When it comes to reliability, concealment, and ease of use, this list provides the best handguns you can get in the market today!
RELATED: 40 Best 9mm Handguns For Women
In this article:
- Best Performing Pistols
- Less Than 10 Ounces
- 11 Ounces – 20 Ounces
- 21 Ounces – 30 Ounces
- More Than 30 Ounces
Best Handguns for Gun Aficionados
Best Performing Pistols
If you're planning to buy a firearm, there's quite a lot to choose from among the best handguns in the market. What matters is how you're gonna use the weapon, whether it's for protection at home, a concealed carry gun, or just something to use at the shooting range.
It's not easy to find the perfect gun but you can look into the right features that incorporate reliability, safety, and the caliber that suits your preference. Like I'd go for a powerful weapon but I also wanna be comfortable with the grip and should easily put the gun to safety when not in use.
Choosing the right handgun is not as easy as deciding what clothes to wear for the day.
Less Than 10 Ounces
1. Baby Browning
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No mouse gun collection is complete without the Baby Browning, an iconic piece that's been around since the 1930s. It comes with a six-round little steel magazine which is only 4 inches in overall length and weighs only 8.7 oz.
11 Ounces – 20 Ounces
2. Beretta Nano
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This thing fits right in the palm of your hand and shoots really well for a pocket gun. It has an overall length of 5.63 inches and weighs 18 oz.
The Beretta Nano has quite an attitude for a small handgun.
3. Kimber Micro Carry
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Kimber Micro Carry is one of the best handguns for concealed carry. This handgun from Kimber weighs only 14 oz and has a magazine capacity of six to seven shots.
4. Kahr CM9
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This concealable firearm is very reliable and accurate. The grip has texture in the rear and the front that gives you that nice firm feel of the gun.
The Kahr CM9 is so light it only weighs 19 oz. fully loaded.
5. Colt Agent
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The Colt Agent is a lightweight aluminum-framed handgun. It doesn't have a shrouded ejector rod and simply hangs out underneath the barrel.
This firearm is also suitable for concealed carry.
6. Smith & Wesson Model 642
Smith & Wesson model 642-2 chambered in .38 S&W SPECIAL +P. Your next wheelgun to add to the stable is here at WEAPONSMART. pic.twitter.com/1G5hkzZikw
— Weaponsmart (@Weaponsmart1) May 9, 2017
The Smith & Wesson Model 642 is the ultimate concealed handgun. It's a five-shot J frame revolver with a uniquely concealed hammer. A very interesting pistol for gun enthusiasts.
7. Ruger SR9C
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The Ruger SR9C is a concealable handgun that comes with the option to use a full-size 17-round magazine with an extended grip. This is suitable if you have large hands and want more firepower.
8. Walther PPQ
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The Walther PPQ has one of the best striker-fired triggers in a 9mm pistol. Its design comes with a polymer grip with a texture that makes it nice to hold, and weighs about 20.8 oz.
21 Ounces – 30 Ounces
9. FN FNX
#NEW #FN #FNX #45 #TACTICACL #GAS #CO2 BLOWBACK #GBB #FULL #METAL #AIRSOFT #PISTOL #HANDGUN #LICENSED BY #CYBER #G… https://t.co/zi0ppD6tLa pic.twitter.com/V0UGHyuHDj
— Cutlery Wholesaler (@CutleryWS) April 12, 2017
The FNX series are hammer operated guns that have stainless steel slides and barrels. Out of the box, the FN FNX comes with three 17-round magazines and weighs only 21.9 oz. unloaded.
10. Smith & Wesson Model 940
Smith & Wesson Recent Value Trends: https://t.co/YiMxiIoKbR pic.twitter.com/VvNODCU3Cm
— GunDigest (@GunDigest) October 28, 2016
Smith & Wesson Model 940 is the ultimate concealed gun. It's very lightweight weighing only 15 oz unloaded with an aluminum alloy frame.
This revolver works double action only.
11. FNS Compact
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The FNS compact has a completely ambidextrous slide stop and magazine release. It comes with two sets of backstraps – the flat and the curved.
The barrel of this gun is 3.6 inches in length and is available in 9mm and .40 caliber.
12. Rossi R462
Rossi safety warning: Some revolvers may fire if dropped https://t.co/tnMlMyAr33 pic.twitter.com/fmtxxI1Q0f
— Guns.com (@Guns_com) September 17, 2018
This gun has a five-round cylinder and a full-size grip that feels really good in your hand. The Rossi R462 is included in Taurus unlimited lifetime repair so you can send it in if you need one.
13. Smith & Wesson Pro
Core Strength: Smith & Wesson M&P Pro C.O.R.E. Review: https://t.co/9MDC1j331v pic.twitter.com/Lf8OlozJXS
— GunDigest (@GunDigest) December 22, 2015
This gun has a high visibility front sight post. It's got a nice Apex trigger and interchangeable backstraps which come in different sizes.
The whole system of this gun is very rigid that is good for accuracy.
14. Heckler & Koch P30
Hot off the dock! Heckler & Koch VP9 with a bronze slide and the P30 LE 9mm! #scottsdalegunclub #sgc #sgcusa #hk #hecklerandkoch #vp9 #p30 #bronze #9mm #pistol pic.twitter.com/jjSCr2c69z
— ScottsdaleGunClub (@ScottsdaleGun) March 2, 2018
The HK P30 incorporates removable back strap and side panel and fully ambidextrous control. Test samples of this gun have gone over 90,000 rounds without major part damage and replacement.
HK is also a popular choice for law enforcers worldwide.
15. Ruger SP101
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The Ruger SP101 has a very smooth and easy-to-use trigger. It's made of stainless steel and a unique rubberized grip for great shooting control.
This handgun is one of the best revolvers in the market today.
RELATED: The Best Revolver For Concealed Carry Handguns | 5 Top Handguns
16. Glock 17 Gen 4 9mm
Glock 17 and 19 Gen 4 9mm w/ Forward Serrations Arriving on Tuesday, June 13th at DGS. pic.twitter.com/PnAIpd3JB9
— Discount Gun Source (@DGSVegas) June 11, 2017
The Glock 17 Gen 4 comes with 17 rounds standard capacity mags. This pistol measures 8 inches in overall length, 5 1/2 inches in height, and weighs 25 oz. unloaded.
Glock is one of the most bestselling handguns in America.
17. FNS
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This pistol is also available in a smaller version specifically for concealed carry. FNS has pretty good traction on its grip with a magazine also available in 17 rounds.
One of its cool features is the manual safety lever, slide stop lever, and magazine release buttons are all ambidextrous.
18. Colt Diamondback
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The Colt Diamond is part of the snake gun series and inspired by the Colt Python. This cool handgun is a collector's item and a pistol that John Wayne carries in one of his movies.
19. Springfield XDM
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The Springfield XD is a neat handgun with a polymer frame and steel slide. It has a grip safety so the gun will not fire unless you get a proper grip on it.
This handgun has a length of 8 inches and weighs 32 oz.
20. Kimber Pro Carry II
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The Kimber Pro Carry II weighs only 28 oz and has a barrel length of 4 inches. It features a synthetic rubber that feels really good in your hands.
A lot of gun enthusiasts say that this gun is very accurate.
21. CZ-P01
#Featured Gun of the Month #CZP01 #xmaslights pic.twitter.com/0sVaAmULaN
— Vancouver Gun Range (@DVCGunRange) December 29, 2015
This is a full-size forge alloy frame pistol from CZ with 15-round magazine capacity. The P01 features an ambidextrous safety which also uncocks the pistol.
The grips of this handgun have a very nice texture and panels.
22. Taurus Tracker 627
Taurus 627 Tracker .357 Magnum https://t.co/aBCG7kE0C2 pic.twitter.com/eIUNCB12XJ
— Coates Guns LLC (@CoatesGunsLLC) November 20, 2017
The Taurus Tracker 627 has a manageable recoil for a full power 357 magnum. It's a double action revolver and utilizes a hammer transfer bar safety.
Talk about power, rugged and reliable — this is the handgun for you.
23. Springfield Armory XD9
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The standard magazine capacity of the Springfield Armory XD9 is 16+1. This gun has a loaded chamber indicator which I think is very cool.
Other features include a Glock-style trigger safety and 1911-style grip safety.
24. Colt Lightweight Commander
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The Colt Lightweight Commander has front and rear Novak sights. This gun is engineered to have dual recoil spring for much less felt recoil.
It's a great entry level gun for new shooters.
25. Springfield Range Officer
The Range Officer Elite Compact 1911 is one of the new introductions from @Springfield_Inc! What Springfield #pistols are on your wish list? pic.twitter.com/JRGz0YfmWc
— Shooting Illustrated (@ShootingIllustr) October 20, 2017
Out of the box, the Springfield Range Officer comes with two six-round stainless steel magazines. The 3 1/2 bull barrel is also made of stainless steel and one of the best quality handguns for concealed carry.
More Than 30 Ounces
26. Browning High Power
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The Browning High Power is very well designed from a field maintenance point of view. This handgun has a superb reputation before and after the war.
27. SIG Sauer P229 Elite
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The SIG P229 Elite is made of all solid stainless steel. What makes it different from other SIG handguns is the frame and the slide is also made of stainless steel.
28. Beretta M9
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Beretta M9 is the standard issue of the military sidearm and perhaps the most tested. It's a semi-automatic handgun with a 4.9-inch barrel length.
Also, you can use this firearm in both double or single action mode with a 15-round magazine.
29. EAA Witness Elite Match
#repost “Excellent combination: Lava Gripped EAA Witness Elite Match & Cold Steel's incredible Safekeeper II”
📷: coppergungrips pic.twitter.com/TKTr78SWr2
— EAA Corp (@EAACorp) October 19, 2018
The EAA Witness Elite Match has a barrel length of 4.75 inches. This gun has adjustable rear sights, synthetic grips, weighs 33 oz, and has a magazine capacity of 10+1 rounds.
30. Baby Desert Eagle II
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The Baby Desert Eagle II is made by Israel Weapon Industries and is available in three calibers – 9mm, .40, .45ACP. IWI is known for manufacturing top quality guns. This Baby Eagle, which has excellent firepower, is one such example.
31. Taurus PT 92
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The Taurus PT 92 is manufactured almost exactly like the Beretta 92. This pistol is very accurate so you can use it as a range gun or for home defense. It's too big though for concealed carry.
32. Rock Island 1911 Compact
Rock Island Armory TAC Ultra Compact CS .45 ACP 1911 Pistol with 3.5 in Barrel and G10 Grips
Contact your local dealer to get yours today! pic.twitter.com/1dduWh8DWv— MSR Distribution (@MSRDistribution) October 13, 2018
The Rock Island 1911 Compact has a 3 1/2 inch barrel and a seven-round magazine capacity. This small handgun is made by ARMSCOR, a Filipino company.
33. Ruger GP-100
Ruger GP 100 and SP 101 pic.twitter.com/yXKXwt9QDt
— Gunsbid.com (@Gunsbidcom) January 12, 2015
The Ruger GP100 has a reputation for being tough as nails, which is well-deserved. It can handle any factory-loaded .357 magnum ammunition on the market.
34. CZ 75 SP-01
CZ 75 SP-01 Shadow Special Edition Hand Engraved Gold Accents. 1 of 2 in Canada! 9mm https://t.co/cRcVmV2Crf pic.twitter.com/2NSQYjum56
— Bulls Eye London (@BullsEyeLondon) November 29, 2016
The CZ 75 was not widely available in the United States until 1993. The quality steel frame of this gun makes it a bit heavy at 37.5 oz unloaded.
This gun is available in both 17 and 19 rounds of 9mm magazines.
35. Smith & Wesson 625 JM
Smith & Wesson 625 JM.. pic.twitter.com/nIdQq0intP
— AmmoHeads (@AmmoHeads) March 8, 2015
The 625 JM from Smith & Wesson's Champion series is a large N-framed revolver. This gun has an overall length of 9.38 inches and weight of 40.3 oz. It's a full stainless steel revolver with a six-round capacity of .45 ACP.
36. Smith & Wesson M28
#GunOfTheDay – Normally, Smith & Wesson's Model 28 revolver in .357 Magnum is viewed as the entry level N-Frame – but not this one, ca. 1984. The engraver signed their work as “Shaw” and an even tinier marking tells us that the inlays are 18k gold. #NRAmuseums #guns #revolver pic.twitter.com/BiHvP2K9sZ
— NRA Museums (@NRA_museums) August 21, 2018
This Smith & Wesson model has beautiful wood grips in Rosewood-type finish. It's kind of a baby brother to the Dirty Harry .44 magnum version.
Gun enthusiasts just love classic style revolvers like this one.
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Obviously, the world of handguns has so much to offer from 9mm pistols to revolvers, all with loads of firepower. There's no running out of weapon choices these days with all these quality firearms.
But always remember to be a responsible gun owner. Bear in mind that a single thoughtless action can change your life forever.
Do any of these sidearms fit your idea of a perfect or the best handgun, at least? Share your thoughts in the comments section below!
Up Next:
- The Best Handguns For Home Defense
- What’s The Best Handgun For Beginners?
- The Best Concealed Carry Guns For Women
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Editor’s Note: This post was originally published on January 11, 2019, and has been updated for quality and relevancy.