By: Tyler Freel
Staccato HD C3.6
Last year, Staccato introduced its HD lineup — the latest evolution of their 2011 pistols. This new variation has key updates like an improved optic mounting system, which features co-witness iron sights with the rear sight located forward of the optic cut. The most notable feature is that these pistols are designed to work with Glockpattern magazines rather than traditional 2011 or compact 2011 magazines. The 3.6-inch model is replacing the Staccato CS, which has been one of our favorite carry guns since it came out three years ago.
After shooting the HD models, we can comfortably say that switching to a Glock-pattern magazine doesn’t compromise the excellent fit and ergonomics of these pistols and, like previous models, they are smooth, fast, and accurate as hell. If you’re interested in a highly-refined carry gun, this should be near the top of your list.
Glock G45 Gen 6
Glock, whose pistols carry a reputation for exceptional reliability and utility, shook things up in 2025 by introducing their new Gen 6. The sixth generation includes some major updates to the pistol’s often critiqued ergonomics. An entire sub-industry of Glock clones featuring optimized features has been going strong for years, and now Glock is finally incorporating some of the form factor changes. These included an improved grip contour, undercut trigger guard, a thumb shelf for the support hand to assist in recoil management, and excellent texturing.
The Gen 6, like the Gen 5, includes forward and rear cocking serrations and is optic ready. It does, however, feature an optic mounting system that’s different from the existing MOS models. Notably, it uses thin, semi-compressible shims between the red dot and the slide, which allows for a tight fit and helps prevent screws from loosening. We’ve got the G45 model, which features a G19-length barrel and full-sized grip. The Gen 6 is also available in G19, which some shooters will prefer for concealed carry. Our shooting editor John B. Snow got an early first look at the Gen 6.
CZ Shadow 2 Carry
In 2025, CZ launched their carry-specific model of the Shadow 2 — part of the CZ 75 lineage. It’s a compact pistol with a 4-inch barrel and 15-round magazines. It’s got an aluminum frame that’s nicely beveled for snag-free use, but features excellent front and rear strap texturing. That, in tandem with it’s aggressive grip scales provides a sure handhold on the gun. The low bore axis of the Shadow 2 Carry makes it a smooth-recoiling pistol, and it’s compatible with RMSc optics and cross-slot rail-mounted lights. The most notable feature is that, unlike other models, which feature a manual safety, the Shadow 2 Carry has only a de-cocker and operates in double/single-action mode. That means that it can be carried safely while de-cocked, and the first trigger pull is double-action, cocking the hammer and firing. Subsequent shots are single action.
Wilson Combat WCP365 2.0
The Sig Sauer P365 has been a catalyst for a lot of competition in the concealed carry handgun market and, being such a great platform, has seen a host of aftermarket upgrades. Custom slide work, aftermarket grip modules, barrels, and compensators are all things that shooters have used to customize the P365 to their liking. Wilson Combat collaborated with Sig to put their own spin on this solid self-defense pistol with the WCP365 series. I’ve been testing the model with an RMRcc optic cut, compact grip, and Radian Afterburner barrel with the Ramjet compensator. This little gun is peak P365 performance, and its aggressive beveling and cocking serrations make it easy to manipulate and shoot accurately.
The WCP365 comes with Wilson Combat’s own grip module that features the standard-style P365 light rail on the dust cover. It’s got a black rear and fiber-optic front sight that can be co-witnessed with some optics. The upgrades have made this popular carry gun superb. The compensator nearly eliminates muzzle flip — especially when using +p ammunition with a lighter bullet — but it is extremely loud. It’s not the best for high volume exposure. Wilson Combat offers other variants that have different barrel lengths, grip module sizes, and you can forego the compensator if you like.
H&K CC9
In early 2025, H&K launched their all-new CC9. It’s a pistol that’s designed specifically to meet the demands of American shooters looking for an EDC pistol. The CC9 is a wonderfully executed micro-compact 9mm that ships with both 10- and 12-round magazines. It’s not dramatic or flashy, and that’s what we like about it. We recently tested the CC9 at our annual gun test at Gunsite Academy, and everyone on the test team commented on the pistol’s good ergonomics and subtle feature set.
The CC9’s frame has a grippy stipple-type texture in all the right places, and there aren’t any snaggy corners or surfaces anywhere on the gun. The slide is nicely rounded but offers good purchase with it’s front and rear slide serrations. It comes fitted with low-profile dovetail-fit night sights, and is cut for and RMSc- or 407k-pattern red dot optic. Fitted with a low-profile red dot, it’s still conveniently concealable and quick to get on target. It handles well both two- and one-handed, and is lefty friendly with low-profile slide stop levers and magazine catch buttons.
Most micro-compact 9mm pistols are snappy or flippy under recoil due to their small size and short, light slides. We found the CC9 to be quite easy to control, placing rounds on target quickly and accurately. We were even able to score regular hits on vital-sized steel plates from 50 yards. Even skeptical members of the test team were convinced that they might just need a new CC9 for themselves.
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