Best Smith & Wesson 9mm Pistols

I’ve fired Smith & Wesson 9mm pistols at the range and carried them for self-defense for over a decade. I’ve been a fan of S&W since the first trigger pull. It seems like every time I open my email inbox, S&W has released another intriguing 9mm pistol at a reasonable price (just one of many reasons why Smith & Wesson is such a popular brand). As you continue reading, you’ll discover the top 5 S&W 9mm pistols on the market. Whether you need a new pistol for target shooting, self-defense, or carrying while on duty, we have you covered.

Quick Comparison Table

Specs

• Capacity: 17+1
• Weight: 29 oz
• Barrel Length: 5”
• Overall Dimensions: 1.3” x 8.25” x 5.5”
• Best Use Case: Target shooting and home defense
• MSRP: $1,000

Features

•  Blacked-Out Rear Sight
• Aluminum Frame
• Over-Sized Magazine Release
• Flared Mag Well
• Fiber-Optic Front Site

Pros

• High capacity
• Designed for improved recoil balance
• Fast and efficient reloads thanks to the flared mag well
• Optics ready
• Reversible mag release

Cons

•  Expensive
• Some people don’t like the looks

Why I Chose It

The Smith & Wesson M&P 9 M2.0 is the best Smith & Wesson 9mm pistol overall because it offers shooters a high-capacity mag (17 rounds), a crisp trigger, and a boatload of other features that are helpful in competition and self-defense situations.

2. M&P Shield Plus (Best Concealed Carry)

Specs

• Capacity: 13+1
• Weight: 19.9 oz
• Barrel Length: 3.1”
• Overall Dimensions: 1.1” x 6.1” x 4.6”
• Best Use Case: Concealed Carry
• MSRP: $550

Features

• Optics Ready
• Extremely Thin and Lightweight
• Flat Face Trigger
• Enhanced Grip Texture

Pros

• Compact
• Decent mag capacity
• Comfortable to carry
• Simple disassembly for quick cleaning

Cons

• The small frame doesn’t fit large hands very well
• Not the most compact offering by S&W

Why I Chose It

I love my S&W M&P Shield, and the Shield Plus fixes my biggest complaint about it, the low magazine capacity, without turning the pistol into a difficult-to-grip behemoth.

3. CSX (Best Micro-Compact)

Specs

• Capacity: 12+1
• Weight: 23.5 oz
• Barrel Length: 3.6”
• Overall Dimensions: 1.12” x 6.6” x 4.6”
• Best Use Case: Micro-Compact (Concealed Carry)
• MSRP: $700

Features

• Optics Ready
• Enhanced Grip
• Enhanced E-SERIES Trigger
• Optional Modular Grip Adapter

Pros

• Highly customizable with interchangeable backstraps, a modular grip adapter, and optics-ready
• Come with three mags (1 12-round, 1 15-round, and 1 17-round)
• The E-SERIES trigger has a light, clean break and improved reset, with a straighter pull

Cons

•  Heavier than the Shield Plus

Why I Chose It

The new CSX series offers micro-compact lovers a 1911-inspired metal frame. So if you still despise polymer pistols, the CSX line is worth checking out.

4. M&P9 Shield EZ (Best for Beginners)

Specs

• Capacity: 8 +1
• Weight: 23.81 oz
• Barrel Length: 3.68”
• Overall Dimensions: 1.04” x 6.8” x 5.05”
• Best Use Case: Beginners & shooters with less grip strength
• MSRP: $530

Features

• Slide Serrations
• Tactile-Loaded Chamber Indicator
• Picatinny-Style Rail
• Optimized Grip Texture
• Load Assist Tab
• Easy to Rack Slide

Pros

• The slide is easier to rack than on the other Shield models
• It’s compact and easy to conceal
• Reasonably priced
• Grip & thumb safety

Cons

•  Minimal capacity
• Large hands swallow the grip

Why I Chose It

The Shield EZ is excellent for teaching new shooters how to handle and fire a pistol properly. The easy-to-rack slide is perfect for individuals with less grip strength. I also love the Tactile-loaded chamber indicator, which quickly lets the shooter know a round is loaded in the chamber.

5. Equalizer (Best Ultra-Compact)

Specs

• Capacity: 13+1
• Weight: 22.9 oz
• Barrel Length: 3.675”
• Overall Dimensions: 1.04” x 6.75” x 4.5”
• Best Use Case: Ultra-compact/ Self-defense
• MSRP: $600

Features

• Optics-Ready
• Slide Serrations
• EZ Technology
• Optimized Grip Texture
• Picatinny-Style Rail

Pros

• Easy-to-rack slide
• Comfortable while concealed
• Simple disassembly
• Loaded chamber indicator
• Reversible mag release

Cons

• Not a fan of how the slide serrations look
• Kinda feels like a slightly upgraded but more expensive Shield EZ/ Shield Plus

Why I Chose It

I love that the Smith & Wesson Equalizer has a low recoil impulse and ships with one 10-round, one 13-round, and one 15-round magazine, making this micro-compact pistol incredibly versatile for self-defense. The reversible magazine release is another excellent touch that my left-handed buddies appreciate.

Choosing the Right S&W 9mm

Picking the best S&W 9mm pistol ultimately comes down to the activity you’re using it for.

Concealed Carry

The Shield Plus or CSX is best for higher capacity, while the Equalizer is the better option if you plan to put optics on it.

Home Defense

The M&P 9 M2.0 full-size is best because of its higher capacity and accessory rail.

First-Time Buyers

The Shield EZ is best because it’s easier to use, thanks to its easy-to-rack slide, loaded-chamber indicator, and two safeties.

M&P vs. Glock

S&W M&P and Glock pistols are both reliable. It ultimately depends on personal preference. I have buddies who wouldn’t trade their Glocks for the world, but I don’t like how they feel in my hands. In my opinion, M&P pistols have better ergonomics, while Glock pistols have more aftermarket options, making them more customizable.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Smith & Wesson 9mm pistols reliable?

Yes, Smith & Wesson 9mm pistols are reliable. The M&P line has a proven track record of use in military/LE applications.

What's the best S&W 9mm for concealed carry?

The Shield Plus is the best S&W 9mm for concealed carry because of its capacity; the CSX is best for feel; and the Equalizer is best for optics.

How much do S&W 9mm pistols cost?

S&W 9mm pistols cost $450-$1,000 depending on the model.

Is M&P as good as Glock?

Yes, M&P is as good as Glock. Both are highly reliable; M&P has better ergonomics, and Glock has more accessories.

Parting Shots: Best Smith & Wesson 9mm Pistol

Now that you’ve finished reading the TFB best Smith & Wesson 9mm pistol article, you know that the M&P 9 M2.0 is the best overall for its versatility. The best CCW is the Shield Plus thanks to its capacity. The Shield EZ is best for beginners or those with a weaker grip because it’s easier to use. When purchasing a new pistol, I always recommend testing it at the range to see if you genuinely like how it feels in your hand.

Now that you have a pistol, it’s time to learn how to choose the perfect holster for your new gun.