Tag Archives: glock 19

My Favorite 9mm Compact Pistols for Carry

July 26, 2026blog, pistolsCz, dagger, glock, glock 19, glock 43, M*P, P10, P365, psa, ruger, rxm, s&w, shieldcoldboremiracle

Purpose

Nine millimeter handguns have completely dominated much of the concealed carry market. That’s not to say there aren’t other great options, but 9mm seems to be what people are navigating towards. My blue-collar experience with firearms has taught me the value of a good CCW pistol that doesn’t leave you strapped for cash. Today I wanted to go over a handful of my favorite 9mm compact pistols for carry that I think are worth your consideration. Not everyone can afford to carry a CZ Shadow Compact or some wiz-bang H&K, so I tend to look at guns that I would buy or recommend to family and friends.

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Seeking CCW Balance

When purchasing anything including guns, there is always a fine line to walk between what you want and what you can afford. When looking at CCW pistols there is yet another fine line to walk; size and weight vs. capacity. You can always find a smaller gun that is easier and more comfortable to conceal, but usually with lower ammunition capacity or diminished ballistic performance.

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As we go over CCW pistol options, we will inevitably be going back and forth between these two extremes. Trying to find balance between what we can afford, what we can comfortably tuck into a belt, without loosing enough capacity. Capacity of course being paramount in a defensive shooting situation, and always on your mind when selecting a pistol.

The Gold Standard

If you ask the question about whats the best 9mm compact, your going to hear the word Glock quite a bit. And there are good reasons for it, Glock makes several good compact pistols with years of solid performance. Does that make it the best option? Maybe not, but they are certainly worth looking at.

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Probably the best compact option from the Austrian manufacturer would be either the Glock 19 of one flavor or another, or the slimmer Glock 43. Both are compact models, but the G19 is more like a service sized compact. Whereas the G43 is more about overall concealment. Tucking the G43 is easier because of its slim design, though this comes at the cost of capacity being limited to 6-8 rounds.

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The G19 on the other hand can easily handle 15-rounds before adding +1 or 2 floor plates. And with its slightly larger frame the G19 is a great shooting platform. The popularity of these two pistols has created a massive aftermarket support, giving countless options for accessories like holsters, weapon lights, sights and more. I prefer the G19 myself of these two, mainly because of the capacity thing.

Alchemist Clones

Manufacturing the gold standard from something less is a bit like ancient alchemy. The Glock clone market has exploded in recent years, giving countless additional variations of the famous Glock design. Not only do many of them compete well with the original, but they do it for the same or lower price.

PSA Dagger

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Starting at the bottom of the heap, PSA’s Dagger pistol has exploded in popularity. Available as a compact or subcompact, the Dagger is similar enough to the G19 to use nearly its entire aftermarket support. I’ve used a Dagger extensively and find them to be very affordable without giving up capacity or shootability. Some would argue their reliability, but in my experience they are a great buy for often under $300. To see our in-depth review of the Dagger click here.

Ruger RXM

Ruger’s RXM is actually a joint project with Magpul, and with two names like that you should be able to expect a good product. The RXM is a very close clone of the G19 again, but it hides an ability to change its stripes. With its modular frame you can swap between different sized frames creating your own version of a G19, 17, or 47. Or anything in between. The RXM gives great reliability while enjoying the same aftermarket support as the Glock pistols it mimics. I have carried the RXM extensively, and quite like its performance and fit. To see our in-depth review of the RXM click here.

MR920

Shadow System’s MR920 is another copy of the G19. But instead of just copying the Glock pattern, Shadow Systems intended to improve upon it. Trying to improve both the performance and aesthetics, the MR920 looks as good as it shoots.

And adding to the value, the company also offers a variety of different barrel options and other features allowing you to customize your carry pistol. Allowing optical sights and threaded barrels gives you more dexterity.

The Not Glocks

Other manufacturers have also presented their own popular pistol designs for the CCW market. For the most part they are all very similar to Glocks striker fired polymer frame design. After all, if the design works, why not run with it.

CZ P10S

The CZ P10S is a compact pistol that offers 12+1 capacity in a small optics ready pistol. I was very impressed with the performance of this pistol, and especially for the price. It can occasionally be had on PSA for under $400, which is a great deal considering its performance and heritage. The P10’s widespread use by civilians, law enforcement and some militaries give confidence that its design is both robust and here to stay. My only gripe with it is the need to buy an optics adaptor plate to run a red dot. To see our in-depth review of the CZ P10S click here.

Canik Mete MC9

Canik’s MC9 on the other hand, comes with its own selection of optics mounting plates for a variety of options. As well as different grip options, and a 15+1 capacity, all this for under $400 at times depending on configuration.

The MC9 brings its own style and design, while keeping with the design that has made all these pistols successful. It fits well in the hand, keeping just enough grip available to not feel undersized and still being compact enough to tuck. It shoots great and looks good at the same time, giving an affordable great performance. To see our in-depth review of the Canik METE MC9 click here.

Smith & Wesson Shield

The family of Smith & Wesson Shield pistols has a great variety of compact and comfortable carry pistols. I’ve carried the M&P Shield Plus a bit, and was very impressed with how slim it is, and how well it shoots with its ported barrel. Of course with such a small pistol you are going to give up some capacity. But this might be one of those I would choose for maximum concealment even at the cost of capacity.

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There also seems to be a great variety in configurations and cost. Which gives you quite a few options to customize your carry. These pistols have great sights, and some direct mount red dot options. As well as manual safeties or not depending on what you want, all of these options can be used to enhance your daily carry. To see our in-depth review of the M&P Shield Plus click here.

Sig Sauer P365

We cant forget to include the P365 from Sig Sauer, a compact pistol built specifically for carrying. The P365 brings full-size capacity to a very small pistol, perhaps not quite as small as the G43 but almost.

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The 17-round magazines fill almost the entirety of the grip, and yet they still managed to make an interchangeable backstrap to customize the fit. One of the great features of the P365 is that its not a P320… (pause for laughter). But seriously, it has an incredible spread of options including compensated barrels, and various other configurations. Too many to list here, but worth looking into. And even with so many options the P365 is not horribly expensive.

Much like the Hellcat coming next, the P365 really blurs the lines between compact pistols and big capacity. With reliable function, good trigger, and every option a CCW student could ask for.

Springfield Armory Hellcat Pro

Springfield Armory’s Hellcat Pro came to as an incredible value. It is impressively small considering its capacity. Like the P365 it seems to best combat the size/capacity balance for compact pistols. With 15 and 17-round magazine options, the Hellcat Pro brings near full-size capacity to a very small pistol. The only way I approve of increasing weight of a CCW pistol is by adding more ammo to it.

The Hellcat Pro brings a lot of firepower to a small pistol with good sights and an optics ready pistol. Smaller pistols often are a touch spicier and snappy, so be sure to try them first. And if you are one who likes manual safeties, the Hellcat has that option as well. Rounded out with a decent trigger and accessory rail, you could really do well with a Hellcat. To see our in-depth review of the SA Hellcat Pro click here.

How to Select Your Own CCW Pistol

Having evaluated all the options out there, you need to decide on your budget. As that will dictate which of the options are available to you. Once you’ve created a list of pistol options within your budget, you can start looking. A good fit for a pistol, is one that lines up as close as possible with your natural point. I love a gun that is already pointed at my target when I present it without even focusing hard. Some are better than others depending on your grip, so I would try various options before buying.

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After doing that, you can also see which of the options best aligns with your choice of accessories. What holster and sight options are available for it, and how you would prefer that selection went. And by the time you have evaluated all of these things, there should be at least a couple good stand-out options for you to choose from.

Concluding Thoughts

Hopefully you have found a few pieces of valuable information here. And armed with a little more information you are better suited to pick the best option for your protection. Remember that if you intend on defending life with a CCW weapon, its probably worth spending as much as you can afford for reliability.

Nearly any of the pistols mentioned here today would fit into one of my carry needs. And I would be happy carrying any one of them on any given day. Feel free to make your own recommendations in the comments below.

-CBM

Check out more pistol reviews here

Safariland Incog X Holster

August 6, 2025Ancillary gear, Product reviewccw, ccw holster, glock 19, incog x, iwb, owb, safariland, safariland holstercoldboremiracle

Preface

There are few bigger names in the holster business than Safariland. I was told by a friend years ago that its hard to go wrong with one of their holsters, after years and several holsters later I echo his opinion. Today I am bringing you something a little different, as most of my holsters are OWB style. Today we are looking at the Safariland Incog X IWB holster for concealed carry.

Options

The Incog X holster is available in a variety of options. With four different color options with it’s Cordura wrap, and you can order it with or without the magazine caddy. Another option is right or left handed draw, for those who carry on the wrong side. You can of course choose between various popular weapon light compatibility, as well as pistol optic cuts. These varying options can change the price from $100 to $132.

Setup and Assembly

Opening the package, I found the typical Safariland presentation. The holster and side-car came with a plastic baggy with additional fasteners and other small parts. The holster can be used with ot without the side-car (magazine caddy), the extra screws are for different configurations.

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As well there are different sized spacers to install on the concealment strut, the polymer extension on one end to enhance concealment. You can change the thickness of the strut spacer to engage with your belt, causing the ride of the holster to hug your body.

The belt loop clips allow for various belt sizes. And the mounting holes are slotted so you can adjust the ride-height. There are two screws accented by a red washers, one on the holster itself and one on the side-car. The red washer identifies it as the tension screw, which you can tighten or loosen to set holster retention to your taste.

The back side of the Incog X holster has a comfortable microfiber suede soft lining. This makes it less abrasive where it contacts your body and waistline. As maximizing comfort is important when carrying.

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Concealed Carry with the Incog X Holster

IWB holsters definitely favor the slimmer folks out there. If you’ve got a bit of extra tummy, it can make these style of holster a little less comfortable. With that said, I was happy with how well the Incog X holster fit me, despite my dad-bod. I definitely wasn’t going to be able to sit down with it in the appendix position though.

It was impressive how well my gun hid under a simple t-shirt when I did carry it appendix. I thought for sure my abdominal profile would have pushed the pistol print out more than it did.

The security of my pistol was outstanding in the Incog X holster. I typically carry on the back of my hip, it was pleasing to have this comfort and control using this holster. And having the side-car with an extra mag was icing on the cake, as I don’t always carry an extra mag when I carry.

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Adjusting the tension on the holster pocket was easy, I was actually surprised at how much tension could be added. To the point of making it irritatingly secure. After a few tries I found a good level of retention, as well as the correct ride height and fit.

I tried various Glock style pistols in the Incog X, mainly my Ruger RXM, and a PSA Dagger compact. Both are G19 size pistols, and compatibility with all of them seemed great.

Pros and Cons

The negative aspects of the Incog X holster are much like other IWB holsters. Meaning that its application greatly depends on the build of the person wearing it. In my opinion, if you are a chubby fellow it might be a little more challenging to use.

On the plus side, the holster offers great comfort and portability of your CCW pistol. It keeps it secure and close, for those times when you might need it. High quality fasteners and materials come pretty standard with safariland products. The Incog X comes with all the things that has made Safariland product so desirable.

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Last Words

With so many great options out there, you definitely have choices. The Safariland Incog X holster is certainly a good option in my opinion. It brings high quality and compatibility and to be honest a handsome look to your CCW holster. You owe it to yourself to give these holsters a look if you are shopping for one.

-CBM

Check out more holsters here

Shadow Systems DR920 9mm pistol

April 14, 2023pistols, Product review, Shooting hardware9mm, DR920, glock 17, glock 19, pistol, shadow systemscoldboremiracle

INTRODUCTION

When I first started showing my Shadow Systems DR920 around, lots of folks would respond with, “nice Glock sir, but this is a Wendy’s”. I know it looks like a Glock, and surely shares a lot with them, but I was determined to see it differently.

In the interests of full disclosure, I’ll give some background. I’ve been a Sig fan-boy for twenty years, and while it would be silly to deny the success of the large family of polymer-designed pistols, I just never really liked them. Friends would get one, I’d handle them at a shop, but I never felt like I needed one bad enough to spend my money on one.

Now to be fair, the Shadow Systems family of pistols (DR920, XR920, MR920) are not just Glopies of the Austrian pistol. Shadow Systems pistols utilize many interchangeable parts but are also their own, the DR model pistol is comparable to the Glock 17.

The DR920 pistol is made with law enforcement in mind and built for duty purposes. The frame features an oversized beaver tail and interchangeable grip backstrap to accommodate different-sized hands.

The grip is textured for additional grip and control while shooting, and the trigger guard is undercut to allow additional purchase for a better grip. The flat-blade trigger has a 4.5-5 lb break and feels pretty clean.

The DR920’s slide is aggressively cut to provide additional purchase both at the front and back of the slide. It’s also cut for optics, so you can add your favorite red dot. Most red dots can be mounted without the use of adaptor plates like many other pistols use.

After a fairly short time with the DR920, I was quite quickly enamored with it, despite my distaste for pistols of this type. But how far down the marriage aisle would I get with this polymer-framed beauty?

SHADOW SYSTEMS DR920 REVIEW

Let me backup a bit; there’s more to this story than I’d let on.

A few months prior to this event, I found myself in the freezing desert of Wyoming, shooting an assortment of pistols belonging to my baby brother. Among the many was another Shadow, a different model but close enough. I’d already explained to him that I wasn’t big on that particular type, but he was adamant that I try it.

After only a few rounds, I found myself quite surprised at how well I could shoot it, and how good it felt in my hand. So when the opportunity to get my own Shadow, I figured I better pick it up.

shadow systems dr920 hands on review in snow

The DR920 promises to bring service-grade reliability with superior quality to a 9mm polymer-framed pistol. They are marketed toward shooters needing a high-grade pistol for durable service in any condition.

While the pistol may share some features with other common pistols, it brings additional qualities which will demand a higher price. Let’s see if it’s worth it…

SPECIFICATIONS

Caliber	9mm
Capacity	17 rounds
Action	Striker fired semi-auto
Length	7.75”
Height	5.25”
Trigger pull weight	4.5-5 lbs
Weight	22.4 ounces
Sights	Front dot, serrated rear
Barrel Twist	1-10

PROS & CONS

PROS

Same size and pattern as the Glock 17
Huge aftermarket support
Optics ready
Adjustable backstrap grip
Match Grade barrel

CONS

I’d like a more pronounced mag release
I wouldn’t mind a slicker trigger (less friction)
I’ll add a flared magwell

shadow systems dr920 hands on review range test

FIRST IMPRESSIONS

My first trip to the range with the DR920 was a quick one, and it didn’t take long to feel it out.

Running seventeen-round Magpul magazines, I stuffed a pile of cartridges in and loaded the pistol.

Cracking the first few rounds, I went slowly just to see how everything felt. To my surprise, the pistol recoiled a little more than I had expected. It wasn’t bad or anything, just a touch more than I had anticipated.

I ran through several magazines, running them dry til the gun locked open. I smiled a crooked smile to myself there in the pistol bay, and I thought to myself; I may end up loving this gun.

Those first fifty rounds went way too quickly, so I went to get more.

After several range trips and not as much ammo as I would have loved to shoot through this gun, I have gained a shine for it.

I’ve shot nearly five-hundred rounds through the pistol so far, and it hasn’t hiccuped yet. That should come as no surprise from a pistol with this pedigree. The natural aim of the pistol in my hand lined up very well; every time I presented the pistol, the sights were already on target. This made the pistol quite easy to shoot well, in my opinion.

During a later trip, I installed a Holosun 407K to see how I liked the gun with a red dot. It came as no surprise that I enjoyed it further still, as I prefer shooting pistols with red dots.

Shooting the Shadow was very comfortable and familiar. There are a couple of things I think I might change. I would like a flared magwell, and it looks like Shadow Systems has them for sale on their website, so I might get one on the way.

Not a huge deal, but it would probably help me stab magazines a little faster. And I’m definitely going to get some more magazines for it.

shadow systems dr920 hands on review close up

RELIABILITY

The pistol functioned flawlessly for the duration of my testing, with no malfunctions or failures.

ACCURACY

The DR920 was perfectly acceptable, in my opinion, as far as accuracy is concerned. Hitting 50% IPSC targets at 25 yards was easy; I don’t shoot pistols much further than that in any case.

OVERALL FEEL

The textured grip felt great in my hand, and the grip angle was perfect as well. Trigger and other controls were easily manipulated and comfortable. The adjustable backstrap made it easy to fit the hand.

FEATURES

FLAT-BLADE TRIGGER

The flat-blade trigger was smooth and clean to break. It’s a service pistol, so I wasn’t expecting it to be super light or short. I suppose I wouldn’t mind if it was a little lighter or less friction.

OPTICS MOUNT

The Shadow slides come pre-cut for optics. With threaded holes for various optical mounting patterns.

The idea is to be able to mount a red dot without needing a mounting plate. Instead, Shadow Systems includes a set of small polymer spacers that can be used to place in front of or behind the optic to fill any voids. I had no problem mounting red dots to it.

SIGHTS

When I first opened the box, I almost thought the gun came with suppressor sights, but they are just slightly taller sights than normal.

I actually quite like them as they always lined up with my target upon presentation. And once the red dot was added, they all co-witnessed, which I believe is a requirement for many LE agencies.

shadow systems dr920 mounted with red dot

ADJUSTABLE BACKSTRAP

The DR920 came with a baggie of different backstraps that are easily swapped out by simply pushing a pin out with their provided tool. The backstrap then slides down and off the frame. Then you reverse the process to install the backstrap of your choice.

TEXTURED MAG RELEASE

The textured mag release works fine, but I wouldn’t mind a slightly taller version. It seemed just a touch more out of the way for my thumb than I would have liked.

ACCESSORY RAIL

The pistol also features a typical accessory rail under the front of the pistol, perfect for mounting a weapon light. I installed my Surefire X300 with no problem; it’s pretty hard to mess this up.