Limited Options
It was not long ago that options for a deep concealment 9mm handgun were limited. While there were lots of 9mm handguns, if you wanted something small enough for deep concealment, sacrifices would have to be made. Most double-stack sub-compacts are thick, compact handguns with a shortened grip and slide, making a truncated grip and capacity. On the flip side, the slim, single-stack handgun has a short, stubby grip with a less-than-ideal capacity.
This dichotomy can be seen in several handgun brands. The Glock 26 has a thick, short grip that only holds 10 rounds with a flush-fit mag, while the thin, slimline Glock 43 has an even smaller grip with only a six-round capacity.
Smith & Wesson’s staple M&P9 line includes the thick, double-stack M&P9 C, which holds 12 rounds and isn’t much smaller than the standard M&P size. The M&P9 Shield is a thin, single-stack handgun limited to a seven-round flush-fit capacity.
In both cases, these handguns sacrifice ergonomics, shootability, and most importantly, capacity. Deep concealment is important for many reasons, especially for folks who live in states with “print” laws (making it illegal to see the outline of your concealed carry firearm), but does it have to come at these costs?
The Solution
In 2018, SIG Sauer introduced the P365 platform, establishing a new category of concealable handguns: the micro-compact. This release was followed by Springfield with the Hellcat, FN with the Reflex, H&K with the CC9, and many more.
These new 9mm handguns are small and slim yet maintain enough grip area for control and a flush-fit capacity rivaling many compact handguns. To put it in perspective, it is like having a Glock 43 with the capacity of a Glock 26.
It didn’t take long for many companies to introduce updates to their existing designs. The Smith & Wesson M&P9 Shield became the Shield Plus, with a 13+1 capacity in a frame that was basically the same size. The Glock 43 became the Glock 43X, with a flush-fit Shield Arms S15 magazine that more than doubled the capacity of the Glock 43.
A Micro-Compact Explosion
Suddenly, we no longer had to choose between concealment or capacity. While most handgun lines start with a full-size design and work their way down to a sub-compact, the SIG P365 grew upward and outward. As the line got bigger, the capacity increased for each size. Sub-compact handguns became synonymous with 12-round to 15-round capacities, while the compact XMacro introduced a frame that is slimmer than most compacts, yet has a 17-round capacity.
With this new category of concealable 9mm handguns, it’s easy to see why the single stack has fallen out of favor.
Summary
Innovation will continue to drive in the world of firearms, and it’s always exciting to see new standards set. While the single-stack 9mm will always have some enthusiasts, there is no denying that models like the P365, Glock 43X, Smith & Wesson M&P9 Shield Plus, and Springfield Hellcat are crushing the sales of their smaller single-stack cohorts.
Regardless of what you like best, the most important part of concealed carry is training. Single or double stack doesn’t matter nearly as much as putting the time into mastering the craft. So dry-fire, practice those draws, hit the range, and be a well equipped, well regulated gun owner.
