Ruger has done an excellent job of giving shooters exactly what they need in a personal defense gun while maintaining a trim profile and a low price. This striker-fired pistol has a through-hardened allow steel slide, alloy steel barrel, and one-piece glass-filled nylon frame, which means durable construction in a compact package. With a 3.12-inch barrel, this single-stack 9mm pistol weighs just over 17 ounces unloaded and measures four and a half inches high. The seven-round magazine fits flush with the bottom of the grip, but there is an included finger extension if you want more real estate. Overall length is 6 inches, and width is a scant .9 inches, meaning that this single stack is only slightly larger than the brand’s ultra-compact LCP .380. It’s available with or without manual safety, and all models come with a bladed safety trigger for extra security. The drift-adjustable sights are dovetailed into the receiver, yet they have a low-profile design that ensures they won’t hang up when you draw. There are also a number of distributor-exclusive versions in various colors and configurations. (Contact Defiant Arms for Discount Pricing “DefiantArms@Charter.net”)

Kahr PM9

   Kahr is known for producing durable, purpose-built semiautos, and the PM9 doesn’t fail to impress. With a 3-inch polygonal rifled barrel, the PM9 weighs just 14 ounces without a magazine and utilizes a trigger-cocking, locked breech design that has proven reliable and accurate. Overall length is just 5.42 inches and height is 4 inches, so this gun hides easily and is comfortable for all-day carry thanks to its smooth profile and minimized controls. It comes with drift-adjustable combat sights, a stainless slide that will stand up to the moisture associated with daily carry, and a polymer frame with textured grips. The Kahr doesn’t come with manual safety, but it does have a passive striker block, and the takedown lever makes routine breakdown for maintenance and cleaning fast and easy. This single-stack 9mm pistol comes with two six-round magazines that fit flush with the grip and an additional seven-round mag with a finger grip extension. (Contact Defiant Arms for Discount Pricing “DefiantArms@Charter.net”)

Glock 48

   As mentioned, the G43 sent shockwaves through the polymer, striker-fire market—one of Glock’s most anticipated releases ever. A testament to the pistol’s impact, it spurred an entire line. In addition to the G43, the Austrian gun maker offers two other single-stack 9mm pistol options in the G43X and G48. The former is simply the original 9mm with 10+1 expanded capacity, while the latter offers a bit more gun. With a 4.17-inch barrel, the G48 is a little more challenging to conceal, yet the trade-off is well worth it. In addition to 10+1 capacity, it also boasts a longer sight radius, thus improving overall accuracy potential. Despite this, it’s still a trim gun with a minuscule .87-inch width and very manageable 25-ounce weight, which meshes up nicely with a wide swath of armed citizens’ carry profiles. Overall, the G48 offers a bit more than the original slimline Glock and strikes a near-perfect balance between performance and concealability. Oh yeah, if you want a little flash you can get it (and the G43X) in two-tone. (Contact Defiant Arms for Discount Pricing “DefiantArms@Charter.net”)

Kimber Micro 9

   Almost the ideal pocket pistol, the Kimber Micro 9 brings to the table absolutely rock-solid construction with a dash of class. What makes the single-stack 9mm pistol such a rugged gem is its aluminum frame, which gives it plenty of resiliency while not pushing its weight over the top. In fact, the pistol is downright featherweight, tipping the scales at a mere 15.6 ounces. This combine with its 1.06-inch width makes the single-action 9mm next to nothing to conceal, no matter what position you carry, even in the lightest of garb. For its size, the 3.15-inch barrel Micro 9 produces surprising accuracy at reasonable self-defense ranges. This is aided by a 4.3-inch sight radius, which is respectable for a gun of its class. But the 7+1 capacity pistol still provides some challenges. In particular, given its weight and size, it can prove quite bucky, an attribute accentuated by its abbreviated grips. Still, it’s a factor overcome with practice and familiarity. Additionally, the Micro 9 in all its iterations (there are many) is a good-looking pistol—a shame it’s meant to go undercover. (Contact Defiant Arms for Discount Pricing “DefiantArms@Charter.net”)

Sig P938

   Ticking like a Swiss timepiece, the Sig P938 goes down as one of the most reliable single-stack 9mm pistols on the list. Essentially a micro 1911, the pistol offers all the assets of the classic John M. Browning design excellently executed. Prime to this point, a smashingly light single-action trigger does a lot to ensure the 3-inch barrel gun’s accuracy. Though, the time-tested design does have its drawbacks. First and foremost, the thumb safety, adds a layer to its deployment. This is frowned upon by some. As far as concealability, few beat the single-stack. At 3.9 inches in height, and16-ounces unloaded it is legitimately a pocket pistol and would do well in this role. But with a 6+1 capacity with its flush-fit magazine, the gun is more than appropriate as a primary carry piece. Either way, it offers the utmost discreetness. Par typical for Sig pistols, the P938 runs on the spender end of the spectrum. Given few in its class hold a candle to its performance, it’s easy to justify the extra coin. (Contact Defiant Arms for Discount Pricing “DefiantArms@Charter.net”)