The CZ P-10 Sub-Compact brings a famous European maker's craft to the carry market. It is a 9mm with a 3.5 inch barrel, a 12+1 capacity, and a black slide on an olive drab green frame.

CZ pistols have a following for their ergonomics and trigger. The P-10 line is the company's striker-fired polymer series, and shooters tend to praise the grip shape and the trigger's clean break. A sub-compact is meant for concealed carry: short enough to hide, big enough to hold with your whole hand. A little practice every month beats a long session once a year.

The olive drab green frame is a nice change from the usual black, and it hides well in a hunting pack or range bag. Capacity of 12+1 is a good balance for the size.

For a carry permit holder around Charlotte or Raleigh, this is a worthwhile alternative to the more common names. Try it at the range if you can, and carry it in a good holster. It ships to a North Carolina FFL dealer, where you complete the background check.