A New Carry: HK CC9

Heckler & Koch (or HK) is one of the most (if not the most) known firearm manufacturers in the world. Their guns are easily identifiable largely thanks to their cultural popularity in mediums such as movies, TV shows, video games, and books (ask any millennial about the MP5 in Call of Duty). But their makeup largely comes from defense and military contracts. Yes, the company has a large commercial following, but most of the items they are known for aren’t available to normal citizens. At times, HK pays attention to the demands of the average end user and issues popular items such as the P30 series of SA/DA handguns or the excellent (and perhaps underrated) VP9 series of striker-fired pistols. But they’ve lagged in one very important category: a pistol optimized for concealed carry.

A New Carry Piece

Sig Sauer’s P365 has dominated the concealed carry market since its release. Smith & Wesson, Springfield Armory, Glock, and others have played catch up with the ever-popular pistol that reset the standard for a carry gun. But it’s been years since Sig released the trend-setting handgun (January 8, 2018, to be exact). So why now?

HK claims they’ve taken a slow and methodical approach to designing their version of the best carry pistol. Dubbed the CC9 (I’m guessing CC stands for Concealed Carry?), HK’s new pistol resembles a scaled-down VP9. Dimensionally, it’s very similar to a P365 and Springfield Hellcat. Note the grip doesn’t appear to use the same customizable panel system on the sides as the VP9, which is something I like about the larger gun, but it does have swappable backstraps. Unfortunately, HK did not divulge much information about the pistol ahead of its release other than a few pictures, pricing, and a bit of marketing nonsense. But what I can gather from examining the image is that the pistol is optics-ready (presumably the standard Romeo ZERO or RMSc footprint) and will hold about 10 or 12 rounds, depending on the magazine you select. The sights are from XS, which is positive, and there is a normal Picatinny rail under the dust cover. However, due to its short length, I’m not sure a TLR-7 sub will fit, time will tell. At first glance, the CC9 possesses all the features you’d want in a modern carry gun.

Final Thoughts

Even though it’s a bit late (or a lot late, depending on your perspective), the CC9 gives users another option. Options are a good thing. Pricing is also on par with Sig and Springfield. At $599.99, the pistol has value, especially from a company that is known to have steep pricing. Unfortunately, its availability will be limited in 2024, so if you want it, you must act fast.