Promising less felt recoil and faster follow-up shots, compensated pistols are booming in popularity these days for a good reason. 

These flat-shooting guns use a compensator device or a cut at the muzzle to redirect high-pressure gas as the bullet exits the barrel. This counters muzzle rise and recoil, which can lead to quicker and better accuracy.

We’ve compiled a list of the best compensated pistols to help narrow down the one that’s right for you.

Best Compensated Pistols

SIG P365 AXG Legion
CZ P-10C Ported
Smith & Wesson Bodyguard 2.0 Carry Comp
Springfield Armory Echelon 4.0C Comp
Walther PDP Pro-X
Shadow Systems CR920 P & XP
Smith & Wesson M&P9 M2.0 Competitor

SIG P365 AXG Legion

It may be difficult to keep up with all the SIG P365 variants, but the compact AXG Legion is worth a closer look. The Legion family of pistols features upgrades like alloy grips, G10 Chevron grip panels, extended magwells, and X-RAY night sights. 

This AXG Legion is a compensated pistol featuring SIG’s two-port integrated expansion chamber to help reduce recoil. Coupled with the weight of the alloy frame and stainless-steel FCU, the AXG Legion is controllable and flat-shooting, with minimal felt recoil.
 

CZ P-10 C Ported 

The P-10 C Ported is the newest addition to CZ’s familiar P-10 lineup of pistols. It’s backward-compatible with P-10 C magazines and accessories, and the ergonomics have been upgraded. The sights are a carryover from the Nocturne P-09, and it’s optics-ready with a plate system.

The P-10 Ported features an integrated compensator and a cold-hammer-forged barrel that’s 10 percent heavier than previous iterations. The single large port near the muzzle works to combat muzzle rise. The added weight and cleverly located port make this P-10 variant more controllable and flatter shooting. 
 

Smith & Wesson Bodyguard 2.0 Carry Comp

The popular Smith & Wesson Bodyguard 2.0 got an upgrade in 2025 with the release of the Performance Center Carry Comp version. Notable upgrades and features include Ameriglo Protector LumiGreen front night sights; an Armornite finish that’s resistant to scratches, wear, and oxidation; an optional manual thumb safety; and aggressive front and rear serrations. 

Chambered in .380 ACP, the Carry Comp features a ported 3.1-inch stainless-steel barrel. With venting ports on the top and both sides, it uses S&W’s PowerPort technology to divert expanding gases upward. Shooters will experience more control, a significant reduction in muzzle climb, and less recoil, especially when shooting defensive rounds.
 

Springfield Armory Echelon Comp

Since 2023, the Springfield Echelon has been a popular choice due to its feature-rich design, and the lineup has continued to expand. Echelons use a central operating group, which makes swapping grip modules a breeze. This model also features an inclusive optic cut to fit more than 30 different optic patterns. 

The Echelon 4.0C Comp has an integrated compensator design featuring a 4-inch top-ported barrel and slide. The comp redirects the gas upward, which works to drive the muzzle back down. The result is less recoil and a flatter shooting handgun. 
 

Walther PDP Pro-X

Walther’s beloved PDP lineup added a compensated variant with the PDP Pro-X this year. Notable upgrades include an aluminum Dynamic Performance Trigger, which is flat and adjustable, as well as an aluminum XL flared magwell and baseplate.

Parker Mountain Machine, a company known for aftermarket compensators, created the exclusive comp found on the Pro-X. With an aluminum build, it’s threaded on the barrel and attaches like an AR muzzle brake for reliability. A unique arched interface interlocks the compensator, providing an anti-rotation feature. 
 

Shadow Systems CR920P & XP

Known for souped-up Glock clones, Shadow Systems added two compensated pistols to its lineup in 2024. The CR920P and CR920XP share all the specs SS is known for, including match-grade fluted barrels, deep-cut front and rear slide serrations, nice grip texture, and overall good looks. 

The P and XP also feature top-ported integrated comps that use a patent-pending QD attachment system. This proprietary system doesn’t use threading, which is good news for those in restricted states. It also helps make maintenance easier. 
 

Smith & Wesson M&P9 M2.0 Competitor

As the name implies, the Smith & Wesson M&P9 M2.0 Competitor is a competition pistol, and S&W gave this one the Performance Center treatment. Upgrades include extended slide lock and magazine release buttons, aggressive slide serrations, fiber-optic sights, and a flared magwell.

The slide on the M&P9 Competitor is sprung and lightened with aggressive lightening cuts on both the top and sides. This helps reduce weight in front of the chamber, bring balance, and mitigate recoil. The metal frame adds a bit of weight, contributing to an overall flat and quick shooting experience.