HK CC9 Review – Sleek, Premium, But Not My EDC

The HK CC9 is a pistol I was genuinely excited to test. On paper, it hits a lot of the right notes: slim profile, quality fit and finish, and that unmistakable HK design language that tends to scream “duty-ready.” But after some serious range time and real-world carry testing, I’ve come to a conclusion—not every high-quality pistol is the right fit for every shooter.

Let’s start with the positives. The CC9 is undeniably sleek. It’s one of the most refined compact pistols I’ve handled in a while, and the recoil impulse is surprisingly light for such a small package. It handles exceptionally well under fire and gives off a premium feel in both looks and performance. When I ran Velocitas' 96-grain solid copper hollow point rounds through it, the CC9 fed them without issue. The ammo performed beautifully, and I appreciate Velocitas for sending that out for testing.

That said, there were a few drawbacks that kept this pistol from earning a spot as my everyday carry. As someone with medium-to-large hands, I had a hard time consistently getting a proper grip—especially when drawing from appendix carry. The gun’s small profile is great for concealment but doesn’t give me enough purchase. On top of that, I managed to pinch the hell out of my hand during a magazine exchange, which wasn’t exactly confidence-inspiring. I can’t imagine folks with larger hands than mine choosing this as their primary carry. As a backup? Maybe. As an EDC for someone with smaller hands? Definitely a better fit.

Now, if HK ever drops an “XL” version of the CC9—same build quality, longer grip, perhaps a bit more rail—then I’ll be first in line. But for now, this one’s a well-made, high-performing pistol that just doesn’t match up with my carry needs.

Final Thoughts

The HK CC9 is one of the better-built compacts I’ve run this year, but ergonomics matter—and in my case, the form factor held it back. If you’re someone who prioritizes deep concealment and has smaller hands, this could be a solid option. For me, I’ll be sticking to platforms that offer a bit more grip real estate.

Thanks as always to Scottsdale Tactical for supporting the channel and to all my RazorMP member subscribers. Y

Stay sharp and stay safe.
— RazorMP