills option that just works.
Its popularity in budget-conscious circles grew because it let people carry more gun for less cash—and that equation keeps solving the same problem every year.
*This article was developed with AI-powered tools and has been carefully reviewed by our editors.
