The Best Budget Subcompact

This review of the Ruger LCP II in .22LR highlights its 'Light Rack' feature, making it easy to operate. While acknowledging the general unreliability of .22LR ammunition, the reviewer finds this model's ergonomics and ease of racking to be a significant advantage, especially for its intended role as a pocket pistol or backup gun. It's noted to fit LCP Max holsters, and a kydex pocket holster with a push tab is recommended for secure draws.

This review of the Smith & Wesson M&P Carry Comp 9mm highlights its versatility for concealed carry and combat. The pistol features a 4.2-inch barrel, aluminum frame, and a robust optics mounting system. Notably, it demonstrated exceptional reliability by firing 2000 consecutive rounds without a single malfunction, making it a strong contender in its price range.

This review highlights the Sig P365 as an excellent concealed carry option, particularly for those seeking a reliable and accurate firearm under $500. Drawing on years of personal experience and daily use, the instructor emphasizes its versatility for CCW, home defense, and as a truck gun. The P365 is consistently recommended due to its proven performance and value.

Elliott Delp highlights the Ruger RXM as a strong contender for a pistol under $500, a segment often lacking quality options. The RXM stands out for being optics-ready, featuring a tritium night sight, and offering significant customization through interchangeable grip modules. This emerging platform shows promise for future accessory development.

This video addresses the question of the best beginner pistol for women, recommending the Sig Sauer P365 XMACRO in 9mm and the Smith & Wesson Bodyguard 2.0 Comp in .380 ACP. The instructor highlights the compact and slim nature of the P365 XMACRO, noting its popularity among female carriers, and discusses the Bodyguard's capacity and a minor ammunition issue encountered during testing. Both are presented as solid choices for new firearm owners.

This review of the Ounce Micro CCW folding pistol by Moondog 2A at SHOT Show 2026 features inventor Bill Osborne explaining its unique design and $900 price point. Key takeaways include the pistol's rapid one-second deployment, its robust construction with 18 steel, 2 brass, and 10 aluminum parts, and its current .22 LR caliber with plans for a 9mm version. The inventor also details safety features, including an automatically disengaged hammer when folded, and provides guidance on clearing misfires.

This video compares the Glock 43x and Glock 48, highlighting their interchangeable slides and frames. It details the technical specifications for both models, including barrel length, capacity, and weight, to help viewers decide which is best for concealed carry or EDC. The presenter demonstrates practical aspects of these slimline Glocks.

The Meprolite Bullseye FT Sight offers a compelling alternative to traditional red dot sights for pistols, featuring a low-profile design and a unique green dot reticle. It utilizes a Fiber-Tritium system, eliminating the need for batteries and ensuring consistent visibility. The sight's design simplifies sight acquisition, making it an attractive option for concealed carry and everyday defense.

The Ruger LCP MAX is highlighted as a top-tier .380 ACP pocket pistol, praised for its affordability at around $230 and reliable performance with hollow point ammunition. The 75th Anniversary Edition features a distinctive silver slide and anniversary engraving. It's presented as an excellent option for concealed carry and everyday defense.

This video showcases six excellent EDC firearm choices, ranging from subcompacts like the Glock 26 and Springfield Hellcat to versatile options like the S&W Shield Plus and Glock 30. It highlights specific features such as red dot sights, aftermarket modifications like MagGuts and SLR baseplates, and caliber options including 9mm, .357 Sig, and .45 ACP, emphasizing reliability, capacity, and value for everyday carry and self-defense.