Handgun Comparison Guides

Handgun Comparison Guides

Trying to find the right carry gun can be hard with so many choices out there, but Alien Gear Holsters is here to help with our handgun comparison guides! Our gun comparison guides are here to give you the skinny on some of the most popular handguns for concealed carry and other purposes, in order to help you narrow down your choices.

There's no perfect gun, but there may be one that's perfect for you. How to find out which gun is better? Start with learning about the differences between various handgun models. There are plenty of features and aspects to individual make and models of firearms that can add up to a gun being not only a good gun, but the right gun for you.

Torn between the M&P Shield and the Glock 43? We'll give you the 411 on it. Wondering if the old-school Beretta 92 is a better pick of full-size 9mm than a Glock 17? We'll go over that as well. You'll get a better understanding of what each gun is about and what sets it apart from a major competing model.

Then again, you could always look at at a gun comparison and get both. Why not? Variety, they say, is the spice of life and there's no reason why you can't add a little diversity to the old gun safe. We recommend it! In fact, there are several hundred guns in the Alien Gear gun library and we love every one of them in their own way.

Granted, a gun review and comparison is only part of the story. We can tell you specs, give you an idea of consensus on how a gun handles, but ultimately it's going to come down to your subjective experience. The best way to get to know a gun is to shoot it, so it's strongly recommended that you - after you read a handgun comparison - get to a range or gun shop that lets you rent pistols and shoot them. Get some trigger time under them! That will let you know a lot better.

We will be adding more gun comparison articles to this collection as time goes by, to give you more resources to draw on when trying to narrow down which is the better carry gun that you might be considering. Want to read a specific comparison? Let us know what you'd like to see by sounding off on social media or leaving us a comment. We'd love to hear what you have to think.

By Sam Hoober | Contributing Editor

Is an H&K VP9 vs Glock 19 comparison a foregone conclusion? Is the VP9 really that much better? Read on to find out...

By Sam Hoober | Contributing Editor

If you've decided you want to get a CZ for a CCW but want it as tactical as it is practical, the two choices that will quickly emerge are the CZ P07 vs P01. You'll have a hard time choosing between the two, because a lot of the on-paper aspects are like incredibly close...though some aren't.

By Sam Hoober | Contributing Editor

A second micro double-stack has emerged. Find out which is better as we weigh the Sig P365 vs Springfield Hellcat...

By Sam Hoober | Contributing Editor

A second micro double-stack has emerged. Find out which is better as we weigh the Sig P365 vs Springfield Hellcat...

By Sam Hoober | Contributing Editor

Granted, a lot of people are going to gravitate toward the M&P Shield and for good reason. It's one of the most popular carry guns on the market. However, you shouldn't discount the Kahr; Kahr pistols are actually overlooked to a degree that some might consider criminal. They deserve a look, and for reasons we will get into.

By Sam Hoober | Contributing Editor

Some people just want a .410 revolver, and this leads some people to ponder whether to get the Taurus Judge vs GovernorTaurus Judge vs Governor by S&W. Since Smith and Wesson is such a long-lasting and trusted brand, some people wonder if you can get the same gun, just made better, by opting to not get the Taurus.

By Sam Hoober | Contributing Editor

If you're looking for a big double-stack but won't have a darn thing to do with tactical Tupperware, two guns you might wind up considering are the Beretta 92A1 vs. M9A1. You might further ponder just what the heck the difference actually is...and if it's worth paying for..

By Sam Hoober | Contributing Editor

If you were leaning toward a CZ to CCW, two of the strongest contenders are going to come down to the CZ 75 Compact vs PCR. CZ makes some of the best pistols to be had, though their product lineup is a bit heavier on the full-size guns than on concealed carry pistols.

By Sam Hoober | Contributing Editor

You might mull a budget-conscious SCCY 9mm vs Glock 26 for an easy-toting double-stack 9. Here's what you need to know...

By Sam Hoober | Contributing Editor

You might be mulling a Glock 43X vs. Shield now that Glock has a subcompact with more generous capacity. Which is better? Read on to find out...

By Sam Hoober | Contributing Editor

If you want a big 9mm Glock, you'll likely find yourself torn between the Glock 34 vs Glock 17 pistols. Which should you get? Depends on what you're after...

By Sam Hoober | Contributing Editor

Weighing some poly pistols? How about the Glock Gen 3 vs Gen 4?

By Sam Hoober | Contributing Editor

Should you get a Springfield XD40 vs Glock 22 for a full-size 40 caliber? Read on to find out...

By Sam Hoober | Contributing Editor

Weighing the Walther PPK vs Makarovas an old-school CCW? Both have their good points...and failings. Read on...

By Sam Hoober | Contributing Editor

Browning revolutionized the world of handguns with his 1911 and Hi Power models, with these two enduring choices of carry it leaves a prominent question... Which one is better for concealed carry?

By Sam Hoober | Contributing Editor

Since they're both so new, which should I get between the Glock Gen 4 vs Glock Gen 5? Read on to learn more...

By Sam Hoober | Contributing Editor

Which between the Sig P938 vs Kimber Solo are better for concealed carry? It's very subjective. Both are slim, single-stack subcompact 9mm pistols so they're well suited to the task...

By Sam Hoober | Contributing Editor

For those that like Kahr pistols, choosing a CCW pistol from their lineup often comes down to the Kahr PM9 vs. CM9. They don't always get the same amount of press as some of the other gun brands do, but Kahr pistols actually have a lot to offer believe it or not.

By Sam Hoober | Contributing Editor

For those that like Kahr pistols, choosing a CCW pistol from their lineup often comes down to the Kahr PM9 vs. CM9. They don't always get the same amount of press as some of the other gun brands do, but Kahr pistols actually have a lot to offer believe it or not.

By Sam Hoober | Contributing Editor

Two good options to narrow down your daily EDC for CCW are the CZ-P07 and CZ-P09. Featuring DA/SA, old-school operation with modularity, these two are sure to be difficult to choose between.

By Sam Hoober | Contributing Editor

If you're mulling a decision between the FNP vs FNX in .45 - or any other caliber - then you probably know that they're both damn near the same gun. Or maybe you don't; we'll actually go over that.

By Sam Hoober | Contributing Editor

With the differences between the Sig P238 and Sig P938 varying little in size and round, choosing between them for a micro-sized everyday carry can be a challenge. Which of these small Sigs should you pick?

By Sam Hoober | Contributing Editor

You've decided you want an upscale 1911 but not quite custom shop; thus, you're trying to decide between a Sig 1911 vs Kimber 1911Sig 1911 vs Kimber 1911. Both are known to be great pistols, but which exactly is going to be better?

By Sam Hoober | Contributing Editor

If you've decided you want to get a CZ for a CCW but want it as tactical as it is practical, the two choices that will quickly emerge are the CZ P07 vs P01. You'll have a hard time choosing between the two, because a lot of the on-paper aspects are like incredibly close...though some aren't.

By Sam Hoober | Contributing Editor

If you're looking for a reasonably-priced micro gun, picking the best one is likely going to come down to deciding between the LCP vs Bodyguard. Both of these pistols are very common in stores, both chamber .380, both are fairly easily acquired (expect to pay around $300) and both are noted for shooting better than the Saturday Night Specials of years past.

By Sam Hoober | Contributing Editor

If you're into guns that have a touch of class, a couple of old-school service pistols that you may find yourself weighing might be the CZ-75 vs 1911. Granted, the real answer is BOTH because both are amazing..

By Sam Hoober | Contributing Editor

If you want to carry a wheel gun but need something that's with a bit more beef than the standard snubby, two guns that will come up in your search are the Ruger SP101 vs GP100. Which is better as a concealed carry revolver?

By Sam Hoober | Contributing Editor

A person looking for a slim, svelte carry gun is likely to weigh the Glock 43 vs Sig P365. Both are wildly popular these days and for good reason.

By Sam Hoober | Contributing Editor

If you wanted a big, old-school Sig Sauer but just can't be bothered with some lame old 9mm, that will inexorably lead you to deciding between the P220 vs P227. Trying to decide between these guns is actually rather difficult, because the difference between them is so slight that it's amazing that Sig actually sells both.

By Sam Hoober | Contributing Editor

If you're after a subcompact striker gun, two of the most popular candidates on your list will likely be the M&P Shield vs Ruger LC9s. In fact, those happen to be two of the most popular holster models we sell here at Alien Gear and with good reason.

By Sam Hoober | Contributing Editor

Springfield makes many firearms that are great for concealed carry. Here, we focus on the two that most concealed carriers end up weighing together: the XD(M) and XD-S. Two of Springfield's most popular compact firearms... How do they stack up against each other?

By Sam Hoober | Contributing Editor

Both the Sig P320 and Sig P226 are strong contenders for a Sig 9mm, but how do they stack up against each other? Alien Gear Holsters stacks up two of the most popular firearms for concealed carry side-by-side so you can make the most informed decision.

By Sam Hoober | Contributing Editor

Looking to get a new Sig? You may end up having to choose between the Sig P250 and Sig P320. How do they stack up?

By Sam Hoober | Contributing Editor

Looking for a plastic fantastic but don't want a Glock? Two strong competitors are the Walther PPQ and H&K's VP9.

By Sam Hoober | Contributing Editor

When looking at single-stack 9mm subcompacts, you might find yourself deciding between the Sig P938 and Glock 43.

By Sam Hoober | Contributing Editor

Two solid choices of service sidearm for carry are the 1911 and Beretta Mg. Which one of these would be best for you?

By Sam Hoober | Contributing Editor

Some people will take nothing less than a 9x19 Glock. If you're one of those people, eventually you'll have to pick between the Glock 19 and Glock 26

By Sam Hoober | Contributing Editor

Both the Sig P938 and Kimber Micro9 are excellent CCW pistols or bite-size backups to bigger guns, but which is better? Which should a person get?

By Sam Hoober | Contributing Editor

When considering a CCW snubbie Revolver, two come to mind. Which is better, the Ruger LCR or S&W J-Frame?

By Sam Hoober | Contributing Editor

Both have so many strong points in their favor that a person deciding between the two would have the devil's own job of figuring which was better to get.

By Sam Hoober | Contributing Editor

For the person looking for a quality concealed carry gun on a budget, two that get brought up a lot are the S&W Shield and the Taurus PT111 Millennium G2.

By Sam Hoober | Contributing Editor

Certain you don't want a Glock, but definitely a single-stack subcompact striker gun? That'd be between the M&P Shield or Springfield XDs.

By Sam Hoober | Contributing Editor

If you had to only have one, it would be the devil's own job of trying to choose between Sig P320 vs. Glock 19.

By Sam Hoober | Contributing Editor

Both of these guns have track records that speak for themselves. Both are iconic. Who will come out on top in this matchup?

By Sam Hoober | Contributing Editor

The big debate these days for which carry pistol to get is Glock 43 vs Shield. Both are great choices for a CCW gun, but which should a person get?

By Sam Hoober | Contributing Editor

If a person is set on carrying a compact big-bore, two very popular choices are the M&P Shield 45 and an Officer 1911, as both are easily concealed and chamber the .45 ACP round. Both are known as strong choices.

By Sam Hoober | Contributing Editor

Smith and Wesson make some of the best CCW pistols around, and what a number of people come down to is choosing a Smith and Wesson Shield vs M&P Compact. Both guns have their merits, and it would be hard for a person to go wrong with either one.

By Sam Hoober | Contributing Editor

Obviously the deluxe model of anything has benefits to it, which leads some people to ponder if they should spring for the M&P Shield Performance Center over the stock M&P Shield. It's like buying a car: the base model seems great, but is it that much better if you add the powered seats, infotainment suite and the rich Corinthian leather?

By Sam Hoober | Contributing Editor

When it comes to a subcompact Glock, the eternal debate seems to be Glock 26 vs Glock 43. Each is a very popular CCW pistol, and each has a lot to offer the person who carries it which has led to both becoming a very popular CCW gun.

By Sam Hoober | Contributing Editor

Given the popularity of the two pistols, a lot of people debate the issue of Glock 17 vs Glock 19 for concealed carry or just as an addition to the gun safe. Each gun has serious merits and both are among the most popular handguns on the market to date. You won't go wrong with either...but there are a few instances where one is a bit better than the other.

By Sam Hoober | Contributing Editor

Choosing a subcompact Glock for concealed carry often comes down to the choice of Glock 42 or the Glock 43 since those are the most compact of the baby Glocks. Each has their benefits and drawbacks, so it's really up to the person doing the shopping to make the choice.