9mm reviews from Reddit
Summary
We analyzed 187 Reddit reviews across 10 subreddits and 14 posts to rank the best 9mm brands recommended by redditors, including communities like r/CCW, r/handguns, r/NFA, r/liberalgunowners, r/Firearms. Top-rated brands include Federal (4.9/5), Smith & Wesson (4.4/5), Sig Sauer (4.7/5).
Stats
Reviews187
Subreddits10
Posts14
Brands55
Products84
187 reviews from
and
By Brand
/By Product
#1
Federal
4.9
(26)
"HST"
"HST. Don't bother with anything else."
"I choose HST"
"Federal HST"
"I get boxes of 50 HST for under $30"
"HST consistently outperforms most others."
"HSTs for the win."
"So does HST, Gold Dot, and Critical Duty."
"That’s certainly one of the reasons I chose HST for my carry ammo."
"And the HSTs have a good track record and seem to broadly feed reliably."
#2
Smith & Wesson
4.4
(18)
"My Shield Plus I haven’t done a damn thing to, and I’m more accurate with it than my full sized pistols."
"I've had an LCR 9 for many years, it was my second revolver. Still shoot it and carry it quite a bit. Great gun"
"The S&w 547. Collectible, no moon clips required, etc!"
"Ended up going with an M&P 2.0 metal. Went through a ton of guns and honestly fell in love."
"S&W M&P 9 is the answer to Glock"
"Just shot the metal frame M&P competitor & absolutely loved it."
"Definitely one of the best guns out there. I'll recommend it too"
"I've got the EZ 9mm. LOVE IT."
"My three favorite guns that fit the description are the Shadow Systems CR920, The SW Shield Plus, and the Sig P365XL."
"4” shield plus"
#3
Sig Sauer
4.7
(14)
"If you’re new to shooting pistols and want a low maintenance 9MM (non-Glock) you cannot go wrong with Sig M17/M18."
"# Sig Sauer P320"
"Sig P320 X-Five Legion"
"3 big names as wonder-nines: Sig P226, Beretta 92fs, CZ Shadow 2."
"I also highly recommend the Sig P226"
"The P226 X5 or Dan Wesson DWX would be great SAO options."
"I would prefer my Sig p229 legion or FN 509T."
"P320 AXG Legion! I was anti p320 bc of all the memes and hate but after I gave em a shot I love them and have many."
"Honest Outlaw’s review of the P226 X-5 Legion. I have one and love it."
"P365 variant of your choice. Close enough in width to most singles with great capacity."
#4
CZ
4.6
(14)
"Cz shadow 2. It's the greatest value for money in the gun world."
"Another vote for CZ, reporting for duty. Cz75 compact or p01, specifically."
"Seems like cz75 and the like take the prize"
"If you don’t want to break the bank getting a 226, I would recommend cz75 and clone such as Jericho 941"
"CZ SP01 Tactical"
"Another vote for sp01 tactical."
"I also highly recommend the ... CZ SP-01 with CGW internals."
"I CC a Pre-B CZ75 and absolutely love it. In all my shooting sessions later, I've yet to have a single malfunction - even on back-to-back 32rd mag dumps. Smooth as butter."
"I was a 1911 .40 or .45 acp only kinda guy until I shot my buddies cz75 a few years back... Then I finally pulled the trigger *badumptssss* and zero regrets."
"CZ P-01? Aluminum alloy frame, DA/SA, has factory 10 round version, not optics ready but there are many optic milling optics."
#5
Wolfman
4.8
(11)
"Definitely hard to beat the Wolfman for use on other calibers."
"Here's another for the Wolfman. I run it on a Stribog SP9A3, Henry Model x .38/.357, Zastava zpap m70, and a .300 blk ruger american. Runs awesome on all of them!"
"Wolfman for general PCC, GSL Phoenix for tri-lug hosts."
"Wolfman is regarded the best PCC can."
"Another vote for Wolfman. Sounds great on my MP5’s and MPX’s. Love my R9’s and Omega 9K’s too."
"Bruh wolfman is stupid quiet with 165gr 9mm… legit movie quiet."
"Because the Wolfman is significantly quieter on sub guns than the omega 9k."
"Wolfman is freaking awesome on 9mm sub guns."
"Can confirm the Wolfman is an absolute tank. Also, YHM R9. I own one my boy has one and I cant say enough good about it."
"I’m torn between wolfman, lithium and mob. I know the mob is the best performer but it would also be nice to use it on other calibers if needed in the future."
#6
Staccato
4.7
(11)
"Alternate opinion if you like hammer fired and money isn’t an object - Staccato CS. Yes, they are pricey. But when you shoot one, you definitely understand why."
"Stacatto will pretty much have you covered for a while on the high end/2011 side."
"If money isn't an issue then a Stacatto no question. P or CS depending if you conceal carry or not."
"I have a dwx which is really a CZ, and that's my favorite gun right now, but I just bought the staccato so that might change I don't know."
"I’m on the fence between a Staccato P, a CZ, and Bul SAS 2 4.25”"
"I just bought a staccato p and recently put a 509t on it and I'm absolutely in love with it."
"My vote is the staccato P check out their stress test"
"Staccato C"
"Many police departments are using stacattos now. Their reliability is well documented at this point."
"Stacattos and higher are very reliable lol. They do require more frequent cleaning though"
#7
Glock
4.3
(8)
"I'm a glock fan boy. Honestly, pick a few of the top carry guns (G43x, p365, shield plus, ect), and shoot them all at a range."
"I'm a fan of the Glock 43x. I ended up buying the MOS version. It mainly boiled down to it feeling more comfortable in my hand."
"I went with the Glock 47 in the end of it and love it."
"CZ P10 C or S, S&W Shield, Glock 19, all very solid choices."
"Glock 43 or 43x"
"Glock 43x"
"Glock 43"
"G43x with their standard mags."
#8
Beretta
4.6
(7)
"Beretta 80x Cheetah is terrific"
"I have a Beretta 92 FS and CZ-75 BD both are really nice 9mm IMO. I think I like the Beretta more."
"You could get a Langdon Tactical modified Beretta or HK."
"I love my hot rodded beretta 92x."
"3 big names as wonder-nines: Sig P226, Beretta 92fs, CZ Shadow 2."
"Easy, M9A4"
"Beretta 92 , CZ 75"
#9
Hornody
3.8
(6)
"I purchased Critical Defense in the breast cancer awareness boxes, and I keep the boxes in my safe."
"It’s all I’m allowed to carry legally in NJ and I do trust it as it has never given me issues on the range."
"CDefense works well in my guns and almost always on the shelf at multiple stores around me."
"Critical Defense is a fine round that meets the requirements."
"I chose Hornady Critical Defense because it just gets right at the 12"/13" penetration depth."
"Critical Defense is okay"
#10
Speer
5.0
(4)
"So does HST, Gold Dot, and Critical Duty."
"I use Gold Dot at the range and have HST is safe."
"Personally, I run 147 grain Speer gold dot."
"115-147 grain gold dot or HST. Verify they function in your gun."
#11
CAT
4.8
(4)
"Yeah the mob does seem like an amazing can. I’m trying to talk myself into getting it and dedicating it but I only have 1 pcc so it’s tough to go route."
"If I decide to go dedicated I’ll definitely go with the mob."
"It used to be the quietest until I got the CAT Mob. I shot them back to back and the Mob is definitely quieter."
"I believe the CAT MOB is supposed to release soon. If the relative performance of MOB is the same as the WB and ODB, then it may be noteworthy."
#12
OCL
4.5
(4)
"The OCL lithium is the absolute best can I’ve shot on my mp5K. Weight to suppression ratio is unbeat."
"Very surprised I’m not seeing more lithiums. I just got mine and oh boy it’s super light and fun."
"You will definitely be pleased with the lithium on the mp5. It’s much better than the obsidian 45 on it which I would agree is loud."
"Subs on the lithium are great. I don’t really ever shoot without ear protection but when I’ve done it to test it’s very tolerable with the lithium."
#13
Rugged Obsidian
5.0
(3)
"The obsidian 9 I use on my EP9, Sub 2000, and scorpion 3 plus. And I have no problem dumping 33rd mags down it all day and it is quite."
"My rugged obsidian is amazing on both my 9pcc, really quite."
"My only can is a rugged obsidian 9, and I love it. It's quiet, modular, great customer service no questions asked warranty."
#14
FN
5.0
(3)
"FNX 45 Tactical"
"FN 509 MRD LE. Favorite gun I own."
"I would prefer my Sig p229 legion or FN 509T."
#15
YHM
4.7
(3)
"Have a YHM R9 and it’s probably one of my favorites. Plus you can shoot 300, 308, 5.56 out of it with 16inch barrel restrictions."
"YHM r9 ftw. Can use it on a 16” 5.56 if you need to and it works GREAT on 300 blk as well."
"Just bought a YHM R9 from Silencer Central as i am already on file for my Hybrid 46M purchase."
#16
Underwood
4.7
(3)
"My carry ammo is Underwood Defender Platinum P+"
"Underwood Xtreme Defender 90gr +P"
"Any Xtreme Defender, to reduce problems with winter clothing or automotive glass."
#17
CCI
4.0
(3)
"A good price for 9mm right now is 10 to 11 dollars a I buy the CCI Blazer brass in bulk."
"Blazer good. As said previously, I tend to spend a little extra on 124gr if possible."
"I think someone had a great deal on CCI Blazer 115gr."
#18
UTR
5.0
(2)
"UTR every time"
"I have a utr45 just put 6.03 barrel and maple leaf macaron 60 degree rubber in it and it's some beast"
#19
Energetic Armament
5.0
(2)
"The Energetic Armament Sonus 9 delivers both on PCC's and sub guns. Bonus comes with a wipe if you want to add even more quiet to the can with subs."
"I love my Energetic Armament Sonus for PCCs."
#20
Heckler & Koch
5.0
(2)
"If you don’t care budget: P7 Probably the best money can buy"
"H&K VP9. As reliable, if not more than a Glock. Some of the best ergonomics you'll find on a handgun that you can adjust with interchangeable sidestraps and backstrap."
#21
Springfield Armory
4.5
(2)
"Hellcat or hellcat pro as small as a single stack but with double the capacity"
"I have a Shield Plus and a Springfield Hellcat Pro. The Hellcat I’ve put a Hogue grip on, and replaced the trigger with an Apex performance trigger and it shoots great now."
#22
Specna Arms
4.5
(2)
"Had the FX01. Be sure it has the ETU in ith, had 0 problems even when spamming the trigger in semi"
"Look into the specna arms FX01. Cheaper than both, and better than both."
#23
Omega
4.0
(2)
"For a dedicated sub gun can, I would choose the more compact and much lighter Omega 9K over a Wolfman any day."
"Omega 9k are 437 shipped from Freedom. Save money for more gear."
#24
Hornady, Federal
4.0
(2)
"I tried Hornady Critical Duty (115), Critical Defense (115) and Federal HST (124). All three cycled fine, but the Federal rounds were more consistently grouped on target."
"I started with Critical duty but it gets my hands annoyingly dirty, dumps part of the debris on my hand after firing. Just a minor annoyance but hst doesnt and i like it better so ive been use federal hst since."
#25
Winchester
5.0
(1)
"HST and Winchester Ranger T Series are the best. 147 gr for short barrels."
#26
Yankee Hill Machine
5.0
(1)
"YHM R9 with 3 lug mount for the PCC and Rugged Obsidian 9 for the pistols."
#27
Rugged
5.0
(1)
"I prefer the Rugged Obsidian 45. Quiet, Long and short configurations, super flexible for various calibers good aftermarket support, reasonable price."
#28
Gold Dot, VCrown
5.0
(1)
"I have used Gold Dots in 9mm with great results. I carry the same in 45 acp. The only round I carry differently is my 357 Sig. I carry VCrown in it because it cycles better for some reason."
#29
Gold Dot, Federal
5.0
(1)
"If you’re going to go with Gold Dot, the 124 gr +p is the most reliable with regard to expansion. I prefer standard pressure 124 gr or 147 gr HST."
#30
Uberti
5.0
(1)
"I have an Uberti Cattlemen in 9mm, and absolutely love it."
#31
Remington
5.0
(1)
"Never seen a test where it didn’t expand and penetrate."
#32
Mec-Gar
5.0
(1)
"Can't speak as to how they work in a Springfield, but the Mec-Gars work flawlessly in all three of my 1911's."
#33
G9 Ammo
5.0
(1)
"I think the external hollow points like g9 ammo currently are king."
#34
Charter Arms
4.0
(1)
"Charter Arms Pitbull, doesn’t require moonclips"
#35
Walther
4.0
(1)
"I love my Walther PPS M1, it has 6/7/8 round mags for 7/8/9 rounds with one chambered. Its super slim, easy shooting, and Ive carried one for 20 years."
#36
Hornady, Federal, Gold Dot
4.0
(1)
"I’ve always thought that the “barrier blindness” of Critical Duty had more to do with the harder lead core than the polymer plug. HST, Gold Dot, and other hollow points will go through hard barriers without clogging as well."
#37
Colt
4.0
(1)
"I'm considering a 9mm Colt Combat Commander with a Wilson 9rd magazine to split the difference and get a slightly better sight radius without compromising too much concealability."
#38
Shadow Systems
4.0
(1)
"My three favorite guns that fit the description are the Shadow Systems CR920, The SW Shield Plus, and the Sig P365XL."
#39
Wilson Combat
4.0
(1)
"Wilson or Tripp 9mm"
#40
Spectre
4.0
(1)
"Spectre 9"
#41
Jerry Michilek
4.0
(1)
"Probably the Jerry Michilek 8 shot N-frame"
#42
Magtech
4.0
(1)
"Magtech 124 grain. I like the smaller box. Good price. Reliable."
#43
Metalform
4.0
(1)
"My go-to mags are Metalform, with the front spacer/rib and welded baseplate."
#44
Double Eagle
4.0
(1)
"That DE gun is one of the best ive ever used. Only downside is mag size."
#45
Magtech, Blazer Brass, S&B, Fiocchi
4.0
(1)
"Mag tech, Blazer Brass, S&B, Fiocchi. Had bad luck with Ammo inc, Turan, and Winchester White Box"
#46
Blazer Brass, PMC, S&B
4.0
(1)
"Blazer Brass, PMC, S&B"
#47
Blazer Brass, PMC Bronze, S&B
4.0
(1)
"Blazer Brass and PMC Bronze are top tier for the range. Consistently reliable and accurate."
#48
Federal, Blazer, Fiocchi, Monarch
4.0
(1)
"Anything a retail store would have besides Winchester (white box)... Federal, Blazer, Fiocci, etc... Monarch runs fine, it's dirty but I've never had an issue and it's cheap."
#49
Armscor, Blazer, Magtech
4.0
(1)
"Armscor, Blazer, and Magtech have all been cheap and reliable for me."
#50
CCI Blazer, Federal American Eagle, S&B, PMC, Magtech
4.0
(1)
"CCI Blazer, Federal American Eagle, S&B, PMC, Magtech are all gtg."
#51
Bass Pro Shops
4.0
(1)
"I like to get bass pro's brand. 100 rounds for like $27 if I remember correctly."
#52
S&B, CCI
4.0
(1)
"S&B and CCI are your best options, lucky gunner and palmetto state usually have good prices."
#53
V-Crown
4.0
(1)
"I also have and have shot a fair bit of V crown and would feel good with it"
#54
Taurus
3.0
(1)
"It's not fancy, but I like my Taurus G3C. It's been reliable."
#55
Magnum Research
3.0
(1)
"You should skip 9mm and get a Magnum Research BFG in 45/70"
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