Ported barrels are not for everyone, but they have a place on a short carry pistol that bucks in the hand. This Smith & Wesson Performance Center M&P9 Shield X Carry Comp, model 14269, is a striker-fired 9mm with a 3.6-inch ported barrel, 13 and 15 round magazines and an optics-ready slide.

The ports cut muzzle rise, so the sights return to the target faster between shots. The 3.6-inch barrel is a good carry length, and the Shield X is a slightly larger pistol than the original Shield, which gives more grip and more capacity. Two magazine sizes let you choose between a short flush fit and a longer, fuller grip.

Optics-ready means you can add a red dot. A ported pistol makes more flash and noise at the muzzle, so use proper hearing protection. Expect it to leave a little more residue around the slide, too, and clean it after the range.

Performance Center guns usually get refined triggers and tuning. Pick a holster made for the Carry Comp, since the barrel is different from the standard model. This pistol is new. It ships to a North Carolina FFL dealer for the background check and transfer.